Bailey Slutsky and Luna with friend

BY LIZA STROUT - Westie Fest was held at the Gasparilla Inn Soccer Field on Sunday, Feb. 12, and it drew almost two dozen fluffy white balls of energy from far and wide.
The dogs, ranging in age from 5 months to 17 years, gathered for the biannual event.

 

While West Highland terrier fans and owners had originally feared that the overnight drop in temperature would leave it too cold to truly enjoy the event, the weather cooperated.

Organizer Don Edelmann said, “This is by far the best turnout we’ve ever had. It was a swell day.”

Lizzie Johnson and Luna Hyde, escorted by Kim Johnson and Joanie Hyde, kept it simple: “Woof.”

The girls were dressed in matching red and black frocks, and were the belles of the ball, greeting each new arrival at the park in a flurry of sniffs and licks.

It only took a few minutes to realize that accessories were the way to go when trying to figure out who was who in the thronging herd of white dogs. Murphy “Squirrelinator” Rhea wore a personalized bandana with pride. Toots Edelmann, escorted by Bonna and Don, had a lovely turquoise collar to set off her gleaming coat.

Daisy, a lovely young mainlander with a pink and aqua bandana, made the most of the event, soliciting a pet here and there from new friends and playing fetch with a tennis ball.

“It’s so nice that they have something like this, where the dogs can get to know each other,” said her companions, Jerry and Linda Rogers.

Kathy Irwin was one of the more popular humans. She brought a bag of Pupperoni that Deedee of the pink collar was happy to share with her fellow canines.

Bailey Slutsky took honors as the youngest dog at the party at a mere 5 months old, and Orvis Richards was the elder statesman of the group at 17.

A good time was had by all, and the next event is already being greatly anticipated.

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