For those of you not familiar with that neck of the woods, Brandeberry Winery is located at 5118 W Jackson Rd, southeast of Enon, on the very southern edge of Clark County not far from Young’s Dairy and Yellow Springs. There is a lovely relief to the land and such great views.
Now this event is usually called “Dogtober Fest” and for more than a decade it has brought in huge crowds. With so many events on weekends in October, I’ve never been able to fit it in. But this year is, well what can I say but different?
Organizers knew that having the normal sized “Dogtober Fest” could not be pandemic compliant so they decided to have a smaller event that could follow Covid-19 rules and still benefit the Clark County SPCA, a non-profit organization. That is how the InsPEARation Party for the Dogs! Fundraiser for the Clark County SPCA came to be.
The winery introduced a new pear wine and still had the dog centered costume contest, SPCA booths, live music and food trucks; Thai 1 On, and Freddie’s Franks and Burgers.
“We just scaled it down a bit,” said Kelly Brandeberry who pointed out that helping the SPCA was the big reason for the event.
Raffle tickets, a 50-50 drawing, $5 from the sale of each bottle of wine, and a volunteer donation for parking all went to help the SPCA.
The SPCA had an adoption tent and the first four pups were quickly adopted and the organization sent back to their headquarters at 21 Walter Street for more. Micro chipping was also available.
Over in front of the stage where Skip Hoyt then Rick Sylvester serenaded the socially spaced crowd and pets, the three winners of the costume contest were ready for their close ups.
Rat Terriers, “Vanna Marie” and “Bella Mae,” were dressed in poodle skirts like the “pink ladies” and rode in their bright pink car with “Oliver Matteo” clad in black leather. The car was actually a wagon complete with its own sound system and pulled by their people Linda and Larry Empson.
These three adorable pups actually posed for photos. They did. Really.
“We were up all night getting ready,” said Linda Empson, who works at Oesterlen. “I’m in charge of costuming and Larry is the mastermind.”
Since both Larry, who works at Reiter’s Dairy, and Linda have been working long hours during the pandemic, having fun with the pups is a welcome break.
Krissi Hawke at the SPCA adoption tent was excited that the adoptions were going so well.
“We’ve had dreams they’d all be adopted,” she said.
The last three available pups had just arrived and were charming dog lovers, and I think she had her fingers crossed. Some of the adopted dogs and new families are featured on their Facebook page.
Trish Schooner and her two huge but well-mannered German Shepherds, “Reggie” and “Rex,” drove all the way from Brookville to enjoy the lovely afternoon.
She told me that in the past “Dogtober Fest” was much bigger than Saturday’s event but it was still quite enjoyable.
Imagine my surprise when I came across a cat on the way to my car.
“Yep we are the folks who brought the cat to the dog show,” said Enon resident Chris Clark.
He and his wife Alecia, and daughters Aubrey and Ruby brought their hairless cat, a Sphynx named “Gray.” They left their Labradoodle “Scarlett” back home because the cat is better behaved. And yes, they are OSU fans.
“He is more like a dog than a cat,” said Chris.
“Gray” sat calmly on Aubrey and Ruby’s laps and kept a watchful eye on all the dogs. I must admit “Gray” was intriguing and the perfect end to my visit. I’d never expected at cat at a dog event.
I find myself wondering what next weekend will bring. Will the lovely weather hold on just a bit longer? Dare we hope?