Mackinac Goes to the Dogs With Second Annual Parade
By Bernie Nguyen

Jim and Sandie Bonczyk of Lapeer with their three Boston terriers, Winston, Webster, and Ginger, dressed as snowmen from the book, "It's a Dog's Life, Snoopy."

Weekend visitors to Mackinac Island for the Lilac Festival's Grand Parade were entertained by a canine crowd during the Epona and Barkus Parade, presented for the second year on Saturday, June 17, by the Mackinac Island Dog and Pony Club.

More than 63 entrants, ranging from tiny Yorkshire terrier lapdogs to the massive English mastiffs of Great Lakes Mastiff Rescue, promenaded down the boardwalk from Mackinac Island Public School to Windermere Point, pausing at the Mackinac Island Public Library for judging, which was done by Kay Hoppenrath, Michelle Dean, and Deb Harper and organized by Jennifer Bloswick.

Mary Slevin, director of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and a founding member of the Dog and Pony Club, chose the parade's theme, "It's a Dog's Life, Snoopy," based on a new book featuring classic Peanuts characters. One of the parade's most creative interpretations of the book were the three Boston terriers belonging to Jim and Sandie Bonczyk of Lapeer, who used page 136 of the book as inspiration to create snowman costumes for their dogs, Webster, Winston, and Ginger.

Pocahontas, a blind English mastiff puppy, with her owner, Rick Hawthorne, of Brighton. Pocahontas won the Dog and Pony Show's Best in Show.

After the parade, Windermere Point hosted the Dog and Pony Show. Stu Stuart was emcee and showcased the talents of several dogs, including Tater, a bombsniffing, search-and-rescue Black Lab and her trainer, Mike Morgan of Mid-Michigan kennels.

Kristine Felske of Kaybee K9 Training performed with her dog Brendan, who demonstrated his agility and assistance skills, such as fetching keys and alerting owners to alarms, along with other dogs from Paws with a Cause.

Other participants in the show included the Greyhounds of Eastern Michigan, a short presentation by Wayne Bradshaw of Nutro Natural Choice Dog food, and Great Lakes Mastiff Rescue, who informed the audience about the organization.

Best in Show went to Pocahontas, a blind English Mastiff puppy. First place went to Tater, the Black Lab, and Second place was taken by Daisy, an assistance dog. Third place went to a spotted black dog named Murphy, and Candy, a yellow Lab wearing Red Baron goggles, won Best Theme. The three Boston Terriers dressed as snowmen won Most Creative.

After the show, an auction was held at Mary's Bistro for the Barkitecture designer dog houses, which were on display at Windermere Point and were voted on by visitors.

The top four doghouses were "Somewhere in Time Doggie Gazebow-wow" built by General Raisch, which was won by Jane Manoogian, "Pound Island Dog House" built by Vic Price, John Slevin, and the staff of Lilac Tree and Chippewa Hotels, won by Melly Hagenbaugh, and "The Loonfeather," built by Mary McGuire Slevin and John Slevin, and won by Jane Manoogian and "The Flower Bed" by Michelle Dean and Harbour View Inn staff.

Other doghouses included "Traveling Teepee" by Professor Harry's Old Time Photos, "Simplicity is Best" by Island Electric, "Snoopy's Dawg House" by Goodfellows Restaurant, and "Think Pink" by Ryba's Fudge.

Over $1,000 was made at the auction, which will support the Mackinac Island Dog and Pony Club and the Red Cross to help dogs and horses displaced by hurricaine Katrina.