OCEANSIDE: Canine Companions takes dogs to Balboa Park

Event moved south from MiraCosta College

By JOEL D. AMOS - For the North County Times | Saturday, April 12, 2008 7:20 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Canine Companions for Independence went to Balboa Park on Saturday for its annual Woofstock, an event the Oceanside organization held at MiraCosta College in Cardiff until 2006.

"The asphalt was so hard on the dogs' feet on a day like this, where it's very hot," said Fallbrook resident Cheryl Crawford, chairwoman of Canine Companions. "We wanted grass. We have room to spread out and have things like the disc dogs."

The move south in 2007 added space for growth, as evidenced by the disc dogs and their aerial feats just beyond Crawford.

"We can have events like that now that we didn't have the room to do there," she said.

Assistance dog demonstrations, canine-centered vendors, live music and food for dogs as well as their masters were also part of the event.

Fresh from his second consecutive victory as the Top Trick Dog was Cashew and his owner, Paul Goodman. He and his family adopted the 6-year-old terrier-mix three years ago at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe.

"She was going to be destroyed," Goodman said.

Goodman said he will never miss a Woofstock because of its ability to bring together the canine community while spotlighting Canine Companions and all its graduates accomplish.

"It's great to give people the opportunity to see all the dogs can do," Goodman said. "Plus, there are always the latest treats, diet information, pet sitters ---- it's a great place to spend the afternoon and have fun."

As she gazed across the park, Crawford was clearly happy with Saturday's turnout.

"There are a lot of people here," Crawford said. "But, as an organizer, I want to see it packed."

Nearby, a steady stream of pedestrians and their four-legged friends were making their way across Laurel Bridge. "People are still coming. This is great."

With temporary dog tattoos and nail painting, Woofstock was also about pampering our best friends. The second year in Balboa Park is proving the move successful for Woofstock.

Canine Companions public relations coordinator Katie Malatino said the organization saw the potential for further outreach by moving to the park.

"This is the epicenter of downtown San Diego," Malatino said. "We can attract all sorts of folks-tourists as well. We are a national nonprofit, so getting people to see us like this, it priceless."

Judging by the garb dogs were dressed in for the Best Costume competition ---- including the Great Dane Sherlock Holmes and the pug dressed as a biker ---- dog owners of all kinds were ready for a day in the sun with their dog.

"I'm so happy there are so many people here," Malatino said.

Large attendance produces larger awareness for Canine Companions, but Woofstock also meets financial needs. All the proceeds go to Canines for Independence. The group breeds, raises and trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities, all free of charge.

"Part of our challenge always is to get the word out about all kinds of things these dogs can do to help people," she said.

Some recipients are able to obtain jobs because of the canine help.

"When you see firsthand what these dogs can do for people ---- they are absolute miracles," Malatino said. "They impact their lives in ways they never could have imagined."

Expanding the view of what aide dogs can do is another benefit of the yearly event.

"We train hearing dogs, dogs that help with physical and developmental disabilities," Malatino said. "The range can include autism to M.S. "The whole gamut. These animals help people live independently."

Crawford said that as a Canine Companion volunteer, she derives great personal satisfaction from helping those in need.

"When you hear the stories of the graduates and what they've done, there's a remarkable difference the dogs make in their lives in ways you wouldn't have thought," Crawford said. "The way in which the dog helps people with disabilities ---- it goes far beyond the physical. It amazes me."

Woofstock is about awareness, but Saturday's event was also about entertainment.

"This is an event where dogs can come and have a play date," Crawford said.

With free frosty ice bars, even though it was only April, it felt like the dog days of summer.

"It's all about the dogs," Crawford said. "It is a place where they get to get together and have fun."