Wizard of Dogs 2013 Dogs for the Deaf Dog Walk

By Vaughn Maurice, General Manager, Dogs for the Deaf, Inc.

As spring slowly fades to summer, every dog owner in the Rogue Valley hears that tiny whisper in their head, “I am longing to get out of the house with my pooch and mingle with others like myself.”  And, whether you are one who blasts “Who Let the Dogs Out” or simply hums along to Cat Stevens’ “I Love My Dog,” you know that each time you’re singing along to those beloved dog tunes, one thought enters your mind: “When, oh when, is Dog Walk?”

That’s right folks, it’s time again for Dogs for the Deaf’s much anticipated Dog Walk! This year’s furry fun- filled festivities are on Saturday, June 1st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Register at DogsfortheDeaf.org by May 3rd and receive a custom designed Dog Walk t-shirt.  Advanced registration is only $30 and day of the event registration is $50– so register now and save.

What’s different this year?  Well, a number of things! We’ve added a poker run and we are in historic Jacksonville. You and your furry friend will enjoy a Saturday full of gambling while strolling around town.  Like most poker runs, each ’paw’ticipant will make 7 puppy poker stops from one pup-friendly shop to the next.  The merchant stops are: Jacksonville Veterinary Clinic, Gary West Meats, WillowCreek/Posh, Blue Door Garden Store, Good Bean Coffee , Elan Guest Suites and Touvelle House. The hound holding the best hand at the final stop wins the competition.  One might ask, “Well, what DOES the best hand win, exactly?” How about $1,000 in cold hard cash donated by our friends at Rogue Valley Pet?! We’ve also added some other PAWsome prizes including:  Shakespeare Festival tickets, Jazz Festival tickets, a weekend getaway, and much more.  But the really cool part of this ‘Puppies Gone Poker” game is that EVERYONE is a winner because all the proceeds go towards helping Dogs for the Deaf.

Join us and add YOUR support to our mission of saving the lives of orphaned dogs, training them and placing them to assist people.  AND, have a little fun in the process.   So, come meet Grand Marshal Ryan Lane from ABC Family’s hit show “Switched at Birth,” enjoy a free lunch as you check out our kids zone, canine agility demonstrations, local community information booths, and a Wizard of Oz doggie costume contest.  Something for everyone, except the family cat, can be found at our 22nd annual Dog Walk.