Pyrapalooza

Pyrapalooza 2008 was a blast!  This year we decided to camp and to take Friday off to make Pyrapalooza a real 3 day event.  Taking off Friday definitely made it easier to camp, because not only is pitching the tent in the dark not so much fun, but we discovered that we didn't actually have access to a serviceable tent at all - so we had to go out and buy a brand new one.  

We got to the fairgrounds fairly early and set up our brand new tent.  Camping has become a lot more luxurious since I was a kid - check out our cushy air mattress; no sleeping on rocks for us.
Buddy had lots of fun frolicking on the first day when there weren't too many other dogs and he could be off the leash.
One of the first major activities on Saturday was a rescue parade where everyone who rescued a Pyr said a little bit about their dog and then got to show off their dog to the group.  
We did the carting workshop again this year.  It was lead by the same guy as last year. He even remembered us!  Buddy got to lounge around with the other participants as we were waiting our turn.
Doesn't Buddy look handsome in his red harness pulling the spiffy event cart!  
What else is in order after a hard day's work?  A nap in the lovely cool sand!
Todd is modeling a scarf knit out of Pyr hair!  There is too a constructive use for the fur-bunnies that decorate a Pyr lover's house!
Todd also made friends with lots of other Pyrs.  Here he is showering attention on Deb's dogs, Nicky and Sully.
Here Nicky and Sully demonstrate the true meaning of family as they pile up for their dad's attention.
And here their foster brother Kaed gets in on the doggie pile and group hug. 

After his long and exciting day Buddy is too bushed to even eat the junk food treat that he inherited from the show dogs who were trying to preserve their figures.  
Since Buddy is such a natural at carting we bid on this awesome harness, collar and traces kit from All Things Bright and BioThane, and we won.  It's a great value and we even ordered a matching leash and bell too.  

Here is Buddy modeling his new kit.  All he needs now is a cart!

One of the other things we did was a massage and aroma therapy workshop where we learned different massage techniques and learned what some different oils can do for everyone including Pyrs.  Shayna, the lucky dog that got to participate in the demo was so happy and relaxed she nearly fell asleep on the floor despite being the center of attention.  And when we tried out some of the strokes and exercises on Buddy he turned into a big furry puddle, especially the tail pulls where he was leaning into them for all he was worth!

Overall Pyrapalooza was a great time!  All the people we met were great and it was really exciting to meet other Pyr lovers and to have an opportunity to participate in educational, instructive and fun workshops.  I'm really glad we camped - despite stepping in a huge puddle on the way to the tent - because it gave us an opportunity to hang out with everyone late at night and gather for coffee with everyone early in the morning.