Pet carnival brings out dogs, owners to Valley View Park
May 9—VALLEY VIEW — Although she is a pit bull and uses a dog wheelchair, Lily loves to be around people, according to her owner, Kim Tokonitz.
The 6-year-old dog was alert and happy Saturday at the Pet Carnival at Valley View Park.
The two were among more than 50 people and dogs who walked around the Hegins Township park, taking in vendors and activities.
The day included kids' games, a deejay, bounce house and agility course for the dogs.
It also had a demonstration by Matt Deller, of Manheim, a member of the Pennsylvania Canine Search & Rescue, and Karma, a 4-year-old chocolate Labrador, who searched for and found 14-year-old Allen Smith, of Hegins, behind a shed at the park. Stephen Sands, a captain and board president of the Lancaster County-based organization, explained what was happening during the demonstration.
Deller said although Karma was certified last year, she has already been involved in several missing person searches throughout the state and helped search for Linda Stoltzfoos, an Amish teenager who disappeared in Lancaster County last summer. Her remains were discovered in a rural area of the county last month.
Show off dogs
The carnival was a chance for dogs both small and large to show off their best costumes in a parade and to receive prizes. Lily was awarded a best costume award for the streamers and beaded necklaces Tokonitz dressed her up in.
Her owner said Lily, who has spina bifida, likes coming to events where there are people.
"She gets excited about them," Tokonitz said. "It feels great to be out and about."
Despite the weather being chilly, she said being at the carnival was a "great day" and a good way to support animals. It was also a chance for Lily to bring home a new toy, as she was given one as a prize for having the best costume.
During the event, representatives from animal rescue organizations and shelters set up tents with information, pets for adoption and items for sale. They included 2 Mutts Love, Mommy and Me Rescue, Save the Strays and Ruth Steinert Memorial SPCA.
Shannon Shuttlesworth, the dog manager at Ruth Steinert, said while the pandemic means the shelter is slow on the number of events it has gone to, she is happy to be outside talking to people about the organization and its work.
The Pet Carnival was held from 2017-19 by Kids Fight for Animals, which consisted of Tri-Valley area youths. After the group announced 2019 would be their last year organizing it, Lori Sulouff, of Hegins, and Jenn Lettich-Snyder, of Ashland, took over.
It was originally scheduled for last August but was postponed until May due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Having gone to the pet carnival in years past, Rose Bowers, of Shamokin, was thrilled when she learned it was coming back this year.
"I was so excited," she said, "beyond ecstatic."
Bowers came with her 7-year-old basset hound, Elsa, grandson, Mason Lloyd, 8, also of Shamokin, and mother, Mim Schlegel, of Coal Township. Elsa came dressed as Wonder Woman and was awarded most creative costume during the parade.
"She's my superhero," Bowers said in explaining why she chose the costume for Elsa. "She likes to dress up."
She added that she liked coming to the event as it gives owners the chance to show off their dogs.
In addition to the parade and costume contest, there was also a dog food eating contest and a visit by the 2019 Schuylkill County Fair queen, Madeline Schuettler, of Pottsville. All proceeds from the carnival benefitted the rescue organizations. Lettich-Snyder said during the event she felt it was "really successful" and was glad the rain in the forecast held off.
Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter
