OUR VIEW: Doggone good times here in Culpeper

Staff Editorial
Published: October 1, 2008

» SUMMARY: A hoedown, a parade, a swim and the opportunity to cheer up folks are among the positive things that have been happening with our four-legged friends recently.

Since 2001, a group of certified therapy dogs and their owners have served our community. The Culpeper Welcome Waggers have brought joy to people of all ages, from the youngest child in their visits to Culpeper County Library to seniors at Culpeper Baptist Retirement Community. These four-legged ambassadors of goodwill have also paid calls to Culpeper Regional Hospital and Culpeper Health and Rehabilitation Center, among other places.

About 14 volunteers take the dogs to sites where people need some cheering up. And they never fail to bring a smile. Most people enjoy the non-judgmental attitude of the canines. Where else can you find such unconditional love?

Kudos to the Welcome Waggers for making this valuable service available in our community.

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A SPECIAL PARTY: The annual Howlin’ Hoedown not only provides a lot of fun for area children and their parents, it also serves a valuable purpose — raising money for the Humane Society of Culpeper.

With singing and dancing and barbecue and bluegrass, the event is quite a shindig. During its six years, the hoedown has raised tens of thousands of dollars. It has also offered the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of animals and birds.

The Howlin’ Hoedown was held for the first time this year at Culpeper Agricultural Enterprises, after years at Collis Jenkins’ farm.

A tip of our hats to the organizers and the small army of volunteers who helped make this year’s event another success.

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LET’S SWIM: Finally, we want to recognize Southridge Apartments for its recent pet parade and swim.

The annual opportunity for resident pet owners to meet and swim before the pool closes for the season is an excellent idea.