Traditional egg hunt goes to the dogs

By Kati Panasiuk

With all the wet noises, wagging tails and plastic, coloured eggs filled with smelly treats littering the grass, it was not your usual egg hunt.

The National Service Dogs fundraiser took place at Malden Park March 30 to give dogs the opportunity to hunt along side their family members for treats and prizes.

The event helps pay the cost of raising dogs for people with autism, soldiers suffering with post traumatic stress disorder and for victims attending court proceedings.

Jennifer Thorn and her dog Fritz have done this Easter egg hunt for five years.

“It’s fun to see all the other dogs. The first time I did it, the gun went off and all the dogs and kids were running towards the Easter eggs, it’s just so funny,” said Thorn. “It’s so much fun and they love it. I think it is such a good way to promote the National Service Dogs.”

The event brought a crowd of more than 50 people and a variety of dogs, including a 150-pound, friendly Newfoundland.

Talia Morrissey and her family just moved to Windsor two weeks ago from Alberta and said she heard about the event from a new neighbour.

“It seemed like a good cause and a great excuse to get out with the dog and kids,” said Morrissey. “We had a big dog park around our house before, so he’s really wanted to be around dogs again. I think he really enjoyed today.”

As dogs excitedly barked and humans chatted loudly over the noise, others spent time going through their baskets looking at the prizes they had won. Every dog got to go home with a gift along with their bags of treats after the hunt was over, but people stuck around to continue socializing with their furry companions.

But the event was also more personal for the organizer than just a day in the sun with her pooch.

Betsy D’Annuzio has been running this event for five consecutive years and said having a National Service Dog gave her purpose to host the hunt.

“We were asked because the company who was doing it before was no longer going to do it,” said D’Annuzio. “We decided to take it upon ourselves and continue on with the fundraising.”

Betsy and her husband Chris have a son named Gabriel who has a service dog named Indiana, or Indie for short.

Chris D’Annuzio said Indie reduces his son’s anxiety.

“I think one of the big things that he does for Gabriel is that he gives him a friend,” he said. “(Indie) loves (Gabriel) unconditionally, he also has a calming effect on him. We noticed that as soon as Indie joined our family Gabriel started to sleep better, because Indie would stay with him in his room.”

The importance of this Easter egg hunt is not only to allow community dogs to socialize, but it also brings hope to thousands of people who need unconditional love and support from a trained four legged friend.

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