THE ILLINOIS WADDLE EVENT

HOSTED BY GUARDIAN ANGEL BASSET RESCUE, INC.
FOR ALL BASSET HOUNDS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

What is the Waddle?

If you ever look at a basset when it walks, you will notice that it "waddles." The GABR Waddle is the opening event at the Dwight Fall Festival. Every year, hundreds of basset hounds and their owners walk the parade route. For every dog waddling down the street, a pledge has been made. This year, GABR is hoping to have 1000 bassets in the parade.

Around 11:30, people start assembling in their state’s group. There have been people from as far away as Canada attending! Every year, more states have been represented. Many bring their friends and make sure their state the best represented.

When everyone is assembled, a call goes out: "Are you ready to Waddle?" This is when the real fun starts! You will be walking down the street with hundreds of other basset owners and their dogs to the delight of all those watching. The parade goers all look forward to seeing the dogs waddle down the street. Children get the most excited. What a wonderful time it is walking down the street and seeing the smiles on the faces of young and old.

What if your dog is too old, tired or just doesn’t feel like walking? No problem, there are several “Pooped Pup” wagons that will be happy to let you and your “pooped pup” ride. Many people whose pets have health problems or are elderly bring along their own wagon. These wagons, as well as the dogs, have been decorated but it isn’t necessary.

While the parade is the high point of the day, there are other events too. A contest is held for the best-costumed basset. This is where your creativity can shine. The varieties of costumes are limited only by your imagination. There have been dogs dressed like airplanes, farmers, dancer and the Statue of Liberty! Bring your camera for this event!

The retail booths from the Bash will be available for those of you that couldn’t decide which cute item to purchase. Livingston County Humane Society also will be there to make sure no human or dog goes hungry.

On the day of the Waddle, dogs that are available for adoption will be at the adoption tent. Don’t have a dog? No problem. If you have adopted previously from GABR, you are approved for adoption. For those who haven’t adopted previously, you can fill out an adoption application on-line prior to attending the Bash and Waddle and be approved by Waddle day! There will be many wonderful dogs just waiting for you to give them a great home.

At the end of the two days, there are many tired but happy bassets and humans. New friends have been made and old friends revisited. The best part of the whole two day event is knowing that you have helped raise money to help more of our four-legged friends find forever homes. What better a way to spend a beautiful fall weekend than to join hundreds of other basset lovers and make it possible for more dogs to be rescued?

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