Oct. 15, 2006 — If the camaraderie among the four-footed crowd was any indication, Barktoberfest 2006 was a smashing success, as hundreds of dogs and their human companions descended on Bolongo Bay Beach Sunday afternoon to celebrate the love between the species.
"This is my baby," said St. Thomas resident John Bertoilli as he introduced his basset hound, Otis.
Among the measures of the success and spirit of the annual event, which raises money for the Humane Society of St. Thomas: grown men got down on their knees urging their tiny dogs to kiss them, but many pooches played hard to get. Hundred-pound dogs stood still as chihuahuas sniffed their butts and vice versa. People adopted all the puppies brought by the Humane Society.
Richard Doumeng, co-owner of Bolongo Bay, seemed quite happy as he made his way through the crowd of canines having fun on his property. He recalled that one year his family adopted a dog from the shelter just days before the event.
"I could have waited till they came here," he said.
Competition proved stiff for best costume, best kisser and most obedient, as well as on the obstacle course. But not everyone came to compete.
Mary Gleason, St. Thomas resident, said her miniature poodle, Scampi, had opted out of the best-costume competition because she "just couldn't find a thing to wear" Sunday morning.
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