[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE WORTHINGTON, OHIO POOCH PARADE

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                         HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Pooch Parade 
held in Worthington, Ohio. The Pooch Parade is an annual event 
dedicated to the strengthening and educating of the unique relationship 
between dogs and the people who love them. In addition, the Parade 
helps create awareness of the growing number of homeless pets, the 
groups who work to find homes for them to end pet overpopulation and 
the valuable work of the hundreds of dog rescue groups and their 
volunteers.
  In 1989 Robert Haas had the idea of organizing a parade of dogs and 
their people in Worthington, Ohio. He envisioned an event that would 
draw thousands, provide a fun time for all, and be a great vehicle for 
increasing public awareness of homeless pets and pet overpopulation.
  In 2000, that idea became the Pooch Parade. In April of that year, 
approximately 800 dogs and 5,000 people participated in the Parade. 
Rescue groups were there with dogs looking for a ``forever home.'' 
There were vendors with an assortment of dog-related items. People and 
dogs had a great time and an annual event was born. In 2001, the Pooch 
Parade attracted approximately 2,500 dogs and 8,000 people as well as 
more rescue groups and vendors. The 2002 Pooch Parade was attended by 
over 3800 dogs, 9000 dog-lovers and 50 rescue groups making the 
Worthington Pooch Parade the largest official Pooch Parade in the 
country.
  The theme for the 2002 Parade, held in April, was ``America's Best 
Friend.'' Ohio search and rescue dogs that worked in New York after the 
9/11 terrorist attacks were honored.
  I congratulate all of those involved with the Pooch Parade for their 
dedication to the issues of homeless pets, pet overpopulation and 
rescue dogs, and wish the Parade many more years of success.

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