Hart Park Goes to the Dogs

Big dogs... huge dogs. Small dogs... teeny tiny dogs.

Purebred dogs, mixed-breed dogs and dogs of uncertain or unknown ancestry.

There were even three-legged dogs.

Dogs and their loving owners took over Hart Park on Saturday for "Walk Run Wag for MADACC," a fundraiser and awareness-raiser for the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission.

On this dog day of summer, dogs plunged into a pool to test their retreiving skills – although Domino, a border collie, ignored the lure and just seemed to enjoy a long swim.

Dogs ran obstacle courses and pointed their keepers toward treats in a huge vendor tent.

Most dogs just socialized on their leashes, and they seemed to know it was a time for them to enjoy. During an hour we spent strolling the grounds, there wasn't so much as a spat, not a bristle, not even a bark – just a lot of lolling tongues and a little drooling.

But the day is really about dogs that need loving keepers, and especially those that are difficult to find homes for.

Among the many dogs at Run Walk Wag, two stood out as poster pups for MADACC's mission to rescue abandoned animals and find them better homes.

Karen Roback named her adopted rescue dog Schotzi – she was found shot in the right foreleg, and the limb had to be amputated.

Roback was bound and determined to adopt a rescue dog, but didn't expect to find a disabled one – but guess what?

Schotzi gets around great, with a bouncing run and an I-can't-wait-to-meet-you attitude, a wonderful pet and the delight of her neighborhood when she canters along.

Visit MADACC online to learn how you can help an animal in need.