2010 Texas Terriers & Bluebonnets Picnic

The 9th Annual Texas Terriers & Bluebonnets Picnic was held in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday, April 10th, 2010.  A great time was had by all.  Attending were 80+ humans with thier 60+ terriers.  The weather was fine, the food was delicious and everyone enjoyed all the FUN and games.

The following was written by a first-time attendee to the picnic and we thought you would enjoy the comments and get a sense of the fun and feelings felt by all.

"As the distinctive sounds of bagpipes filled the air, scores of Scotties, Westies and their owners fell into a loosely knit line to parade around a San Antonio park field behind the banner of the central Texas Scottie and Westie Rescue league Saturday. It was the ninth annual picnic for the group, including rescued dogs, their owners and supporters of the cause. Sounding terribly official, but looking more like a befuddled lot of undisciplined owners with their pampered pooches, the group settled back into the picnic area ready for the events to begin.

Prizes were awarded to the largest dog, the smallest dog, the cutest puppy, the oldest dog (not owner), the longest tail, and our favorite portion, the cutest trick. Dave took Bella, sporting a huge red ribbon with white polka dots, to the circle to be observed by three very impartial judges, who watched the dogs speak, roll over, play dead, march backwards, attempt to pick up a bottle (without much success, I'm afraid), and eat only when offered "Air Force" chow, over chow from the other services which was ignomiously ignored. When Bella stood on her hind legs and danced around in her ballerina performance, the crowd oohed and ahhed as if she were the cutest dog in the world, which she is. First Prize and the blue ribbon was awarded to her, to resounding applause from both her proud owners.

From that heady moment, the rest of the picnic turned into one big gab fest. We met all sorts of people with their Scotties and Westies, some in portable pens, some on long leashes and others sleeping on mats beside their picnic things. Two of my favorites were in a double doggie stroller, fit with netting on top and in front, for them to see outside while being wheeled around by their "governess" or Mom, as the case may be. One was an eight year old traditional black Scottie, but the other was a six-month-old puppy that was a true brindle, with prickly tan and black hair sticking out in all directions. Her name was also Bella, and she was adorable. When our eyes met, I fell in love and she licked me in the face, indicating the love was returned. But she is promised to a couple who's picking her up Tuesday...darn it all. Otherwise, Bella II would have been on the way home to Austin.

We met lots of really great people and dogs with fun names...Dunston and Maggie were one couple, another named Montgomery was one we would have had trouble with, having a Montgomery Montgomery in the house. There were Barclays, Macks and a Sherlock, and a Bonnie that also stole my heart. Callie had been a friend to Bella when she was fostered in her home for a couple of weeks before she came to live with us, and a Tika that was another cutie.

Dave and Bella participated in one of the races -- the egg and spoon race, but the egg made it only halfway across the field before Dave lost it in the fray, and we never were sure who won that one. The funniest race was the sock race, where a line of Scotties and Westies had to wear tiny, white infant socks while running across a measured course, and the first one to cross the finish line with all four socks still on won. I think there were only two contenders fully socked at the end, and a field of white socks lying in the sun behind them.

Bella must have felt like she was looking in the mirror as she met so many of her own kind. There were 50 to 60 dogs with their owners and friends, and all looked like a contented lot. I can't imagine any dog more loved or pampered than a rescued one. They are loyal pets to the end, and take very well to the loving attention that comes their way after a sometimes less than auspicious beginning. Their owners are a nice lot, too. Most of us have a lot of compassion for rescued animals, and wouldn't hesitate to take another.

We'll be back to the picnics and other Scottie events across the state, after having so much fun at this one."

SEE pictures of the Picnic in the Photo Gallery !