Basset Hounds were dolled up to parade around as kings, queens, princesses, knights and more for the 18th Annual Michigan Basset Rescue Waddle on Sunday at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion.
According to Melissa Fenchel, President of the Michigan Basset Rescue, the Waddle weekend, which consists of raffles, an auction, picnic, parade and more, is the Michigan Basset Rescue's biggest fundraiser. In fact, the nonprofit company that helps find homes for Basset Hounds in need typically raises about $33,000 annually from the Waddle.
This year's Waddle culminated in a Rennaisance-themed parade, fitting in nicely with the castle setting Canterbury Village provides. This was the second year Canterbury Village was the scene for the Waddle, after the group made the move from parading in the Celebrate Birmingham Parade.
"It was our best Waddle ever," Fenchel said. "We love this venue."
Fenchel was pleased with the turnout of participants and the number of people watching the parade on Sunday. According to Fenchel, people come from New York, Texas, California and even as far as Ireland for the Waddle. Though the event does attract some people locally, there is some room for improvement, Fenchel said.
"We need more local support," she said.
For more information on the Michigan Basset Rescue visit www.michiganbassetrescue.org.
Melinda Robison