2012 Mutt Strut

Today we participated in the Mutt Strut, "The Greatest Spectacle in Dog Walking."  The Indianapolis 500 is referred to as the greatest spectacle in racing, and the walk took place at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  Only Neeko went with us, because Bruce does best when he is not around large crowds.  There were plenty of people, dogs, exhibitors and vendors this year, but less than last year.  I think the fact that it was 45 degrees, rainy and windy scared some people off.  We walked Neeko with her gentle leader today.  While she is amazing at so many different things, walking on a leash when she is really excited is not one of them.  After perusing through the booths, and scoring about eight bags of kibble, each weighing five lbs (they will be donated to a shelter) we hit the track.  First we deposited all of our goodies, including the kibble, back in the car. 

Just a shot I took soon after we started, showing the pagoda and scoring tower.  The quality of some of these pictures isn't the greatest, as I forgot to adjust the settings, and my hands were numb, and so cold they were shaking.  We were lucky, and ran into a few different friends, both on and off the track.  Cody is one of Neeko's oldest friends.  They were born about 2.5 months apart, and have known each other since they were puppies.

As one can see, Cody, a Border Collie mix, wasn't the least bit bothered by the temperature as he enjoyed his dip in the baby pool.

Every year, a different sports car is selected as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500.  They are typically Corvettes, Camaros, and Mustangs.  I do not know what year this was, but it was a Camaro.

Harrison College is one of the sponsor's for the event, and they offer a vet tech program.  Some of their vet tech students were doing paw checks on the dogs.  Neeko always makes new friends and fans, no matter where she goes.  Here she is making friends with some of the students.

Chest scritches (scratches) are a sure way to win her heart.  They also make her eyes glaze over, and she forgets her name.

Approaching the finish line!  We only completed one lap around the 2.5 mile track, but had a great time.  We saw big dogs, small dogs, and dogs in between.  We saw all sorts of purebreds, and mutts whose background I couldn't even begin to guess.  Dogs of all ages and color.  People from everywhere.  Even a few in wheelchairs, with their dogs walking with them.

 Me and my girl, on the Yard of Bricks at The Brickyard!  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was built in 1909.  Originally the surface was crushed creek gravel.  In the fall of 1909, the entire 2.5 mile track was set with bricks, placed 1/4 inch apart.  This earned it the nickname, "The Brickyard."  In 1961, the main straight was covered with asphalt, except for a 3 foot section at the start/finish line.  This was dubbed the "Yard of Bricks."  Winners of races frequently kiss the Yard of Bricks.  The entire surface, save this 3 foot strip, was covered in asphalt in 1976.

Once again, we very much enjoyed ourselves.  We are quite sure this will become a yearly endeavor.  Just wishing for better weather next year, as it rained last year as well.