Carol Stream festival appeals to man's best friend

For a dog just six months removed from leg surgery, Lucky the Chihuahua sure has some spring in his step. The 9-year-old chased down a stick thrown by his owner with ease on Sunday at Armstrong Park in Carol Stream, during the park district's Carol Stream Barks dog festival.

Now in its second year, Carol Stream resident Maryann Miller said the event has already become something of a family tradition.

"There's an authentic connection (among dog owners)," said MaryAnn Miller, whose daughter, Jennifer, owns Lucky. "We had a great time last year and this year."

For four hours on Sunday Armstrong Park was partially fenced in and turned over to canine lovers, as dog product vendors showed off their wares and professional trainers showed off their skills. Dog agility, frisbee-catching and a dog oasis proved to be crowd favorites.

Teresa Gray said her organization, Grayslake's DelightDogs Training, helps train service dogs as well as those with behavioral problems.

She was on hand to talk about her group and give advice to those in attendance.

"My favorite part is when I can see the owner and dog create a connection that wasn't there before," she said.

Right now, Gray funds the program on her own and she said it's important to get both dog and owner on the same page, communication-wise.

"There's a great need," she said. "There are so many people out there who don't understand their dog. It'd be similar to if I took you and dropped you off in Russia and asked you to communicate."

Park district officials estimated more than 1,000 people attended the event, which was created last year after community surveys indicated a large dog community in town.

In fact, those same surveys led to the pursuit of a dog park in town, which officials hope to open before next year's event. The 20-acre park will open on the northwest corner of Kuhn Road and North Avenue.

Spokeswoman Julie Vogl said that, since the park district has so many activities directed at children, the park will be a place that also appeals to adults in the community.