Elk Grove's Doggy Egg Hunt offers new level of networking

Nothing separates 30 dogs from their treats, even if they have to work for them.

A dog agility course and a relay race were necessary evils for about an hour before the much-anticipated Easter egg hunt. And that finale lasted just a few seconds on Saturday during the Doggy Egg Hunt in Elk Grove Village.

Dogs quickly sniffed out Milk Bone treats inside plastic Easter eggs placed strategically around the grounds. Many dogs zoomed past bystanders and dragged their owners behind on their leashes just to secure their tasty treasures.

"We estimated about 10 eggs per dog, but in some cases, if the dogs are too shy, we want to make sure they get something," said Jeff Collier, Elk Grove Park District superintendent of recreation.

Shyness wasn't an issue. Dogs and their families filled the Al Hattendorf Center in Elk Grove Village. Residents paid $10 per dog and nonresidents paid $15, with proceeds supporting the park district events.

It was like a power networking session, but with a nonstop chorus of barking mixed with nuzzling, licking and sniffing. No need to leave a calling card behind.

"All the dogs seem to like each other and really get along," said Tammy Miller, park district director of leisure services.

Mindy Larkin of Elk Grove Village brought her son James and daughter Ella along with Buck, their 1-year-old beagle. "We thought it would be great just to socialize and have him get more comfortable around other dogs," Larkin said.