Goldens rule at Huntington Beach dog-fest ‘Goldie Palooza’
Fall was in the air Sunday as Central Park in Huntington Beach turned shades of gold — about 500 shades of golden retriever.
“This is like heaven!” exclaimed Laurie Zerbonia, owner of Henry, a 3-year-old golden. They drove from San Diego to be at the second annual Goldie Palooza gathering. She told her son he absolutely could not have minor surgery this week. “There was no way I was going to miss this,” she said.
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Mary and Ray Falcon were there with Francie, who carried her leash in her mouth.
“She likes to walk herself and other dogs,” Ray said. The couple met 22 years ago because of Corkie and Sniffie, Mary and Ray’s respective goldens. In addition to Francie they have Thaddeus and Luigi but would like to get one more.
“I like to have more dogs than children,” Mary joked.
The Falcons — who have a 19-year-old son in college — were at the event with their 17-year-old twin boys, and a friend with golden hair.
“We love her because of her hair color,” Mary said.
A Maebh, an 11-year-old cockapoo, wore a “Golden in Training” shirt with a sign offering kisses to passersby at the Paws Chateau booth.
Monze and Diego Gil explained that they love their 3-year-old Milo for his laid-back personality, friendly nature, and uplifting spirit. They also have a husky. “The husky is a trouble-maker,” Monze said.
In a quiet part of the park, Saylor was celebrating her third birthday with Clara, 5. They were eating out of a box on the ground and licking their lips. The canines usually go to Lazy Dog Restaurant to celebrate, their owners said.
The day featured a “Smooch a Golden” kissing booth, raffles, pet merchandise, a Halloween costume contest, golden adoptions, and an attempt to break the unofficial golden retriever photo world record set by 361 dogs in Scotland.
Chris McAlister of SoCal Golden Retriever Buddies said she was hopeful that the United States would steal the title with a photo taken at Sunday’s event, because more than 500 dogs were registered to participate. She will know for sure next week when she tallies the forms.
Chaos ensued as owners and their dogs crammed together for the picture, which easily could have hidden Waldo in a “Where’s Waldo” book.