Everyone was dogging it at annual Little Guild Run and Wag

CORNWALL — It takes quite a bit to get dogs up off their couches at home and out the door on a Saturday, but the annual Run and Wag, a 5K race involving a chance to run beside their owners, did the trick.

Marking its eighth year, the event held on Saturday, Oct. 16, drew record numbers of participants to the Cornwall Town Green, all to benefit The Little Guild and its programs to provide shelter, care and new homes to rescued animals.

“I’m excited,” said Linda Petersen of Wilton, Conn., who at 17 was looking forward that day to her first race, competing as a solo runner. “I’ve been training a little bit,” she added.

Coco, an extraordinarily attractive dog, was seated in the shade contemplating the event, but choosing not to participate, at least this year. Owner Ania Hubbard of Cornwall acted as spokesperson: “We walk all the time.”

Taking a moment to consider the totality of the activities were Kelly Bozzuto, who served as event chairman, and Diane Mattes, who said she was there as chair emeritus. Both serve on The Little Guild’s Board of Directors.

“It is a wonderful family event,” Bozzuto said. Surveying the field, she added, “There are a lot of happy dogs.”

Mattes agreed, adding that the Run and Wag is “a great way to celebrate the beginning of the return, when we can all be out celebrating being together in the community.”

Both added a large measure of gratitude to the town of Cornwall for its  help in making the event happen and to the residents for their support and volunteerism.

Key to the event’s success was the volunteerism of Race Director Rocco Botto, who has spearheaded the Run and Wag each year since it began. Mattes praised Botto’s dedication in arranging every detail of the race and its logistics, all with an eye toward safety, aided by the presence of the Cornwall Fire Department and the EMS crew.  Attendees enjoyed his spirited announcements of the race and the activities as they unfolded.

The Coop Farmers’ Market was busy throughout, and two food trucks had patrons lined up, for Meraki’s and Ben & Jerry’s.

Earning a first-place win, and therefore the Doggie Cup, in the category of Women with Dogs, was Brittany Telke of Bristol. This was her second win of the event, with a time of 19:32. Her first win, two years ago, set the course record for the category at 18:56. She was running with her dog, Mazikeen, who performed with speed and determination.

Dave Bozzuto of Cornwall earned the Doggie Cup in the category of Men with Dogs. His Rosie is an alumna of The Little Guild, who found a home with the Bozzutos three years ago. He said that she was out in front of him for about the first mile of the race, “and then she got tired.” Nevertheless, their time was clocked at 25:59, earning them the win in the category.

“It’s a great day for Cornwall and a great day for The Little Guild,” proclaimed Karen Doeblin, president of The Little Guild’s Board of Directors.

Having volunteered to distribute the awards for the event, CBS News correspondent Richard Schlesinger reflected on the significance of the annual Run and Wag, as he awaited the official results.

“I think about the bond between humans and dogs,” he said, adding that, “We love The Little Guild.”

Official timekeeping for the race was under the direction of Greystone Racing. For a complete listing of race results, go to www.greystoneracing.net.

For more information about The Little Guild, go to www.littleguild.org.

Later in the day, the Newcomers’ Tea was held at the public library across the street.  Cornwall Association President Gary Steinkohl noted that the town has welcomed 65 new homeowners in the past year, during the pandemic. He was looking forward to greeting the significant number of those who had registered for his association’s community-wide event.