action has been a mix of understanding and disappointment to a ban on dogs in the La Grange Pet Parade May 30 due to an outbreak of canine influenza.
"I can see both sides," said La Grange resident Jane Wirengard. "If it's so highly contagious, they're being proactive. If I were a little kid with a dog, I'd be very sad."
Johnna Van Dien, a representative of Great Events, the firm overseeing the 69th annual parade, said dog owners are strongly discouraged from bringing their pets to march in the parade or as spectators lining the route. An organizing committee made the decision to protect dogs' safety May 12.
Instead, dog owners are encouraged to provide a photo of their pets in costume, or bring a stuffed animal wearing the costume to the parade for judges to view.
Organizers also note that water bowls won't be provided along the route to discourage the incidence of the viral respiratory illness spread by close contact among dogs.
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control reports at least 1,000 cases of canine flu, as well as five fatalities. The flu differs from kennel cough by its
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Neal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate
