Puppies on parade

Everyone loves a parade – and that goes for dogs, too. Michelle Easley has been working with area animals to help them look their best since May when she opened "Diamonds in the Ruff." The doggy salon is located on Industrial Way by the Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls, where pets and their people gathered for a costume contest and parade. Other activities were also featured, and all money raised was given to Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS).

Easley made friends with TRACS shortly after arriving and has since given free grooming to dogs there, especially new arrivals, to help them get adopted. "I was especially proud to take care of the dogs that had arrived by plane, saved from the Korean meat market," said Easley, who added that a big day at Petco with TRACS's newly groomed dogs resulted in everyone being adopted.

The pet parade and costume contest went as most first-time events in the county – enthusiastic with mostly close friends and relatives attending, but Easley is hopeful that future years will keep momentum. "We had a blast visiting with people who came," said Easley, who 'donated' her pitbull stud, Clutch, to man the popular kissing booth. Her kids, Tyler and Emily, were onsite to assist and had the help of Emily's German shepherd, Kohda.

A few TRACS dogs were dressed up and available for adoption and there was no shortage of new playmates to sniff for canines, as nearly everyone present brought a pet or walked a TRACS dog.

Diamonds in the Ruff is a full-service grooming salon for most animals (Easley said she avoids rabbits). Appointments for grooming or donations to TRACS can be made by calling Easley at 210-7192.