David Cassidy on the Web
Dr. Jerry Bilinski receives first Bilinski Award
September 4, 2010
By Charlene Marchand
www.registerstar.com
It doesn't get any better than this and life for the animals in residence at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society just doesn't get any better than this! The seventh-annual Paw Picnic, hosted by Dr. Jerry and Darlene Bilinski at their magnificent Waldorf Thoroughbred Farm, drew just short of 600 people. The humane society's income of $90,000 will go a long way to benefit not only the homeless charges, but also those animals that come under the protection of the outstanding cruelty unit.
The heavenly Father and the God of all creation never disappoints - one glorious summer day was delivered on a silver platter on Aug. 14. The gourmet lunch, prepared by Good Food Catering, continues to evoke lip smacks and rave reviews.
Though the day was filled with educational entertainment, the coup de gras saw David Cassidy riding in on a gorgeous Bilinski Quarter Horse named Shiloh. What followed was a music lover's dream - something for everyone and every age. Cassidy is a warm, engaging and seasoned professional entertainer. He boasts an outstanding accompaniment of talented musicians, who rocked the over-sized tent for an hour and a half. It was truly an unbelievably exciting and gratifying event, especially for all of those present who care so deeply for the companion animals whose lives are entrusted to the humane society's care.
The culmination of the festivities saw Dr. Bilinski awarded with what will now be an annual presentation to those deemed exceptional to the shelter. The award, voted on unanimously by the shelter's board of directors, will be known as the Bilinski Award, affording appropriate individuals the highest honor and thanksgiving that the organization can offer.
For Dr. Bilinski to be the 2010 recipient, and have the award named in his honor, comes with conviction, unanimity and spontaneity. His incredible faithfulness, compassion, knowledge, generosity and unquenched enthusiasm for the humane society's mission humbles everyone who understands what his gifts have meant to the animals. Congratulations again, Dr. B., and thanks to you and Darlene for the gift of your home on our most important funding day of the year.
Abundant blessings to all of the generous event sponsors, donors to the live auction, the picnic committee, picnic day volunteers, auctioneer Seth Fallon of Copake Auction, the supportive service donors, CEO Ron Perez and assisting shelter staff and, last but certainly not least, the almost 600 of you who attended and played such a great role in making this day a resounding success! Thank you!
Just a tidbit . my new tracking class students are continuously amazed by the olfactory prowess of their newly committed "seekers." Thought you'd enjoy some fascinating facts from the "Practical Guide to Working and Sporting Dogs" by Grandjean, as showcased in the AKC Gazette:
The shape of the nose determines how many olfactory cells are present:
. Labrador Retriever: 220 million.
. German Shepherd: 200 million.
. Fox Terrier: 147 million.
. Dachshund: 125 million.
. Cocker Spaniel: 67 million.
. Females between cycles have the best noses and detect scent better than altered animals.
. Herding dogs have the widest field of vision; hunting dogs have the best binocular vision.
. Dogs can hear frequencies from 15 to 40,000 hertz and sometimes up to 80,000 hertz.
Humans hear from 210 to 20,000 hertz.
. Dogs with heavier pigmentation in their nasal mucous membranes have superior olfactory sense than those with light pigmentation.
. (I love this one) Together with their sense of touch, dogs rely on kinesthesia to perceive joint movement, using receptors in muscles, bones and joints. They can cover any terrain without watching where they place their feet. Wow!
