Along with daffodils and April showers, children and their pets have been a sure sign of spring in the Puget Sound area for generations. Photographer Chapin Bowen captured young Bobby David with his beloved dog, "Rags," seated in front of the Rialto Theater in 1931. Bob and Rags attended Tacoma's pet parade, held April 9, 1931.

Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; David, Bobby;

Fritz and Georgia Glenewinkle's Collie dog presented the family with 9 puppies. When the puppies were old enough, the Glenewinkles placed them in dish towels, or diapers, and hung them from a clothesline strung across their kitchen. Perhaps, this photograph, taken in December, was for the family's holiday greeting cards.

Dogs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Collies; Clotheslines; Clothespins; Children & animals--Pets; Glenewinkle, Fritz--Family;

Fritz and Georgia Glenewinkle's Collie dog presented the family with 9 puppies. When the puppies were old enough, the Glenewinkles placed them in dish towels, or diapers, and hung them from a clothesline strung across their kitchen. Perhaps, this photograph, taken in December, was for the family's holiday greeting cards.

Dogs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Collies; Clotheslines; Clothespins; Children & animals--Pets; Glenewinkle, Fritz--Family;

Marian's Timothy, a black Labrador owned by Marian McPhail, is shown with some of his prizes won in the National Field Trials. Tim was rated fourth nationally among the derby dogs for 1951 from a field of 725 derby starters. Derby dogs are those not more than two years old. Tim's sire was Rip of Holly Hill and his dam was the McPhail's Shady of Spanaway Creek. Marian (Mrs. Charles W.) McPhail ordered this portrait of her thoroughbred dog,

Dogs--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards;

Albert H. Hooker divides his time between two roles as an industrialist and a rancher. He and his dog stand proudly together in a pasture while he inspects his Hereford cattle at his large ranch at McKenna. This portrait was included in the Tacoma News Tribune's Country Gentlemen tribute. (TNT, 10/12/1952, p.D-1)

Dogs; Cows; Hooker, Albert H.;

Edward Warburton, new manager of the Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society, is standing beside the shelter's new truck with two dogs and a cat, stray pets at the shelter. The Humane Society is holding an open house on May 9, during "Be Kind to Animals Week" for visitors to see how the shelter operates and the many pets that are available for adoption. (T.N.T., 5/6/48, p. 4). TPL-8344

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Cats; Pets; Dogcatching--Tacoma; Animal shelters--Tacoma; Tacoma-Pierce County Humane Society (Tacoma); Warburton, Edward;

In September of 1944, despite the shortage of gasoline due to the war and without the use of a single ration coupon, 16 month old Michael Morris Anderson was travelling in style. Pulling the boy's stroller was his grandfather's rare Drahthaar hunting dog, known as Max Von Lohenberg. Max was one of a handful of German bred Drahthaars in the US in 1944. Grandfather W.F. Kerr was also on hand to supervise the excursion. Mr. Kerr said that Max was the smartest bird dog he ever trained; in addition to flushing and retrieving birds, Max learned the start and stop commands and how to pull little Michael in just one lesson. (T. Times, 9/21/44, p. 1).

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Strollers (Baby carriages)--Tacoma; Children & animals; Anderson, Michael Morris; Kerr, W. F.;

White Kennels. Portrait of cocker spaniel. Ordered by Mrs. John White.

Dogs;

Studio portrait of scotty dog "Lady McTavish."

Dogs;

In this photograph from October 25, 1940, Dale Merry Wosnuk, 220 East 96th, is hand feeding a newborn cocker spaniel pup while its brothers and sisters sleep in a simple wooden crib. Dale was caring for the pups born to Geraldine, a cocker spaniel owned by Mr. & Mrs. Myron Beidler. (T. Times 10-25-1940 p.14)

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pets; Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniel puppies of Mr. Beidler. Geraldine, a jet black cocker spaniel owned by Mr. and Mrs. Myron Beidler, 5438 South "J" St., gave birth to eleven pups of various hues, in October of 1940. Ten of the puppies survived, with their eyes still closed when this series of photographs were taken. Mr. Beidler is pictured above feeding one of the pups with a small bottle and nipple as the tiny puppies were on a special diet. The young girl holding a tin measuring cup was not identified. The tired mother, Geraldine, is believed to be lying on a blanket next to Mr. Beidler. (T.Times 10-25-40, p. 14-picture of puppies)

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pets; Children & animals--Tacoma; Beidler, Myron--Homes & haunts; Beidler, Myron;

Big Jake, a one-year-old Saint Bernard, was to have been shot in October of 1940. Jake had gotten into a playful tussle with a pet goat and unfortunately killed it. His owner, 84, called the Sheriff's Dept. to have deputies be dispatched to kill Jake as he feared for Jake's future after the owner passed on. Deputies McLean and Bunce arrived at the home only to be met by a gentle Jake who promptly licked their hands. That persuaded the officers to take Jake to the dog pound instead and an alert was put on the air by sportsman Ray Grummel asking for a new home for Jake. Mr. Grummel had found homes for countless dogs in the past. Within a very short time, George Nygren of Spanaway was chosen as Jake's new owner. From left to right in this happy picture are: poundmaster A.T. Sabutis holding Lyle Nygren, Ray Grummel, Deputy Sheriff Frank McLean, George Nygren, city stockman Frank Oathout and Deputy Sheriff Lawrence Bunce. (T.Times 10-31-1940, p. 25)

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Grummel, Ray; Nygren, George; Nygren, Lyle; McLean, Frank; Sabutis, A.T.; Oathout, Frank; Bunce, Lawrence; Pierce County Sheriffs (Tacoma);

Best Cocker of dog show trophies awarded to "Windridge Melani", a Cocker Spaniel owned by Miss Arline Swalwell of Everett, Washington, at the Cocker Spaniel Club's exhibition on November 5th, 1939 at the Greenwich Coliseum. Pictured with Melani are Ray Grummel, club president, and her owner Miss Swalwell. There were 71 entries in the 10 hour dog show, with proceeds going to purchase a "seeing eye" dog for a Tacoma blind person. (T. Times 11/6/1939, pg. 11)

Dogs; Dog shows--Tacoma--1930-1940; Cocker Spaniel Club (Tacoma); Swalwell, Arline; Grummel, Ray;

ca. 1940. Artichoke plant. Mrs. Reynolds is holding her Boston Bulldog while standing in a garden beside a large artichoke plant in this circa 1940 photograph. Steep shingled roof of house in background.

Dogs; Artichokes;

Boy poses with his dog and trophy cup on steps to house. For Pet Parade held on Commerce Street on May 18, 1940.

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pets; Children & animals--Tacoma; Awards;

German Drahthaar dog owned by W. F. Kerr. "Max von Lowenberge," a German Drahthaar pointer, would be exhibited at the Tacoma Kennel Club show at the Greenwich Coliseum on March 30-31, 1940. The Tacoma Times noted that he was the only one of his breed on the Pacific Coast. Drahthaars are the leading hunting and pointing dogs of Germany and are also good on big game. This rare dog was born in March of 1939 in Nebraska. (T.Times 3-29-1940, p 15)

Dogs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Kids and dogs of all shapes and sizes turned out for the April 22, 1939, Commerce Street Dog (Mutt) Parade sponsored by the Commerce Street Business Men's Club. Entry rules were simple: be 16 & under, fill out an entry form and bring your dog. Some wore costumes to catch the judges eye. Overall, the parade attracted nearly 1,000 participants and many thousands lined Commerce Street from 7th to 17th to applaud the marchers. Over 70 prizes were awarded but no youngster - or - dog went without some sort of award. Each child got free ice cream, a baseball cap and balloon and a special treat for his or her dog. (T. Times, 4/24/39, p. 1; T. Times 4-22-39, p. 1-article; T. Times 4-21-39, p. 1-article).

Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals; Children--Tacoma--1930-1940; Contests--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Commerce Street Dog (Mutt) Parade. Several children are standing and holding onto their dogs as they wait for announcement of winners. Although some were disappointed, all received baseball caps, ice cream, and doggy treats.(T. Times, 4/24/1939, p.14).

Commerce Street Business Mens' Club (Tacoma); Dogs; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals;

Commerce Street Dog Parade passes in front of two flatbed trucks parked end to end. Standing and seated on the back of the trucks are judges, announcers,children, and a photographer. Restaurant signs visible. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1)

Commerce Street Business Mens' Club (Tacoma); Dogs; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals;

The Commerce Street Business Men's Club Dog Parade was held on April 22, 1939. The grand prize winner, Shirley King poses with 14-year-old Bummer and runner-up Donald Grassfield, right. A man announces the winner of the dog parade over a microphone. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1).

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; King, Shirley; Grassfield, Donald; Children & animals; Awards;

The Commerce Street Business Men's Club Dog Parade was held on April 22, 1939. The only requirements to enter were that kids had to be under 16 and have a dog. Over 1,000 kids turned out to parade, viewed by many times that number parents and well wishers. The Grand prize winner, Shirley King (2nd from right) is pictured with her 14-year-old dog Bummer; runner-up Donald Grassfield (right) holds the collar of his German shepherd. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1).

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; King, Shirley; Grassfield, Donald; Children & animals;

Commerce Street Business Men's Dog Parade, April 22, 1939. View of the dog parade moving down the 800 block of Commerce Street. The clock tower of (Old) City Hall is prominently in the background. A large crowd of delighted spectators, numbering in the thousands, line the sidewalk. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1)

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals; Spectators--Tacoma--1930-1940; Old City Hall (Tacoma);

The Commerce Street Dog Parade was held on April 22, 1939. A young girl with her puppy, tagged number 73, receives a Tacoma policeman's admiration. Another girl holds her sleeping puppy and does not seem to approve of the attention. Any child 16 and under could parade with their dog and over 1,000 turned out to compete for over 75 special prizes. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1)

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

Commerce Street Business Men's Club Dog Parade, April 22, 1939. A large crowd of spectators line the sidewalks along Commerce St., north and south of Ninth St. "Dave's Lunches/Billiards" sign projects over the sidewalk in the foreground, Winthrop Hotel on left. (T. Times 4/24/39)

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals; Spectators--Tacoma--1930-1940; Hotel Winthrop (Tacoma);

Commerce Street Business Men's Club Dog Parade, April 22, 1939. A huge crowd of children, dogs, and adults gather on Commerce Street by the City Hall and Elks Temple (at left) to register and wait for the parade to begin. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1).

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals; Old City Hall (Tacoma); Elks Temple (Tacoma);

1939 Commerce Street Dog Parade. Children and their dogs follow a marching band and "Dog Show" banner in front of Jacks Griddle Restaurant at 912-14 Commerce St. Two children wear signs on their backs: "Berg's Tavern" and "Booths for Ladies." (T. Times, 4/24/39)

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals; Jacks Griddle (Tacoma);

Nearly 1,000 dogs and their masters participated in the Commerce Street Dog (Mutt) Parade on Saturday morning April 22, 1939. Sponsored by the Commerce Street Business Men's Club, over seventy prizes were distributed to the winners in various catagories. No youngster went without some award, as each participant received a free ice cream bar, a baseball cap and a balloon - and every dog received a special treat. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1)

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals;

The Commerce Street Business Men's Club Dog Parade, held on April 22, 1939. Children walking with their dogs in a parade on Commerce Street. One child dressed in a clown suit, straw hat, & beard, is holding two costumed dogs on leashes as they pass by the Roxy Theatre. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1).

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals;

Commerce Street Business Men's Dog Parade. The April 22, 1939, parade has ended, sidewalks clear, and parents, children, and dogs wait for the judges' decisions. Proud children pause to pamper their faithful pets. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p. 1).

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals;

Commerce Street Businees Men's Club Dog Parade. Lining-up and receiving last minute instructions, adults and children with their dogs are backed-up on Commerce Street north of the Winthrop Hotel for the dog parade. 1000 dogs were entered and marched before crowds estimated in the thousands. (T. Times, 4/24/1939, p.1)

Commerce Street Business Men's Club (Tacoma); Dogs--Tacoma--1930-1940; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1930-1940; Children & animals;