TonkaFest 2012

AP here:
I have met so many amazing people over the course of the last year dealing with Tonka's medical mystery. It's impossible to fully express how much it has meant to me that they take such great care with him and are always so engaged in trying to help him. I started trying to come of with a way to thank them other than to just say "thank you"a million times and then it hit me.
TONKAFEST!

Why not have a party to celebrate the journey of Tonka and to celebrate the people that support him. I called a friend to see if she knew of a venue where we could have a cookout but would also allow dogs and she graciously offered up her house and very large backyard. **A huge THANK YOU to Cathy Hall and her family for hosting TonkaFest and to Gina for running around with me (without a list) on Saturday finalizing things.

The date was set and the invitations went out for Sunday October 7, 2012. Little did we know that Saturday would be gorgeous weather and Sunday a cold front would move in with rain. It didn't matter though as we setup tents in the yard and over the deck and Cathy had the fireplace stoked inside for people to thaw out if they got cold. We only had some short bursts of rain with the heavy stuff waiting till after we had cleaned up and I put the Tonka Man in the truck to take him home- Pyrfect timing.

Tonka's Pyr friends Charlie Bear and Kaiser were there along with his best friend Nala.

Kaiser with Trish and Mike

Charlie Bear

Aunt Carol and Nala

We had some new friends as well with little Penny and 2 boxers Chloe and Chopper

Chris and Penny

Gloria and Kim with Chopper and Chloe

 Mr Ray was keeping everyone full with the most awesome Pit Beef, Turkey and Ham

Chef

So glad Donna and Charlie Bear made the trip

So much food

YUM

We had plenty of food and so many great desserts.

Arty

Tonka was making the rounds trying to scam food.
Arty almost fell for it.

Cathy always gives in to him.

Hiding behind Mom

Dad is always good for a pet

Lots of Love from Patty

and always love from Aunt Nancy

The Tonka Dog spent the afternoon getting lots of love and attention and I believe a good time was had by all.

Sneaky Cathy

Strolling

 

Hanging with AJ

Braving the rain

Chris and Diana (Tonka's Amazing Therapists)

Eileen and David

Gina and Hannah

Tonka loves Hannah

Nala says no - its my ball

Getting some attention from Lisa

Hanging with the Tonka Dog

Cathy Hall- the greatest hostess ever

Checking the scores

Aunt Carol and Missy

Robin and AJ with Chris, Diana and Penny

More love from Hannah

Such a happy bunch

Thirsty Boy

Thanks to everyone who came out for TonkaFest 2012 and thank you for all your support and encouragement over the past year. Since the TonkaFest the Tonka Man has been much more his old happy, determined self and if making progress and getting back on his own 4 feet.

 **Much love to Nancy for all the pictures and extra thanks to the Virginia crew Donna, Nancy and Art for making the very long trek in the rain and game day traffic.