Audience participation at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival

I have two different outfits for the Renaissance Festival.  I fit into my burgundy dress again!  I was taking Sonjia up by the Unicorn to get a photo of the three of us. But she was afraid of the Unicorn.  Instead she hid behind me while this young girl went between Sonjia, the unicorn and I.


The Doberman, The Lady and The Unicorn

I have never really understood the "fox-tail" phenomenon at the Ren Fest and obviously Sonjia didn't understand it either.  She had her fun sniffing people's tails as they went by us. My sister, her son and I took turns holding Sonjia. There are actors and actresses around the grounds.  Then there are enthusiasts that buy costumes.  Several of the shops sell pieces to enhance your costumes and your Renaissance experience.


Yeah, all I need to do is smell your tail

My participation this year was Sonjia.  Our beautiful, chocolate red/rust Doberman with natural ears attracted so many people and other dogs.  


Look G-ma a puppy!

"May I pet your dog?" "What kind of dog is it?" "She sure is beautiful and very well tempered." Were some of the most common questions and comments.  


Baby - baby

In this sea of people, moving was slower because of all the people that stopped us to pet and give attention to Sonjia.  And she was a very well behaved young lady through the entire day.  When people asked how old she was, they were surprised when I said around a year and a half.  Many commented that she behaved more like a 4-5 year old dog.


A Sea of People

Not all the dogs in attendance were smaller than Sonjia.  But I generally don't walk her up to other dogs.  I let people and dogs come up to us.  (Can you see the woman in pink in the back-ground intently watching the dogs?) Isaac and Tabatha heard a lot of comments throughout the day that Dobermans should not be allowed to come because they are such a vicious breed of dog.  I only heard one such comment.  But for the most part, I ignore ignorance when I hear it.  All people needed to do was to watch Sonjia interact with her surroundings and it would burst their bubble of ignorance.


Hello new friend!

There are a couple of trails that go through the woods around the grounds.  Sonjia was a little disappointed because she wanted to run through the trails without her leash.  But in these woods she not only had to stay on her leash but she couldn't leave that trails and every dog knows that the best fun is off the beaten trail!

The Fairy Trail

Sonjia wasn't sure what to think of the Queen Fairy with her big sparkling wings.  I had to sit beside the Fairy in order to get Sonjia to come near.  There were also a lot of mirror wind chimes hanging in this area.  The camera has picked up on one "spirit" floating above the Fairy's wing.  There were many sparkles of light glittering this section of the woods distracting Miss Sonjia.


Sonjia meets the Queen Fairy