By Ruth SOWBY

There’s a new ice cream social in town. Don’t worry – you didn’t miss a thing on Sunday, Aug. 16 – unless you were a dog, that is.  

Dozens of dogs were lined up with their owners to sample free doggie ice cream at Andersen’s Pet Shop in Montrose. What did the dogs scarf up, you ask? A luscious, pink combination of Greek yogurt, strawberries and bananas distributed by La Crescenta resident Gail Connell. Also on the menu were individual packets of pork, beef and chicken nuggets.     

Guiding the action were the shop’s owners Alyce and Tom Russell. Alyce described the purpose of this second annual event as a time for “fun for the community – including fun for dogs and children.” The Russells have owned Andersen’s since the 1970s succeeding Alyce’s parents who owned the shop since the 1950s. They bought the shop from Clarence Nash, the voice of Donald Duck. Nash entertained local children with his duck and animal voice impressions while they waited for orders.    

While the ice cream parlor was going on inside the shop, there was plenty of action in the parking lot next door. Under the Big Love Animal Rescue tent there were dogs available for adoption. In the tent next door was a wading pool for dogs. Next to that was Mama’s Paw Veterinary Service. Behind the table was Mama’s Paw Veterinary Service owner and veterinarian technician Sofia Zapata. She, along with a doctor, are present at Andersen’s on the fourth Sunday of each month. Zapata doesn’t believe in the use of anesthesia for dog teeth cleaning but offers a number of other vet services. On Sunday she offered looky-loos a chance to spin the wheel for free vet services. Dominick and Kiara Renderos spun and won. Their French bulldog Kirby will be treated to free nail cutting.   

The Russells look forward to next year’s Third Annual Ice Cream Social. Clarence Nash (aka Donald Duck) would be proud.