Sandusky's 'golden' hour

SANDUSKY — Realizing the golden opportunity in front of them, many dog lovers recently came together, creating an event rapidly growing in popularity by residents and retrievers alike. A few weeks ago, those representing the Golden Greeters of Sandusky offered their first public community dog walk. Since then, weekly walks themed to golden retrievers have followed. They kick off at 7 p.m. on Sundays beginning at Washington Park by Vita Sandusky. These hourlong leisurely strolls allow people and their dogs — despite the name, other well-behaved dogs beyond golden retrievers can attend — to take a stroll around downtown, including Jackson Street Pier. On Sunday, 14 dogs — a vast majority being golden retrievers — and more than 20 people attended. "It's all about having fun and bringing extra joy and smiles to our community and those who visit," said Neil Yingling, who founded the organization with his wife, Jennifer, along with Linda and Sean Carroll, Marcia Giordano and Cinda Davis. They all own golden retrievers, bringing them along on these walks, hence the "golden" portion of its name. "We met running into each other at several community events with our goldens," Neil said. During a Halloween pumpkin drop in downtown, when convening with their dogs, "We all finally agreed and decided we wanted to start this group." Those involved also act as ambassadors, welcoming people to pet their furry four-legged friends and then sparking up a conversation, hence the "greeter" portion of its name. For instance, Giordano and her golden, Brie, often fell behind the group this past Sunday. People constantly stopped her — out in front of Small City Taphouse, Daly's Pub and Schade-Mylander Plaza — so they could, first, pet Brie and then talk with Giordano. "We're walking our dogs. We're getting exercise. We're meeting people. It's great all around," Giordano said. "We're having a good time and bringing goodwill when we do it." Neil agreed on Giordano's sentiments, especially the goodwill part. "We run into many families from out of town, and they had the best reviews of the city and loved getting to see our group walking," he said. "That's what it is about: We want to make sure those that are downtown are having a good time, and we can help answer any questions they have." Members welcome anyone to these walks, which should continue on through at least the summer. People can visit "Golden Greeters of Sandusky, OH" on Facebook for updates on walks and participation in special events. "Our future plans are for a National Golden Retriever Day (which is Feb. 3) party like what is held in Golden, Colorado, and in Texas and New Jersey," Neil said. "There is a large number of goldens in our community — and, just like the goldens, we are welcoming to every person and breed of dogs." Want to go? • What: Community dog walks put on by the Golden Greeters of Sandusky • Where: People can gather at Washington Park by Vita Sandusky • When: Walks begin at 7 p.m. on Sundays • Who: Despite the name, the group welcomes all dog breeds, including golden retrievers, along with their human partners to join. • More: People can visit the Facebook group "Golden Greeters of Sandusky, OH" for more information.