Fifth Graders Celebrate "Winn Dixie"

Parents and special guests were invited to sample "Gloria Dump Punch," "Littmus Lozenges," egg salad sandwiches and puppy chow at a re-enactment of the party described in the novel.

The stars of the party were Beatrice, a 5-year old mixed labrador and golden retriever and her young friend, Flirt, a 4-month old seeing eye puppy in training. The dogs were provided by Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs who came with their handlers, Mindy Emer and her son, Michael. Mindy and Michael demonstrated some of the training that dogs undergo to become seeing eye dogs. Beatrice, who is a retired seeing eye breeder dog, has had 33 puppies in three and a half years. Motherhood has clearly had a mellowing influence and Beatrice went through her paces willingly and accurately. The irrepressible Flirt was another matter, but she managed a reasonably respectable performance given her puppyhood.