Dog Day Afternoon Brings a Four-Legged Crowd to the Cathedral

By Eric Richardson
Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at 12:18PM

Hal Bastian and Scooter Eric Richardson [Flickr]

DCBID's Hal Bastian with "Scooter" Bastian.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Downtown's dogs were out in force on Tuesday evening, as pets and owners descended on the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels for the second annual Dog Day Afternoon. Turnout was high, with well over 200 dogs and almost 400 people having RSVP'ed by Tuesday afternoon.

The 2008 event was dedicated to "Buddy" Bastian, who passed away in June. The night marked the start of a new era, as Bark Avenue presented the DCBID's Hal Bastian with a new companion: Scooter. Found wandering the streets of Downtown, Scooter seemed right at home accompanying Bastian through the doggie crowds.

During a brief ceremony, Bastian thanked Cardinal Roger Mahony for allowing the use of the facility, noting that he probably didn't have the image of hundreds of dogs roaming the courtyard in mind when he promised that the Cathedral would host community events.

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Doggie Powwow Eric Richardson

One of many doggie powwows to take place throughout the Cathedral courtyard.

Top Dog Award Eric Richardson

Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik accepts a "Top Dog Award" fire hydrant from Councilwoman Jan Perry.

Top Dog Award Eric Richardson

DCBID's Hal Bastian receives his hydrant, in slightly less dignified fashion.

Scooter and Buddy Eric Richardson

"Scooter" Bastian checks out a sign commemorating "Buddy" Bastian, who passed away in June.


Comments

1
Brian writes:

It was a great event and I'd like to thank everyone that helped put this on. We arrived right around six and left shortly after seven. It was great to meet some downtown residents and enjoy the company of all the other dogs.

I had never been to the cathedral before and I was impressed with the small park area - what a great setting.

# on Jul.30.2008 AT 01:05 PM
2
David Kennedy writes:

Yes, there is a small park at the Cathedral which is perfect for parents with small kids. My kids are quite content to tear around here. I like it because I can let the kids loose and chill out at the cafe while keeping an eye on things.

# on Jul.30.2008 AT 04:34 PM
3
Colman Nolan writes:

(With all due respect:) One can tell folks whose loveable pets have died that their dogs have gone to CURgatory and their cats have gone to PURRgatory.

(Sorry 'bout that chief!)
# on Jul.31.2008 AT 09:32 PM
4
Joey Mariano writes:

Sorry to hear that. Just wanted to comment that Hal Bastian is a cool guy. My sales representative Lenin had a meeting with Hal to talk about ideas on how to market our startup Computer Service business in the Downtown Los Angeles area. (We provide on-site computer services to lofts and businesses in downtonwn.) He of course mentioned that we should participate in the blogdowntown blog. He was very helpful and just an overall good guy to work with.

# on Aug.28.2008 AT 10:52 PM

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