On a crisp and sunny fall day in September, the Newfoundland Club of Seattle held its annual Poker Walk around Green Lake. Ranging in age from puppies to old-timers, around 20 Newfoundlands (aka Newfs) and their owners showed up for this year's event.
At the agreed upon meeting spot, humans and dogs greeted each other and sniffed, touched noses, or shook hands per their respective customs.
Before the walk began, each Newf owner received two playing cards, and collected three more at separate checkpoints, stationed roughly 100 yards apart.
Once they held the requisite five cards for the poker event to come, each Newf owner continued along beside the lake as far as they and their furry companions wished to go.
It should be said that most Newfoundlands have moderate energy levels, and do not generally seek the kind of exertion that some other breeds enjoy. A short amble along the lake, complete with sniff stops and meeting new people, generally suffices.
As they passed the Newf parade, onlookers lobbed jokes that most Newf owners have heard many times before, such as, "Who let the bears out of the zoo?"
Though no one completed Green Lake's full circuit, the "bears" and their humans enjoyed the stroll and circled back to the group meeting spot when they'd walked far enough.
This is where the meaning of the Poker Walk became clear. First, each group had the chance to exchange some of their cards in hopes of scoring a better hand.
Then those with the best hands took turns picking out a donated item--books, treats, toys, dog life vests, reflective gear, leashes, drool rags, and more were piled on a central table.
Once everyone had a chance to choose a prize, non-club members headed out while club members got down to business for their quarterly meeting. It had been another successful gathering of Seattle's Newf community.
If you would like to catch the Newfs at their next event, mark your calendar for the annual Christmas Tree Pull at Issaquah's Trinity Tree Farm on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Learn more about this fun and festive outing here:
Written by Andie Long
Edited by Jen Swanson