Letter: “Dog Gone!” float was a team effort

The 2014 Rose Parade theme, Dreams Come True, was a happy event for the 2014 LCF Rose Float “Dog Gone!” The five comical dogs in their bouncy truck followed by Steve, the Dogcatcher, fittingly won the Bob Hope Humor Award.

In float design and construction, we continue to place our emphasis on humor, sophisticated design, incredible animation, and superb flower decoration. The truck animation was new and different this year. Three large hydraulic cylinders supported the entire truck allowing the truck to bounce in different directions. Our dogcatcher, running after his stolen truck, was fully jointed with moving shoulders, knees, and ankles. His specially tailored pants were sewn of green canvas to fit his large legs, and then covered in mung beans. With his size 42 shoes, made of Nori and onion seed, he was nearly able to catch up to his happily escaping dogs.

A big thank you to all our members who annually contribute their dues to the association thereby ensuring a new float every year. And thanks also to the Board of Directors who meet monthly and have the responsibility of raising and managing the funds to build the float. The admiring crowd on Hampton Road at the judging on Dec. 31 is an indication of the warm support of our Foothill communities.

This community determination combines awesome talent with enthusiasm and dedication, and I salute the efforts of all who created “Dog Gone!”

Ann Neilson
La Cañada Flintridge

Editor’s Note: The writer is president of the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn.