First NFCCA-Sponsored Dog Show, ‘Pitting of the Pooches’

NFCCA will sponsor its first-ever dog show on Saturday, 25 October 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The “Pitting of the Pooches” will be held in Rachel Carson Meadow adjacent the Rec Center at 211 Southwood Avenue (off Edgewood Avenue).

Here is the proposed schedule for the event:

10:00–11:00, Sign Up. Owners can add their pet’s name to the list for each event they wish to enter. Each owner and pet will be called into the “ring” when it’s their turn. There are no restrictions on the number of events individual pets may enter.
10:15–10:30, Best Kisser. Owners willing to have their dogs give them kisses line up with their dogs and the judge watches as each owner is kissed by his/her dog. Most enthusiastic kisser wins. There may be second and third prizes, too.
10:30–11:00, Best Junior Dog Handler. Kids 12 and under walk their dogs around the ring on a leash and, at the judge’s command, tell their dogs to sit, reverse direction, speed up, and slow down. The winner is the child who demonstrates teamwork with his or her dog and shows promise as a future responsible pet owner. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded.

Emily and Alycia Levy (with neighbor Nancy, center) believe their dog, Chili, would win as “Cutest Pooch.”
11:00–11:15, Best Singer. Owners whose dogs can make interesting vocalizations take their turn demonstrating for the judges. The crowd can influence the vote by applause.
11:20–11:45, Best Butt. Participants lead their dogs around the ring once and stop. Each participant will be asked to walk the dog away from the judge into the center of the ring so that the judge can check out the dog’s rear. Multiple judges help to mitigate differences in dog taste. Possible first, second, and third place prizes.
11:50–12:20, Best Trick. Each participant demonstrates a trick. The panel of judges may give first, second, and third place prizes.
12:20–12:30, Dog-Owner Look-Alike Contest. In this event there is only one winner, the person who looks most like his/her dog (or vice-versa).
12:30–1:00, Best Manners. A judge will ask each participant to tell his/her dog to sit, take a treat nicely, and be petted by the judge. Points are taken off for jumping up on the judge or exhibiting unfriendly or aggressive behavior. All dogs receiving a certain number of points will win a prize.
1:00–2:00, Best-In-Show. All dogs that have won first place in any of the other classes compete for best all-around dog. The competitors should walk nicely around the ring with their humans, be well-groomed, and display a good personality.

All entrants will receive a bag of doggie treats; winners will get doggie toys and their names (and perhaps their photos) in the Northwood News.

NFCCA Board Member Ted Daniels has agreed to emcee the event, but judges with a good sense of humor are needed. Potential judges may not enter a dog in the competition.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help set up or who would like to enquire about selling beverages and food during the event (preference given to local scout troops or other nonprofit organizations) should contact Laura Hussey [contact information redacted]. ■