Even the weather is in favor of helping the animals sheltered by the Tuscarawas County Humane Society (TCHS). The predicted rain held off Sept. 1 as the Breitenbach Winery hosted its fourth annual dog show at the Roadhouse Amphitheater (formerly Alpine Hills).

“The dog show was a huge success. The move to the amphitheater allowed a larger turnout,” said Lindsey Lewis, TCHS shelter director. “We had more events for the dogs, with an agility course and dog games.” A barking contest was held for the humans who thought they could closely imitate their dog’s bark. A clean plate contest was held for the dogs to see who could down a Frisbee full of whipped cream the fastest.

During the dog show contestants and their dogs strutted their stuff before the judges’ table and received scores ranging from one, which is good, to five, which is best. Judges for the show were Kelly Schoelles, Diane Carper, Nancy Austin, and Rhonda Rosenberry, who are all associated with the Tuscarawas County Humane Society. Lewis served as master of ceremonies for the event.

After the dog show, dogs that are up for adoption were featured. Kylie Randulic, a volunteer at the shelter for the past two years, noted that people interested in adopting pets from the shelter can find more information on them at www.petfinder.com.
Randulic said she enjoys helping at the shelter, where she walks dogs, cleans cages, and gives the dogs food and water. She encouraged others to donate supplies that the shelter needs. More information can be found at www.tuschumanesociety.com.
Those attending the show were pleased for the opportunity to support the TCHS and their shelters. “We like to do the dog shows that support the dog shelters,” said Raymond Ingraham of Youngstown. His dog, Pookie Petals, an 8-year-old Pomeranian, won the best costume award for her portrayal of Little Miss Muffit.

A close second for the best costume award was Millie, a four-month-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel owned by Alison Laughlin of New Philadelphia. Millie was dressed as a Swiss Miss. Fortunately Millie didn’t know her costume wasn’t made for her. “It was made a long time ago when I had my cat in the Swiss Festival,” admitted Laughlin.

Wendy Smith, of Mineral City, entered her dog, Teela, a 3-year-old Rottweiler mix, in competition for prettiest female. Teela was a rescue dog and Smith also has two blind Australian Shepherds that she adopted. “Do not feel sorry for them, they are fabulous,” she said. “During a power outage I fell over a chair and the two blind dogs went around it. Special needs pets can function as well as those without special needs. People should not be afraid to adopt pets that have them.”

Winners of the dog show were: Best trick, Isabella, a Jack Russell terrier, owned by Joy Fazenbaker of New Philadelphia; Best Twins went to Ginny Cunningham of Sherrodsville for her whippets; Best Costume, Pookie Petals, a Pomeranian, owned by Raymond Ingraham of Youngstown; Biggest Dog, Moby, a Mastidane owned by Jan Kohl of Massillon; Smallest dog, Tater Tot, a hairless Chihuahua owned by Natalie Jones of Newcomerstown; Most Handsome Male, Jackson, a giant schnauzer owned by Kathy Sleutz of New Philadelphia; Prettiest female, Sheba, a Yorkie, owned by Gloria Steinel of New Philadelphia; Owner/Dog Lookalike was won by Heidi Baltzly, of Canton, and her dog Panzer.

Gifts and raffle prizes were donated by Breitenbach Wine Cellars, Petz Place and Coulter’s Dog and Hunting Supply. All of the proceeds were donated to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society.

Following the dog show was the first PAWSitively Fit Extreme Race. Twenty-five people participated in the race that is a 5K of hills mixed in with exercises. Chris Kreinbihl, of New Philadelphia, came in first with a time of 19:34. Participants each received a T-shirt, refreshments and admission to the One: A Celebration of U2 concert in the evening.