Dogs of all shapes and sizes will put their best paw forward Sunday during the Strut Your Mutt Fashion Review and Pet Grooming Competition.
The Dog Squad, a group of volunteers from the Pet Adoption League, in Yukon, organized the event. Volunteer Beverly Bachman said what started as a small fund-raiser to help the shelter has grown into an entire day of fun, learning and possibly some new homes for abandoned animals.
"We were going to have it at the shelter, but it got so big. We were lucky enough to get the gymnasium at St. Vincent College," Bachman said.
The Pet Adoption League is an all-volunteer, no-kill, nonprofit refuge for homeless, unwanted, abandoned or abused pets with no time limit on how long they can stay.
The event will feature vendors selling unique pet-related items and services such as wheelchairs, high-end jewelry and animal hammocks. Demonstrations and training tips will also be offered for new and experienced pet owners.
Professional groomers will be on hand to assist with the "extreme doggie makeovers."
"We thought we'd bring the groomers to the event to groom the dogs and make them look like great-looking pets," Bachman said. "They are not always all shaggy and uncared for. Sometimes all they need is a good haircut and they can turn into beautiful creatures and really great companions."
Dogs, dressed in their best, will begin their catwalk at 1 p.m., as Trisha Pittman, from WPXI-TV, emcees the program. The dogs are vying for titles in several categories including Best Behaved, Most Original Costume, Most Talented, Best Personality, Best Look-a-Like and Best of Show.
The talent portion of the event will feature everything from dancing dogs to a canine with grape-picking abilities. Also featured will be a retired greyhound.
The audience will cast votes for their favorites. Participating dogs are from rescue leagues, area shelters and those lucky enough to already have homes.
A Chinese and silent auction, as well as raffles, will offer up prizes such as trips to Atlantic City and Jamaica.
Additional Information:
Details
Strut Your Mutt Fashion Review and Pet Grooming CompetitionWhen : Sunday. 11:30 a.m. doors open and vendors available; Strut starts at 1 p.m.
Where : St. Vincent College, near Latrobe
Admission : $5. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free.
Details : Web site or e-mail lotsadogs2004@yahoo.com
