April Fool-Ish Dog Show set for Sunday

By Theresa O'Hagen, Fort Jackson Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and RecreationApril 3, 2014

Dog show
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT JACKSON, S.C. (April 3, 2014) -- For the eighth straight year, Fort Jackson dog lovers can show off their best friends in the wackiest dog show ever, the April Fool-ish Dog Show, April 6 at the Youth Sports Complex.

The annual dog show is just one of many activities in April to support the Month of the Military Child and the Army Family Covenant.

If your dog never barks to wake the dead in the middle of the night, has a coat that is always smooth and shiny, breath like perfume, and never, ever leaves puddles on the floor, the Child, Youth and School Services April Fool-ish Dog Show is not the dog show for him or her.

Competition will be ruff and could get a little hairy. All participants will receive a "doggy bag" for participating, but first, second and third place awards will be given in the following categories: Prettiest Eyes, Hairiest Dog, Longest Tail, Most Diva-Like, Celebrity/Owner Look-A-Like, Longest Ears, Best Costume, Best Kisser, Most Unique Trick, Ya Gotta Love Me, Most Mysterious Heritage, Best Senior, Cutest Puppy, Prettiest Eyes, and Best Vocal Performance.

There will also be a separate show for children who don't own a live dog, but have a real live "stuffed" dog. Categories for that show include: Least Obedient, Squeeziest, Most Humongous, and Most Resembling A Real Dog.

Last year's show was a bow wows-ing success, said Beverly Metcalfe, CYSS administrator who paws-ed to speak to The Leader about the event. More than 30 dogs of all shapes and sizes participated and a tail-waggin' time was had by both the two-legged and four-legged participants.

"This year we expect even more dogs and will have a very hard time deciding on the winners. I don't think any dog has ever left empty handed. Or is that empty pawed? Every year all of the dogs are wonderful. Of course, the very smart ones know how to influence the judges by turning on the charm and literally kissing up to them," said one of the judges who chose to remain anonymous. "This is one contest where licking or jumping on the judge will give you a distinct advantage."

Show hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m., with registration beginning at 1:30 p.m. Contestants are urged to pre-register for the event. Registration is free with a donation of old towels, blankets, dog toys, leashes or treats. All proceeds will be donated to the Fort Jackson Veterinary Clinic. Preregistration packets are available at any CYSS location or at the CYSS Central Enrollment Office in the Joe E. Mann Center, 3392 Magruder Ave. For more information, contact Beverly Metcalfe at 751-3053.

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