Cute and cuddly canines compete
Third Annual Neighborhood Pet Show takes place June 16
Story and photos by John Dixon
Cub@TheColumbiaStar.com

Campbell Sullivan's buddy, Checkers, the miniature piebald dachshund won "Most Colorful" and "Skinniest" awards in the Third Annual Neighborhood Pet Show held June 16, 2007, from 11 am to noon in a yard on Devereaux Road.

Three years ago, Pud Patterson's granddaughters, Mary Louise and Bellinger Boylston, were looking for some summer entertainment. They soon hatched the idea of having a pet show. Patterson said, "I told them we would be a committee and would decide on all the particulars as a committee. That we did. They chose the categories, painted the sign, hand- printed and illustrated the first registration form."

Mary Louise had just finished the second grade and Bellinger the third. Mary Louise has always been the emcee and Bellinger the judge. The pet show has struck a chord with folks; they love bringing their dogs, comparing notes, showing their canine children off, and just meeting each other. The show has since become a neighborhood tradition.

On Saturday June 16, approximately 20 Canine Americans along with their humans gathered on Pud Patterson's front lawn to strut their stuff. Catherine Cooper brought along homemade dog treats for all the contestants. Mary Louise did a fabulous job as emcee and Bellinger's panel of judges made fair and equitable decisions despite the tough competition. The rules: everybody participates, everybody wins a prize, and everyone has a great time.

Megan Pleasant with Linell Strandine's poodle- terrier mix, Tuffy, who won "Best Talent" for jumping through hoops.

Writer's Note: Mary Louise and Bellinger were also winners because they've got one of the coolest grandmas in the neighborhood. The neighbors couldn't agree more. This summer project has been a gift to the neighborhood and perhaps getting together and getting to know one another better is the greatest prize of all.