When the going gets ruff: Event brings canines together

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Four-legged friends and their owners are invited to venture to downtown Seymour on Satur- day morning for a tail-waggin’ good time.

That’s when the 13th annual Dog Days Dog Show will be conducted in the Keach Parking Lot on the southeast corner of Fourth and Walnut streets.

The show was started by Seymour Main Street in 2002, and the Humane Society of Jackson County took over in 2012.

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“We’re just trying to continue what Main Street was doing, which was having a fun activity for people in town because there’s really not very many things you can do with your pet, and there’s not really very many organized events that you can take your pet to,” said Ellen Mirer, president of the Humane Society’s board.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, and the show will kick off at 9:15 a.m. Mirer said the show should last about an hour-and-a-half.

For $2, a dog can be entered in two categories. Trophies will be awarded in the following categories: Most hair, longest tail, shortest natural tail, oldest dog, best dressed, most unique, longest ears, dog most resembling owner, precious puppy, best trick and best rescue story.

“We’re trying to provide the community with a fun thing for them to do with their dogs that’s not too expensive,” Mirer said.

Mirer said her favorite category is best rescue story. The Humane Society added that category three years ago.

The judges will be local veterinarians Paul Rennekamp and Deanna Baker and veterinary technician Amanda Walker.

Girl Scout Troop 1239 will give treat bags they made to each participant, and the girls will help hand out door prizes.

New this year is a hot dog smelling contest, which dogs can participate in while waiting to compete in their category.

“We’ll have a pile of old shoes, and we’ll hide a piece of hot dog in it, and then the fastest dog that can sniff that out (wins),” Mirer said.

Dog supply and information booths also will be set up, and dog watering stations will be on site. All dogs must remain on a leash for their safety.

Last year’s show drew about 50 dogs, and Mirer hopes to see a lot of participants Saturday.

“People enjoy getting out with their pets, and there’s just not that much opportunity to mingle with other pet owners and for people to see other dogs,” she said. “I think people like to see the different animals that are there. Everybody loves to talk about their pet, so it’s a good chance for pet owners to meet each other and share stories.”

Proceeds from the show will benefit the Humane Society. Mirer said organizers will accept monetary donations and people can bring items the shelter needs, including bleach and paper towels.

“That’s something we always have to go buy. Bleach and paper towels, we’re always running short of,” she said. “If they would like to bring any supplies for the shelter, we would love it.”

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What: 13th annual Dog Days Dog Show, sponsored by the Humane Society of Jackson County, Graessle-Mercer and Jackson County Visitor Center

When: 9:15 a.m. (registration starts at 8:30 a.m.)

Where: Keach Parking Lot at the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets in Seymour

Cost: $2 per entry (two categories)

Awards: All dogs entered will be eligible for door prizes; trophies will be awarded for most hair, longest tail, shortest natural tail, oldest dog, best dressed, most unique, longest ears, dog most resembling owner, precious puppy, best trick and best rescue story

Information: For information about the show or setting up a booth, call 812-522-5200

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