Dog-gone good time

Dog show brings pound pups and purebreds together

Hundred-plus-pound Mastiff, teacup Chihuahua and average-sized mix breeds came together under one tent to drool, sniff, and lick while competing for a cause.

Dogs, big and small, purebred and mutt, mingled on the lawn with their two-legged counterparts at Plantation Oaks in High Springs. Fifty-one were there as contestants in the fifth annual Mutts and Pups Dog Show, and many more were out just enjoying the day.

The event, organized by Leda Carrero, raises money for the High Springs Farmers Market.

Judges awarded prizes for most unusual, best singing or talking, owner/pet lookalike, best dressed, best trick, best kisses, most beautiful and a new category this year, most distinguished senior.

A prize for best in show was also awarded.

While the competing pooches paraded through the main tent for judges and audience to see, other attendees – both man and best friends – milled around the various booths and food vendors.

Children showed off fresh face paint, soon to be soiled in some cases as a side effect of consuming the readily available cotton candy and hot dogs.

The event ran from 10 in the morning to about 2 p.m., with clear, sunny skies all the way through.

Carrero said, “It was totally satisfying to see the amount of people there and see that everyone was genuinely enjoying themselves.”

The k-9 turnout was just as pleasing she said, and she was happy to see the variety of many rescues as well as pedigree.

She confirmed that she would be doing the show again next year, “and the year after that,” she added enthusiastically.

Check alachuatoday.com for a list of the winners from this year’s show.