Oct. 21, 2007 — About seven years ago, Doug Comstock took his newly adopted stray dog to the vet for its first going-over. Dr. David Napier walked into the room, took one look, and asked Comstock what sort of critter it was.
"A German shepherd-Rottweiler mix," replied Comstock, which sent Napier into fits of laughter. "Well," the vet said, "it may be parts of those dogs, but they're supposed to go together like they fit."
Imagine Comstock's feelings Sunday when he and Baja won first prize in the lookalike contest at Sunday's Barktoberfest.
"Actually, it's OK," said Comstock of his rather shaggy, long-haired companion. "He's sort of handsome."
Handsome wasn't a word that came readily to mind on the crowded Bolongo Bay beach Sunday for the dozens of canines showing their stuff at the fifth annual celebration of four-legged fun. "Bizarre" might be more accurate, as the event inevitably brings out the exhibitionist in dog owners.
Let's see: a basset in a bright orange lobster outfit; a Chihuahua, scandalous in what looked like a Fredericks of Hollywood lingerie outfit; a passel of small dogs donned in everything imaginable including a costume-winning SpongeBob SquarePants; a cocker-poo dyed a deep blue; and an unadorned miniature Doberman called Katrina, who won second place in the "Adorable" contest simply by tiptoeing around the stage and leaping back into its owner's arms.
Then there was Freddy, who can only be described as a Bassett conglomerate, about three feet long, mottled brindle coat, white feet, and a Mexican hat, which he tossed as soon as owner June Marsh fruitlessly plunked it on his head. Marsh said he is an African Tiger Hound, a breed she's invented.
"People say he looks like the famous, what was his name, Beauregard," Marsh said. Well, for those who've lived here a few decades, Beauregard was lots shorter, much rounder, and never for a moment would have had any truck with a dog contest. Beauregard never, and with some reason, believed himself to be a dog.
Stacy Cohen, Humane Society board member, and Susan Chandler, marketing and fundraising manager, along with Sergio Ruano, master of ceremonies, kept things smoothly humming along all afternoon, in and out of a brief rain shower, which dampened nobody's spirits. The dogs loved it.
Folks frolicked merrily, exchanging tall tales of their pet's exploits to one another, while tending to their charges who wound leashes around legs, jumped up, and pleaded to be taken to the nearby water for cool dip.
Though Cohen was all business Sunday, running through the crowd drumming up entries for the contests, she was seen at one point giving her French bulldog, Winston, a resounding hug, while explaining to him that was all she had time for. Cohen owns How 'Bout Your Pet in Yacht Haven, and Winston guards the shop.
The beach was studded with booths. Just Shoot Me offered instant digital pictures; VICCTRE, the thoroughbred horse rescue organization sold T-shirts and other items raising money to send the horses off-island to greener pastures. Since its inception in 2004, the very small group has rescued and rehabilitated more than 31 horses.
The Humane Society was selling stuffed animals, T-shirts, discount memberships and spaying services. And they brought two dogs for adoption, Maxwell, a little mutt with deep brown eyes that veteran adoption specialist Phyllis Rogers said was found just a few weeks ago.
Carolyn Briggs, of VICCTRE, was tending Sunshine, the other adoptee, a three-legged blond mix about four months old. "Her back leg was so tangled up with a chain, it had to be amputated," Briggs said. "But, look at her now; she is just happy and friendly."
Sunshine got honorable mention in the contests and Chandler says a story about Sunshine will be on the Society's website next week. "She is just so sweet," Chandler said. "We have to find a home for her."
A multitude of spiffy prizes was raffled off all day, with winners receiving hotel stays,
A first this year was the registration for King and Queen to reign — or rein — over the Doggy Ball in February. Contestants will be posted on the Society website.
Winners, along with Comstock in the Look-a-Like, were: Costume, Ellie (Sponge Bob Square Pants), owner, Kristin Tuohy; Adorable, Mocha, owner Rhea Vasconcellos; Best Trick, Zoe, who fetched owner Dennis Fricke's shoes; Best Kisser, Zoe again.
The event raises money for the Society's Paws to Care capital campaign for its Animal Care Campus, scheduled to open early in 2008. (See "Animal Care Campus Making Significant Headway.")
The event was sponsored by Pedigree Dog Food, Carib Beer, Yacht Haven Grande, The Buzz Radio, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, and Just Shoot Me photography.
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