Gitty up partner, this Saturday’s 11th annual Wagapalooza dog show at the Winston Wells Ballfield in Cruz Bay will feature a Wild West theme sure to delight area dog lovers.
“It’s to support the ACC and the animals,” said Sally Nelson, the Animal Care Center of St. John’s shelter administrator.
Nelson suggested that anyone attending the Wagapalooza, which will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, might find a “forever friend” from among the many animals available for adoption at the Animal Care Center.
Last year’s event raised about $28,000 for Animal Care Center activities. A total of 54 dogs participated.
Wagapalooza’s main event is a parade of dogs vying for top honors in their category. They include best old timer, best costume, best spots, best tail, best trick, best puppy love, best jumper, best lap dog, best look-alike, and best cow hound costume.
There is a new category called best doggie talk. This is for all the pet owners who talk for/to their pets in such a funny way,” event coordinator Shanna Dickerson said.
T-shirts designed by artist Cheryl Geller will be for sale. Additionally, items will be raffled off. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the shelter, St. John Hardware, Connections in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, and from board members Karin Schlesinger, BJ Harris, Diana Ripley, Elaine Campbell, Monica Munro, Shelia Karcher, Dean Baldwin, and Oriel Smith. They run $5 for one or $20 for five.
“There are 65 prizes and counting,” Dickerson said.
The event’s organizers are asking those who would like to participate with their dogs to register early at the Wagapalooza website, at the Animal Care Center or at Connections.
“We really want people to register early through our website. You don’t have to know what show category you want, just sign up early and avoid a line at the event,” Dickerson said.
Wagapalooza still needs volunteers, and Nelson said that anyone interested should contact the Animal Care Center.
Contact the Animal Care Center at 774-1625 or visit the wagapalooza website.
