Being a Scottish terrier, Kelly shouldn't feel the need to dress up to go out on a summer day. But Saturday was special. The 28th year of Summerfest, arguably Scott City's biggest annual event, was taking place, and for the first time, dogs were invited.
Betty Ulrich of Scott City dressed Kelly and Ebby, a small, white mixed-breed, in cowboy outfits, complete with hats. Whether this gave any extra motivation to the dogs as they jumped through a hoop as part of a canine contest, the dog only knows.
Scott County Women's Club pet contest chairwoman Shannon Graff knew that a pet contest would be a welcome addition to Summerfest. She organized pet events to raise money for the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.
"It's something different," Graff said. "We didn't require registration but are prepared for 80 dogs."
Contests were held hourly, including best trick, couch potato, pet-owner lookalike, pet races and obstacle courses.
A pet parade with dogs vying for the title of best dressed kicked off dog events Friday. Muffet, a 15-week-old Shih Tzu owned by Michele Simmons of Scott City, took the prize. She was proud of her dog.
"I like pets better than people," Simmons said. "They love you for who you are." To Simmons, the best part was watching owners and dogs participating. Call it role reversal. Some owners were almost begging their pets to perform.
Prizes, raffles and goody bags were also part of the fun that drew about 65 people and 15 participating dogs.
But not every dog thought it was his day. Some were content to sprawl out, hind legs extended, and watch the activities while others played.
The Lynn family brought their three boxers, Max, 3, Rex, 2, and Sadie, 1. "They go everywhere with us," Howard Lynn said.
At times the boxers needed extra incentive to go places. Rex and Max performed the obstacle course well with a little assistance -- a push through the tunnel.
Measuring the applause following a 2-year-old German shepherd's leaping grab of a frisbee hinted that her trick might win first place. And it did, fittingly. Owner Karen Belcher said her dog, Tasha, is experienced in catching small, fast-moving objects. She has been mother to seven puppies and three kittens.
Kittens?
Belcher explained that the family's cat, which was in poor health, had kittens about the same time that Tasha had her puppies.
"I decided to see if Tasha would allow the kittens to nurse and she did," Belcher said.
Only one of the three kittens survived.
"Garfield fights and sleeps with the puppies," Belcher said.
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