Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau's Pooch Pageant a treat for all

On Oct. 30, 2009, dogs and their owners gathered at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau, Mo., for the facility's first-ever Pooch Pageant.

This was no ordinary dog show -- the canines were dressed up in their Halloween costumes as their owners proudly vied for first, second and third place overall and nine different categories.

The first-place overall pooch was Ice, a Pekingese dressed as a rock star. Shih tzu Rufus came in second as a construction worker, and third place went to Murphy, a Wheaton terrier, dressed as a casino canine.

Special categories were Spookiest Pooch, Scariest Costume, Most Original Costume, Best Group Costume, Cutest Dog, Best in Show, Funniest Costume, Best Homemade Costume and Most Obedient.

"We were impressed by the turnout even though we had inclement weather," said Paul Arnell, executive director. "It was a lot of fun to watch the interaction between the residents and the dogs. They truly are man's best friend."

Not only was the event fun for guests, residents and associates, but it was for a good cause as well. Contestants paid a $5 registration fee, with all proceeds going to the local Safe Harbor Animal Shelter. The event raised $70 to help dogs and cats in need of homes.

Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau started a trend among Life Care facilities nationwide as other nursing and rehab centers from Florida to Oregon heard about the unique idea and adapted it for their own communities.