Will Petro shows how Callaway, a golden retriever, can give high fives. Photo by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Despite the chilly weather close to a dozen dogs and their owners participated in the Community Dog Show at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, West Market Street, Warsaw, Saturday, Oct. 7.

Dogs of all sizes and breeds participated in such competition as costume, owner look alike, tricks and waggiest tail. An overall winner was chosen based on the number of categories won by the canine performer. However, all participants were winners as every one walked away with a ribbon.

Winners included:

Bob Jarboe is shown with Lilly, a poodle, as the winners in the waggiest tail contest. Photo provided by Brenda Rigdon.

Best of Show — Callaway owned by Will and Mallorie Petro.

Best Costume — Mallorie Petro and Callaway dressed up as Golfer Barbie.

Pet Owner Look-a-like — Mallorie Petro and Callaway.

Best Trick — Otis and owner Shelly Sausaman

Waggiest Tail — Lilly and Bob Jarboe

The judges for the event were  Jeff Grose, Susie Light and Dr. Tom Howard.

A highlight of the morning was a demonstration by Marcia Martin and her samoyed therapy dog Levi. The two presented a skit showing what Levi can do when he visits at the hospital. This included ringing the elevator button, saying prayers, begging for treats and helping get a blanket or carry a basket of goodies.

Levi was presented with a Paws of Courage Award in recognition of his individual contribution as a canine friend to the well being and safety of the human residents in the community.

St Anne’s hosted this inaugural Dog Show to raise money for a newly installed outdoor free food pantry, and several other new outreach programs that will begin in the spring. Those projects include a community garden and paying delinquent lunch accounts for students at a school in the neighborhood.

Paws and Claws was a sponsor for the event. Members of the church’s youth group made homemade treats for the dogs, called Good Bones Treats For Dogs Blessed Friends. Members of the church also provided food for the humans attending.