Doggie Shenanigans: Pooches strut their stuff in Owl’s Head Park

Owl’s Head Park went to the dogs on Saturday, July 16th, thanks to the first Doggie Shenanigans Puppy Pageant.

The event — which included a “paw-geant” as well as an adoption event — raised nearly $1,000 to be donated to Itty Bitty Kitty and Second Chance Rescue, while highlighting the significance of adopting animals from shelters. No four-legged companions were adopted at that time due to the background checks needed on potential owners; yet, several people have been encouraged to adopt based on meeting the pets and learning about what is available in shelters.

The dogs who participated in the Puppy Pageant were judged on a variety of categories: best costume, most obedient, best trick, most friendly, most unique and even a people’s choice of most photogenic. It was intended to be a competition that takes into account a little bit of everything, from talent to beauty to individuality. The overall winner of the afternoon was a talented dog named Sassafras.

“We had great weather, a terrific turnout of spectators and four-legged friends and we raised money for two terrific animal rescue organizations, Itty Bitty Kitty and Second Chance Rescue. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience, especially for the first time around and hopefully this becomes an annual event so we can continue to raise funds and awareness on the importance of fostering and adopting animals from shelters,” said Janine Acquafredda, Gold Sponsor of the Event and Co-Founder of Realtors 4 Rescues.