Dog day afternoon: Miss Tinker clinches best of show honors at third annual Breitenbach Winery Dog Show
They came from a multi-county region. Some dressed as pirates, ballerinas, and spiders, while others performed tricks and rode in baby carriages. Despite the many costumed characters, this was not a Halloween party. Rather, it was the third annual Breitenbach Winery Dog Show, which was held Saturday afternoon, Sept. 5, on the winery’s outdoor patio. More than 100 people gathered to watch as 55 dogs competed for prizes, and it was all for a good cause as 100 percent of the proceeds were donated to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society.The mood at the dog show was one of fun, as the event was part of the annual Labor Day party, which also included food, winery tours and entertainment. Anita Davis, of Breitenbach Winery, said the dog show provides the opportunity to show that the family-operated business is about more than wine. “We want everybody to know that we’re a family-friendly place,” she explained. “We are animal lovers, and we all have our own dogs. We’re pleased to offer this event to raise money for the humane society.”
Thanks to the sponsorship of Petz Place, of New Philadelphia, which provided most of the dog show prizes and raffle items, more than $400 was raised for the Tuscarawas County Humane Society. Coulters Dog and Hunters Supply, of New Philadelphia, also provided prizes. Throughout the afternoon, booths on the campus of the winery offered information and services for dogs, such as pet photos by Mick’s Photo, dog obedience training by Perfectly Pawsible, nail trimming for dogs at the Petz Place display, and free balloon animals for kids. The humane society also had information about their services and dogs available for adoption.
Shelly Affolter, shelter director, said she was pleased with the turnout at the dog show. She said the money from the dog show will be used to pay vet bills, since the humane society assures that all animals are spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations before being adopted. “We appreciate the community’s support today,” she shared. “It was nice to see that several of the dogs (in the show) were rescue dogs.”
The dog show judges were Taylor Affolter of the humane society, Gaston Kohler of Breitenbach Winery, and Sue Fleming and Melissa Sulzener of Petz Place. Sulzener noted that Petz Place enjoyed sponsoring the event to raise money for a great cause and support customers who participated. “It’s just very nice to be involved in community events,” she said.
Winners of the dog show categories were as follows: You’re So Ugly You’re Cute: Molly, a Shih Tzu owned by Raeann Lindon of Strasburg; Owner/Dog Look Alike: Miss Tinker, a Morkie owned by Eva Wherley of Dover; Prettiest Female: Maggie, a Dalmatian owned by Sue Toth of New Philadelphia; Handsome Male: Samson, a Bernese mountain dog owned by Debbie Fair of Dover; Smallest Dog: Miss Daisy, a teacup Chihuahua owned by Kerry South of Bremen; Biggest Dog: Denali, a great Dane owned by Morgan Graham of New Philadelphia; Senior Citizen: Speedy Rambo Gonzalez, owned by Natalie Jones of Newcomerstown; Best Costume: Odie, a mini dachshund owned by Kirstin Baker of Dover; Best Twins: Butterscotch and Scamp, labs owned by Karen Stepic of Uniontown and Tom Stepic of Scio respectively; Best Trick: Leon, a pit bull mix owned by Kasey Jones of Dellroy; and Best in Show, Miss Tinker.
Davis plans to host another dog show at Breitenbach Winery next year. She said that any dog can participate in the show and be entered in up to three categories, and community residents of all ages are welcome to attend.
For more information about the Tuscarawas County Humane Society or to make a donation or adopt a pet, visit www.tuschumanesociety.com or call 330-343-6060. The new shelter, at 6895 Dover-Zoar Road in Dover, is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon and 4:30-7 p.m., and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon.