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September 30, 2006

Dogs rule the day at Depot Park

By Jimmy Simms

Depot Park went to the dogs Saturday — literally.

Scores of dog lovers and their properly primped and pedicured pooches, gathered at the park for Doggie Daze, a friendly competition that judges pets in various categories ranging from waggiest tail to best kisser.

The annual event is sponsored by the Cullman Area Animal Welfare Association.

All breeds and sizes of dogs competed for first, second and third place ribbons in addition to a championship trophy.

Mary Dean was there with both of her pets, “Josie”, a Chinese Pug, so tiny she can sit on the palm of your hand and “Ozzie”, an Old English Mastiff, which at 232 pounds more closely resembles a small horse than a dog.

“At eight weeks old he weighed 35 pounds and now at 19 months he weighs 232 pounds,” Dean said. “Josie is my little baby and Ozzie is my big baby.”

Kristy Morton of West Point entered her pit bull “Sassy” in the ugliest dog competition, “but I really don’t think she’s ugly,” Morton said.

There was also “Tina,” the bulldog, looking all cute and sharp in her cowgirl outfit.

There were dogs wearing bandanas, dogs wearing Alabama and Auburn garb, dogs wearing denim vests and dresses, one with angel’s wings and at least one ballerina, but the star of the show, if there was one, had to be “Huntley,” a rat terrier that won the most talented competition hands, or rather, paws down.

Huntley is a talented dog who can do at least 15 individual tricks including the usual shaking hands, sitting, rolling over and playing dead, but that’s only the beginning, says his owner and handler Kenneth Helton of West Point.

“Huntley can jump through a hoop on command. He can walk on his hind legs, climb a ladder and jump and catch a ball in mid-air,” Helton said.

Asked when it was he first realized Huntley had a talent for tricks, Helton said most rat terriers have a natural talent for tricks and stunts.

“Huntley has actually taught me a lot about rat terriers,” Helton said. “It’s amazing how easy they are to train and how quickly they can pick up things.”

As for the event itself, Helton said he thinks it’s a great way for dog owners to get together and show off their pets.

“This is a wonderful event. They should have more events like this,” Helton said.

Sherri Davis, who helped coordinate Doggie Daze, said she was impressed with Saturday’s turnout.

“We’ve had a lot of repeat visitors, but also quite a few new visitors. Obviously there are a lot of pet lovers in Cullman and surrounding areas,” Davis said. “Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves and the dogs have all been on their best behavior.”

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