People, Pups Pack Park for Pooch Pageant
by Morri Mostow
Despite cold and threatening
weather, hundreds of dog lovers, many accompanied by their pets, turned out for
Knowltons 2nd Annual Dog Pageant on Victoria Day. Clarinettist Danny
McAuley, in top hat and tails, paraded the dogs into Coldbrook Park to the tune of
How Much is That Doggie in the Window. Dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes
mingled, played games, won treats and ribbons all with nary a bark or growl. The
dogs were obedient and patient, until master of ceremonies Marc Belliveau, owner of Pur
Animal in West Brome, uttered the fateful word cookies. As if on cue, a dozen or so dogs strained at their
leashes to stick their snouts in the biscuit basket.
For the second year in a row,
Henry, from Paddies won the Blue Ribbon for Best In Store Dog. P.J and
Sam from England Hill took second, and RoCoCos Jackson placed third. Public voting
for Best In Store Dog and
registrations for the Open Invitational raised more than $1,400 for the Montérégie SPCA and Frontier Animal Society. Last year, the pooches fundraising efforts brought in $1,100.
Organizers and merchants
sported Victorian boaters, bonnets, knickerbockers, top hats and tails, kindly loaned by
Knowlton Players. Congratulations to the Pageant committee, judges, helpers, and the
Knowlton SDC for a hugely entertaining and successful event.