Tails waggin’ but not draggin’ at the WestMuttster dog show
Funds raised help Gilpin animals
“Most Likely to Eat You if You Died.” That was the category and our vote went to a mixed breed giant named, Guiness. He won ribbons in several categories at the WestMuttster Dog Day Afternoon on Sunday. So did Molson (Longest Tail), Buddy Boy (Least Hair on Tail), Kimberly (Best Trick), Sugar (Worst Breath) and Buddy (Oldest Dog). Then there was Bailey, Mikey, Angel, Woody, Bella, Twitch, B.C., Minnie, Roscoe, Gabby, Wilba, Buford and a whole gang of canine contenders for events so numerous and unique, every dog had his or her day. Mountain, with his indefinite tail, won “Most Likely to Fail the AKC Standard.” Harley dog, Cody (with goggles, even), took home the prize for “Best Costume.”
The WestMuttster (the eighth annual this year) is a fundraiser for Charlie’s Place, a.k.a. the Clear Creek-Gilpin County Animal Shelter. Gilpin County contributes $60,000 annually to have patrol and shelter service. Animal control comes under the jurisdiction of the Gilpin Sheriff’s Office. They’d much rather return an animal to its owner; transporting an animal to the shelter is always a last resort, said Sheriff Bruce Hartman. About one fifth of the animals cared for at Charlie’s Place, located in Dumont, originate from Gilpin. While they’re there, the animals may need medical care. The WestMuttster is conducted by the Friends of Charlie’s Place, who raise funds to provide it. The event is open to all mutts and purebreds (and their dogs, too) with a registration fee of only $5. Dog (and people) watchers got in for only $2. Kids under twelve were free. With such a diverse group and so much going on, it was hard to tell who was having the most fun.
In addition to the judged competitions there was also an obstacle course (with a “weenie tree” reward system), Frisbee catch and the Speed Demon dogs flyball team (stay out of their way and heaven help us if they run out of balls!) The event, held on the football field in Idaho Springs, offers a chance for folks to showcase their own dogs and the opportunity for Charlie’s Place to showcase the shelter dogs, distinguished by their snazzy vests imprinted with “Adopt Me.” There were dogs of every size, age, color and disposition. All of them were enjoying the sunshine, expanse of grass, dips and drinks in numerous blue plastic kiddie pools and of course, all that attention as folks stopped to pet and talk to them.
KGOAT Radio (that’s KYGT 102.7 FM) set up a sound system and stage area for the “Dogmatics” and the “Ben & Zack Show” to provide live music as dogs and their owners prepared for events or waited for the judges to rule. “I Want to be Your Salty Dog,” seemed an appropriate song in the background as announcer Susan Romeo daringly commanded canines “Show me your teeth!” (It was the “Best Smile” competition.) Clear Creek County officials Sheriff Don Krueger, JoAnn Sorenson, Director of Land Use and County Commissioner Harry Dale (who got the questionable privilege of judging the Worst Breath contest) decided First, Second and Third placement (based on how much they were bribed). Prizes awarded had all been donated by PetCo. Angelyne, the Amazing Deaf Cattle Dog, gave two performances, responding to hand signals. She jumped through hoops and did various other tricks, including flipping treats from her nose and catching them with a toothy snap. On the sidelines were various booths offering services (like Gilpin’s Sandy’s Bath House), pet toys and products, information for pet owners, food (hot dogs, of course) and drinks. The show was sponsored by a long list of community organizations, both private and governmental, as well as local businesses. Charlie’s Place is known for low euthanasia rates and high home-finding abilities. The WestMuttster is just one way, a tail-waggingly good way, to help support them as they help our animals.