One day during a thunderstorm while at her house in Medora, Leslie Fittro found a long-haired Shih Tzu covered in cockleburs at her doorstep.
After providing some food and water, the 4-month-old puppy left the residence and bolted across town.
It didn’t take long for the dog to return, as he came back to the residence just two weeks later. The second trip, Fittro figured the dog was a stray and let the dog spend the night in her garage.
On the conclusion of a fourth visit weeks later, Fittro decided she would follow the dog to see where it kept going.
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Fittro stumbled upon the residence of an elderly woman who was looking for a new home for the dog because she had a hard time handling him.
While she didn’t know it at the time, Rocky had found a home all on his own.
Rocky, who is now 3½ years old, was one of the competitors this past weekend at the 17th annual Dog Days Dog Show, conducted in the Keach Parking Lot on the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets in Seymour.
Canines of all ages were allowed to compete in two categories each on the morning. Contests included most hair, longest tail, oldest dog, best dressed, most unique, longest ears, dog most resembling owner, precious puppy, best trick, best smile and best rescue story.
Before the judged contest, there also was a timed hot dog hunt where the hounds searched for a chunk of the tasty treat in a pile of old shoes.
Kim Louden of Seymour Animal Hospital, Dr. Paul Rennekamp with St. Francis Pet Hospital and Seymour City Councilman Matt Nicholson judged the dogs.
A set of bleachers was set up on the edge of the lot, and the event, sponsored by the Humane Society of Jackson County and Jackson County Visitor Center, was emceed by Jay Hubbard.
All proceeds from the show benefited the Humane Society of Jackson County, which is a private nonprofit animal welfare organization that has served Seymour for almost three decades. The Humane Society is a no-kill shelter that relies on city money and private donations.
"It gives the people of Seymour an activity to do with their pets," Humane Society vice president Ellen Mirer said. "There aren’t a lot of events where community members can take their dogs. We don’t make too much money off it. It’s just a fun event where people get to spend time with their dogs."
The show was started by Seymour Main Street in 2002, and the Humane Society took over in 2012.
Members of Girl Scout Troop 1239 in Seymour volunteered at the event again this summer.
Girl scout Macy Casner, as she has done for eight straight years, donated $100 of her own birthday money to the Humane Society at the event.
The Girl Scouts also helped pass out awards at the end of the competition.
Proceeds will be designated for the Humane Society’s medical fund to help with medical costs of animals that need surgery or other treatment.