By Mitchell Banks
Behind the post office in the Keach Parking Lot in Seymour, a pawty featuring dogs of all shapes and sizes happened Saturday morning.
The Humane Society of Jackson County conducted the 19th annual Dog Days Dog Show, which featured 11 categories in which dogs could compete, a hot dog hunt, dog supplies and treats and door prizes.
Treats were provided by Paws-N-Klaws Pet Parlor, and Girl Scout Troops 1239 and 1236 helped run the hot dog hunt.
“We have people come out, they bring their dogs and they can compete in up to two categories,” said Jamie Jones, president of the Humane Society of Jackson County. “It’s really just a fun event for people to come out.”
The categories included the dog with the most hair, longest tail, oldest, best dressed, most unique, longest ears, most resembling owner, precious puppy, best rescue story, best trick and best smile.
Christina McMurray from 92.7 Nash Icon WXKU emceed the dog show, and Dr. Paul Rennekamp, Kim Louden and Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson were judges.
Jones said the Humane Society has been in charge of the event for about eight years, and Seymour Main Street was one of the original organizers.
Last year, the dog show was canceled because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Jones said she was excited it was able to take place again this summer, and she was very happy with the turnout.
MaryAnna Moore, who attended the dog show for the first time with her dogs, Disco and Lola, said she thought it was “super awesome.”
She also said she decided to go because she loves dogs.
“I feel confident that we’re going to have fun no matter what happens,” she said.
Zoey Huckleberry came to the show with her 3-month-old bloodhound puppy, Daisy Mae. The dog won the longest ears award at 7½ inches. She said she had not been to the dog show before, either, but had a good time. When she arrived, she said Daisy Mae was excited to see other dogs and people.
Monty Casner brought his dog, Jen, and entered her into best dressed, dog most resembling owner and best rescue story. He took home awards in the latter two categories.
Jen is a Shih Tzu-Bichon mix, or a teddy bear breed. The dog originally was owned by Casner’s mother, Audrey. Around nine years ago when she was looking for a dog, he found Jen online and bought it for her for $600, the most he said they had paid for a dog, but it was worth it because of how well they bonded with Jen.
He called Jen his mom’s “total companion.” This past February, Audrey died, and Monty took ownership of Jen. He said being with her has given both him and Jen a way of connecting to his mother. Monty said she’s with him all of the time now and enjoys living on the family’s 3½ acres of land.
Jen was dressed as Jedi Obi-Jen Kedoggy in the best dressed contest. The inspiration for the outfit was from a picture Casner took years ago of Jen in a bath towel after being bathed. He made a Star Wars joke to his mother after showing her the picture and said it was one of her favorite pictures.
Betty, owned by Humane Society board member Ellen Mirer, won the oldest dog title. Betty is around 15 years old, and Mirer said she obtained her 11 years ago. At the time, the owners said she was 6, but Mirer didn’t believe it.
Mirer said she has been to the dog show many times and always has fun. She said she always brings Betty because she is her best dog for going out and doing things.
The Jackson County Visitor Center helped sponsor the event, and The Big Fix of Jackson County offered information about its low-cost spay and neuter program, microchipping and water for dogs and humans.
Proceeds raised from the dog show benefited the Humane Society of Jackson County medical fund, which helps with the cost of medical treatment for ill or injured dogs and cats.