The click-clack of paws on pavement was abundant at the Keach Parking Lot on the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets in downtown Seymour Saturday morning.

Twelve dogs and 10 owners from Seymour and Paoli competed at the 22nd annual Dog Days Dog Show, hosted by the Humane Society of Jackson County.

Beth Butler, whose dog Bella won best rescue story, shared her background with the crowd. Butler said she drove to northern Ohio to rescue Bella when she was less than a year old.

“As soon as she saw me, she came running to me, so I knew it was going to be a perfect match,” Butler said. “The story I was given is that the first family that had her mistreated her, and then the second family, I think the kids were too rough with her, so she was a perfect fit for my husband and I since we were older. And she’s living her best life now.”

Charlotte Keefer of Seymour brought Monkey and Benji along to the show, both mixed breeds.

“My daughter used to bring her dogs up and we kind of got away from it in the last few years,” Keefer said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to take these guys and see if they can win anything.’”

Keefer said Monkey and Benji were both rescue dogs.

“My son found Monkey walking down the street and picked him up and brought him home,” Keefer said. “Benji, my granddaughter brought him to my husband after my husband’s dog passed away, and he was all matted — you couldn’t even see his eyes, he was covered in fleas — and we just took him in. He’s been one of the kids ever since.”

Like Monkey and Benji, miniature Dachshund Bently also competed for the first time this year. Bently’s owner Kathy Hohenstreiter said helping the Humane Society was her primary motivator in entering Bently.

“It’s just a good cause to help the Humane Society,” Hohenstreiter said. “And we kind of think he’s cute.”

Hohenstreiter said Bently entered her life in January after her family had to put down one of their other dogs.

“He’s brought us a lot of joy from the loss,” Hohenstreiter said.

Girl Scout Troop Leader Missy Casner spoke before the crowd about her daughter Macy’s efforts to receive a Girl Scout Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor. To receive that honor, a Girl Scout must submit a project proposal to their council that addresses a problem in their community or that will make a lasting change. Macy devised an idea for a pet memorial garden at the Humane Society at Freeman Field Industrial Park on Seymour’s far west side.

“It’s almost complete, they’re doing some final stuff,” Casner said. “One of the things they’re doing, you can support the Humane Society and also have a brick in the garden.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the garden is to be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 2 at the Humane Society at 1109 G Ave. West.

Macy called in to the show from Purdue University at West Lafayette to personally invite the crowd and thank them for attending the dog show.

“Thank you guys for coming out there, it means a lot to the Humane Society,” Macy said. “I would love to invite you out there on Labor Day so we can see the ribbon-cutting for the first time at the new pet memorial garden. It would mean a lot to all of us.”

Becky Bujwid, Humane Society board member, said she is grateful for events like the dog show because they’re a good way to get to know the community and reintroduce the organization’s efforts.

“We love having the dog show,” Bujwid said. “It’s just so fun to see all the different dogs and the enthusiasm that it brings to the community. They just show up, probably not expecting to win a prize, but maybe they will.”

Local radio personality Jay Hubbard with 92.7 WXKU and 99.3 FM/1390 AM WZZB emceed the show, while Kim Louden, Dr. Paul Rennekamp and Jordan Richart served as judges.

Sponsors of this year’s show included the Jackson County Visitor Center, Paws-N-Klaws Pet Parlor and Tractor Supply Co. They provided advertising, treat bags and door prizes. The city’s parks and recreation department and Girl Scout Troop 1236 and 1239 also volunteered.

Each registrant received a goodie bag and was entered to win a door prize.

Registration fees and monetary donations help with the various expenses related to caring for dogs and cats who come into the Humane Society’s shelter, including medical treatments for the many animals who arrive at the shelter ill and/or injured.

Winners of the 2024 Dog Days Dog Show:

Most Hair: Jack, Bernese Mountain Dog, Amy Birk

Longest Ears: Snoopy, Beagle, Ellen Mirer

Best Smile: Bella, Shi Tzu/Yorkie mix, Beth Butler

Longest Tail: Jack, Bernese Mountain Dog, Amy Birk

Grayest Muzzle: Monkey, mix, Charlotte Keefer

Best Smile: Bella, Shi Tzu/Yorkie mix, Beth Butler

Precious Puppy: Cashew, Labrador Retriever, Damon Tarr

Best Booty Shake: Bently, Mini Dachshund, Kathy Hohenstreiter

Most Unique: Disco, mixed, Aaron and MaryAnna Garrett

Most Resembling Owner: Duke, Golden Retriever, Madison and Trent Darlage

Best Dressed: Jax, Shi Tzu, Teresa Brown

Best Trick: Disco, mixed, Aaron and MaryAnna Garrett

Best Rescue Story: Bella, Shi Tzu/Yorkie mix, Beth Butler

Hot Dog Hunt: Bently, Mini Dachshund, Kathy Hohenstreiter