July 12, 2011 Pooch Pow Wow: No Pedigree? No Problem!

Pooch Pow Wow: No Pedigree? No Problem!

Submitted By Deborah Carey

After months of preparation and anticipation, the Niles Dog Show has finally arrived! The Pooch Pow Wow, hosted by the Niles Main Street Association, offers canines a chance to show off their best talents, assets, and even good looks. This fun family event is celebrating its 13th anniversary with activities provided by Java Dog Training Center and Jump’n Java Agility (www.javadogtrainingcenter.com/). Dogs and their human companions learn safe and enjoyable ways to navigate obstacles while building confidence. And don’t forget the whimsical doggie water park to keep canine companions cool. The Pow Wow will also be honored by a demonstration of Fremont PD’s finest… K9 “Dax” with Officer Lambert, and fellow officer Dennis Baca and K9 “Harkos.”

Mutts and purebreds alike will be judged in six fun classes: Best Costume, Prettiest Female, Handsomest Male, Most Unusual Mix, Oldest Dog, and the newest category, “Handlers under the age of 12.” Competitors are sure to wow the audience and fellow contestants once more with unique motifs. Previous costume winners have shown galactic power as the entire cast of Star Wars and biker skills as a motor biker with biker “chick.” However, simple costume concepts have been just as effective when the beekeeper and his pug dressed as a bumblebee, and a gold prospector and his “mule” took top honors.

Aside from demonstrations, an Information Center staffed by Ohlone Humane Society (OHS) volunteers with years of personal and professional canine experience will be on site. OHS and other rescue organizations will be offering dogs for adoption during the event. Retail booths offering pet supplies, unique gifts, canine art, and other items will be open for spectators. Food and drink vendors will also be present.

Show participants must register and pay an entry fee of $20 on the day of the show, which includes goodie bag and entry in one class. Additional classes are $5 each. Pre-registration is recommended, and pre-paid entries receive a $5 discount. Participants may register online at www.niles.org/dogshow.html or call registrar Deborah Carey at (510) 790-0306. So if you are planning on entering, register your pooch soon, because only the first 200 dogs will be allowed to participate in the show.

Pooch Pow Wow and Canine Convention
Saturday, July 16
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Niles Community Park
3rd and H Street, Fremont
(510) 790-0306
www.niles.org/dogshow.html

Free Admission
$20 for dog participation