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Dog Lovers Descend on Winston Wells Ballfield for Wagapalooza

May 12, 2007 — With a couple of woofs and an arf or two, the 40 dogs competing at Saturday's seventh annual Wagapalooza headed off around the ring at the Winston Wells Ballfield.
The event raises money for the Animal Care Center of St. John.
"We're trying to show the children of St. John, in particular, the fun, the joy and the responsibility of pet ownership," said Wagapalooza committee member Suzanne Kirk.
In addition to the dogs and their owners competing for top honors in various categories like best island dog and best puppy, among the many, lots of folks showed up with their dogs just to socialize.
"We're just here to see everybody," Marcia Griswold said, as she and her dog, Miss Maggie May, strolled around the ballfield.
St. John resident Doug Ehle and his island dog, Steffy, were out to support the Animal Care Center.
"We're going to buy a raffle ticket, a T-shirt and stuff," Ehle said.
He said Steffy was very nervous about all the activity, but she seemed to be doing OK.
About 300 people attended the event.
When it came to best tricks, the owners put their dogs through their paces. There were a couple of dogs jumping through hula hoops, but St. John resident Peter Alter and his dog Lucille got a lot of attention because Lucille understands French.
"Bon appetit," Alter said as Lucille trotted over for her snack.
Master of Ceremonies Roger W. Morgan had a few words for Lucille.
"I'll show you she's not a one-language dog. Hasta la vista," he said, urging Lucille off the field.
St. John resident Marvin Glenn wore an "Aged to Perfection" T-shirt as he and his dog Cappy, went round the field in the category of the same name.
And Alan and Candice Greathouse of St. John brought their toy fox terrier, Mitzi, to enter in the best costume contest. Mitzi has only three legs, so the Greathouses dressed her as a pirate.
"We're going for the sympathy vote," Alan Greathouse said.
Paul Devine, a member of the Wagapalooza committee, announced the winners of the children's contest to create a design for next year's commemorative T-shirt.
First place went to Julius E. Sprauve fifth-grader Shemaera Fahie. She said she came up with a drawing of a dog playing fetch with her owner.
"It had mountains and blue sky," she said.
Second prize went to a Gifft Hill School second grader who only wrote down Jackson on the entry form. JoAnne Attika, a sixth-grader at Sprauve, took third.
Wagapalooza judges were Sen. Carmen Wesselhoft, Deputy Public Works Commissioner Ira Wade, Jane Washburn, and Paul Jordan.
Animal Care Center shelter manager Connie Joseph had a passel of kittens waiting for homes.
"There's more at the shelter," she said.
St. John resident Christy Collins was signing on the dotted line to pick one up during the week.
"I have a dog at home who needs a friend," she said.
If you'd like to adopt a dog or a cat, call the Animal Care Center at 774-1625.
The winners:
Best in Show
Allen Greathouse with Mitzie, the three-legged pirate
BABE award for best rescued dog
Emily Evanoff with Hope
Best Island Dog
1. Kirsten Lindsey with Pepper
2. Peter Alter with Lucille
3. Jen Service with Ginger

Best Trick
1. Deanna Somerville with Sweetie
2. Marijean Williams with Rosie
3. Anjali Glenn with Cream

Best Costume
1. Allen Greathouse with Mitzie
2. Justin Holt and Sharin Moran with Roxy
3. Ted Mueller with Maple

Aged To Perfection
1. Sandi Stein with BoJo
2. Steve Crumrine and Susie with Rosie
3. Sheila Karchar with Choppy

Puppy Love
1. The Donnelly Family with Tamarand
2. Fran Soloman with Stella
3. Jennifer Lynn with Rocky

Biggest Lap Dog
1. Dana Barlett with Red Dog
2. Rich Singerle with Mali
3. Patty Mahoney with Mr. Bud

Best Tiny Tugger
1. Barbara Hervy with Rafi
2. Allen Greathouse with Mitzie
3. Rachel Myers with Teaky

Best Kisser
1. Barbara Hervy with Rafi
2. Kirsten Lindsey with Pepper
3. The Donnelly Family with Tamerand

Best Doggy Dancer
1. Dana Barlett with Red Dog

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