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Julie's Corner

11-27-2005

Miss America Dog Pageant 
 

The lights were hot shining on the stage, the contestants were nervously waiting in the wings for the famous introduction that has rang out over this pageant for one year! Yup. One year. Welcome to the first Miss America Dog Pageant shown on Animal Planet!  

I must admit. I expected the typical doggie fashion show that is seen all across the country. The one where dogs enter the show ring, run in circles, have a judge in the middle point at them and they get a ribbon.  

Nope. This was the TRUE MISS AMERICA DOG PAGEANT!!! All 51 states and the District of Columbia were represented by a variety of dogs. The dogs ranged from small to large, scruffy to fluffy and bald to boot! The age went from 1 to 11. The hair ribbons, painted nails and little accessories were something to behold. 

Typical to the Miss America Pageant, the contestants were judged on certain criteria. The tricks had to be preformed, the style and grace under the lights were judged, the evening gowns were ogled at and the appeal that the dogs gave off to the judges. 

There were for judges doing the difficult job. One was an AKC ring judge at dog shows, one was the trainer and handler of a current doggie TV star, one was a dog behaviorist and one was an actor. Each dog was judged in four categories. Each category was worth 25% of the total score. Of course, the dog with the highest score was Miss America Dog for the year. 

The 51 dogs were introduced by state and paraded proudly across the stage with there owners. Flashy collars that glittered, shiny leashes that shown coat collar to the best advantage, the ladies marched around. 

After the introduction of all the contestants, the 9 separate (not 10 due to the fact it is a K-9 contest) contestants were called. Breath was held as each name was said. Daisy, Sadie, Elizabeth, on and on. Finally, the last name, Suzie, rang out! The crowd roared!!!! It was obvious that Suzie had the crowd in the palm of her paw!! 

Each dog exited the stage to prepare for their individual talent contest. First, came the border collie/Australian mix. Up a flight of stairs she ran. Then, at the top, she paws’ed, turned and hopped down on her back feet. Not to be stopped, she turned and climbed the same stairs on just her back feet. The crowd was stunned by the depth of her talent! A Great Dane ran an agility course, a Golden Retriever danced with her owner, a Havanesee rolled and jumped through a hoop! Daisy, the Beagle ran to the top of the stairs and darted down again just on her front legs at a run! No one could stop her when she hit the floor. She was playing to the crowd! THEN, SUZIE, CAME OUT!!!! The crowd yelled, clapped, laughed and smiled as she tip-toed across the stage with her red painted nails, her heavily gray face, her little smushed Boston Terrier nose. All of her eleven years did not stop this gracious lady making her entrance. Silenced reigned in the room as Suzie got up on her owner’s lap. Together, they sang an eye watering rendition of “My Dogs Got Fleas”, that famous country music song. Suzie was in rare form hitting the highest notes with ease. With style, at the end of her song, she slowly waddled across the stage. 

The famous fashion contest was to come next. Gowns that are beyond description were worn. Sparkle, spandex, low cut and puffy bouffant skirts (to cover tails, of course) covered the beauties. Black, low cut gowns seemed to be in fashion though a particularly gorgeous hunter green was worn by one contestant. Suzie appeared in a sequenced bodice, rose shaped skirt that flirted with everyone showing her little legs from underneath. 

The final cut of five was made. The Beagle was called, a Jack Russell, oh my gosh!!! Look who was called next! Suzie trots out and gently looks at her owner to place her on the stand that will allow everyone to see her. After one final trip up the stairs, one final dance, one final run, one final song…the forth runner up was announced, the third runner up, the second runner up (of course!!! Suzie!!!), and finally MISS AMERICA DOG!!!! The border collie/Australian Shepard has reached the pinnacle of her life! Her crown was placed on her head and she took that famous walk while being sang to. (Of course, Suzie had to get her last licks in, literally) 

If you have a question or comments contact Julie at juliepnjcf@lycos.com