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What is this?
photo by Ben Hillyer
What did the banana say to the hot dog? Well at the Bark in the Park only Sam Houck, the cocker spaniel, and Buster Brown, the dachsund know for sure. Sam the banana was dressed by his owner Shelia Houck and Buster, who won second place in the best costume contest, was dressed by his owner June Brown.
Pups put on a show in park
Published Sunday, September 20, 2009
NATCHEZ — Dressed from head to paw in a sheriff’s costume, Phatman Hurk, a red square-headed bulldog, was the pup to beat at Saturday’s Bark in the Park dog show.
Hurk and his owner, David Hollingsworth, took first place in the best costume contest at the event.
“I think he looks pretty cute,” Hollingsworth said looking down at Hurk. “This is his first time getting dressed up and he was very passive about the whole thing.”
And Hurk wasn’t the only decked out dog at Saturday’s fundraising event for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society event.
There was a cocker spaniel dressed as a banana, a dachshund dressed like a hot dog, one dog in a bikini and even one in pink shoes.
“This is the only time most people will get together with their pets for an entire day outside,” NACHS Board Vice President Nan Garrison said. “And it benefits the humane society, it’s great for all of us.”
Garrison said while the entrance fees collected at the gate won’t cover the humane society’s yearly operating expenses, they’re very appreciated.
“Most people don’t realize the expenses we have,” Garrison said. “The vet bills, the food, it all adds up so fast. We’re grateful for the support.”
Garrison said she felt the overwhelming attendance at Saturday’s event was proof that many in the Natchez-Adams community have a deep love for animals.
Event organizers estimated 200 people and more than 50 dogs attended this year’s Bark in the Park.
Pet owner Betty Pecanty who was at Saturday’s celebration for the first time, said she too was surprised by the number of those in attendance.
Pecanty’s dog Gus Oliver, a yorkie, was wearing a camouflage shirt and suspenders.
“I think he likes dressing up,” Pecanty said looking at Gus. “I think he knows he looks good.”
But Saturday’s event was made of more than just costume contests.
Dogs competed in contests like cutest dog, best smile and even most beautiful.
“It’s just great for all these dogs and their owners,” Pecanty said. “They’re like kids for some of these people.”
Comments
Posted by TX2MS90 (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I really enjoyed this story. It sounded liKe a fun day for. The only thing that could have been better was the pictures. I think Ben needs a few pointers on picture taking. I woul have liked to see a better shot of the first place winner.
Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What about Elmer Carby and his "Most Beautiful" winner, Jasmine Combs?
I wanna see apicture!!!
--mojo
Posted by mrmojorisin (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
OK, I saw the picture.....what happened to Elmer's head???
--mojo
Posted by BHillyer (Ben Hillyer) on September 20, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry you didn't like the pictures TX2MS90. My intention for the photo was to do a riff on the Sheriff taming the law (Old Western sort of thing.) I tried to make it look as if Phatman was the taking charge of the chaos that was Bark in the Park. Sorry if it fell flat. I thought it was a cute idea. I put just a simple photo of the Phatman in the gallery. Just click the link above to see it.
My goal when shooting these events is not to photograph all the winners. I try to capture the spirit of the event. Because the time that I have to shoot these events is limited and I have other events in the area to photograph I am sorry that I can't stay for the whole event.
I apologize if I didn't photograph your pet.
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on September 20, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Ben Hillyer, the local DARE tournament was held Saturday. Probably 1000 children and parents participated, with the event having strong emphasis on drug awareness and education for our local youth. Did you get some pictures of the event? I can't seem to find a single picture or single word of this event in the Democrat? lol
Posted by lilmac (anonymous) on September 21, 2009 at 7:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hi Ben,
I thought you did a great job. I can only imagine how hard it is to cover every event and make everyone happy. The photo of the sheriff was really cute and totally looked like he was in control of the situation!
I look forward to next year when all of our four-legged babies get together again for a wonderful day of chaos! A day with cold noses, costume changes and lots of kisses!
Let's not forget what the event represents. For the love of the animals! If God is willing and the creeks don't rise, Roxanne and I will be there next year.
Posted by crackbaby (anonymous) on September 21, 2009 at 8:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey lilmac, so glad to hear you had a great time. Wasn't there myself, but can only imagine the chaos you speak of. With all the costume changes for the babies and lots of kisses. How did your daughter, "Roxanne" do in the Little Miss Bowie Pageant? Don't know about the creek rising, but my God does state, "BLESSED ARE THE CHILDREN". LOL
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