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By John Hernandez
The San Manuel Elks Lodge will be going to the dogs on Saturday, Apr. 13. The fourth-annual Elks Dog Show Dogs of every size, age and shape will then participate in the 20 categories of contests including Best Trick, Funniest Looking Owner, Best Dancer, Highest Jumper, Fastest Hot Dog Eating Dog, Best Costume and Dog That Looks Most Like Sammy.
Sam Pyritz started the dog show to show off his dog and it has grown in size and fun each year. The show starts with the parade of canines and their best friends marching to the sound of “Who Let the Dogs Out”.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit will be there to put on a demonstration of their highly trained dogs.
The warm weather is bringing out the desert snakes of all types. Jay Smith, renowned dog trainer is offering a bargain price for Rattlesnake Avoidance Training. For only $35 Jay and his rattlesnakes will teach your dog to stay away from the deadly rattlers. You can pre-register for the training by emailing dogsattheriver@gmail.com.
There is an added event this year: Charlotte’s Way, a local animal rescue organization, will be holding an adopt a pet event. These rescue dogs need a good loving home. Proceeds from the Dog Show will go to support Elks charities and the animal rescue group. Food and drinks will be available to purchase including bratwurst, hamburgers, hot dogs and fries.
Dogs may be entered in any individual or all of the 20 categories. The cost for entering your dog into one of the wacky contests is $2 per category, $5 for 3 categories, $10 for 10 categories or $14 will get you an entry in all of the categories. There will be blue ribbon prizes for each category and trophies for the first 5 places in categories to be announced.
Entry forms can be picked up at the Elks Lodge. The show begins at 10 a.m. with registration at 9 a.m. For more information contact Sam Pyritz at (520)385-2669 or Jay Smith (520)709-2203. If you don’t have a dog, come down anyway and enjoy the music, food, dog performances and fun.
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