DOGS TO STRUT THEIR STUFF

Organizers preparing for Best in Show

Carolyn McCarrol, left, and Robyne Townsend each hold a dog as they wait their turn to show them during the Lied Animal Shelter Best of Show event at the Orleans Arena in 2006. View file photo Donna Armstrong gets a kiss from her dog JoJo at the Lied Animal Shelter Best in Show Event in 2006. View file photo Advertisement

On Saturday, the Orleans Arena is going to the dogs. The venue is hosting the Animal Foundation's annual Best In Show event, complete with 60 canines strutting their stuff.

"This event is all about the animals," said Dale Wynn, co-chair of the event and chairman of the board for the Animal Foundation. "It raises money so we can continue to provide a great atmosphere for the animals."

The Best In Show event is held each year to raise awareness about the animals in the shelter. Wynn estimates there are 150 dogs available for adoption right now.

"There's no need to ever go to a pet store," she said. "The key is to spay and neuter your pets."

Last year, Cassie Stadtlander and her family became Spring's heroes. The family fostered the little husky before last year's competition, and when the big day came, Spring was adopted. The Stadtlanders wanted to keep in touch with Spring, and as a result made friends with the family who adopted her.

"We just had a really great experience," Stadtlander said. "She was named Shadow, but she springs up into the air, straight up, so we re-named her Spring. It was very gratifying for us to help her be integrated into a family."

According to the chairman of the board, there were 51,000 animals dropped off at the shelter last year. "It's an epidemic that needs to be controlled," Wynn said.

Sponsors who pay $1,000 to $10,000 for the event are invited to a silent auction and brunch catered by Master Chef Gustav Mahler prior to the main event, the Best In Show competition. Best In Show features about 60 shelter dogs competing in front of national American Kennel Club judges for the title, after which they will be available for adoption by attendees. Last year's event saw all but a few of the dogs adopted on the event day, and the last few were adopted the day after, according to Wynn.

"You're surrounded by dog lovers," Stadtlander said. "It's a perfect opportunity to go in and see a dog that needs a family."

Frankie Scinta is set to emcee the day's proceedings and other entertainment includes magician Steve Wyrick and an Elvis impersonator. All entertainment and items used for the show are donated, according to Wynn.

"People are incredible when it comes to the animals," she said.

Tickets for the Animal Foundation's Best In Show are $12.50 for adults and $5 for children and seniors. They can be purchased at www.orleansarena.com. Doors open at 12 p.m. and the show starts at 1 p.m.