Really, could anything be more fun than a beauty contest for Bulldogs? You'll just have to go next year to find out. The contest is the annual Butler University Bulldog Beauty Contest which was held October 3rd for the 9th time. I have written in this column before about my attachment to Butler - my parents are alums. I have my dad's corduroy Butler jacket framed and hanging in my store along with his fraternity paddle. His was the class of 1932. The whole back of the jacket is hand embroidered with a Bulldog. As the owner of City Dogs Grocery, we have the honor of being a sponsor of this terrific event. This is a family homecoming festivity open to the public, complete with refreshments and a bouncy house for kids. The word has gotten out and this year the count I heard was that 93 dogs showed up for the judging in eight categories. This was my first time to attend because, although we have been a sponsor, it had conflicted with trade shows and vacations. I vowed not to miss it this year and indeed missed the trade show instead. It was a good call. Sign-in time was 9:45 A.M. but I got there a little early. Mom and Dad are no longer living, but as I walked across that campus on that cool morning, let me tell you, they were there with me in spirit. I absolutely felt it. In life, they would have loved this. I arrived to a great set-up. There was a big skirted stage with a great backdrop including blue and white balloons. Tents were set up as were lots of bleachers for on-lookers. Crisp white stanchions were in place to keep dogs in line. And dogs there were! They came as cowboys, Indians, princesses, angels, football players, you name it. You see, there was a "best dressed" category. The first category was "the cutest" and everyone thought their dog was, so all Bulldogs participated (French, English and American). As they paraded across the stage the standouts were puppies. Who can compete against a puppy? And the winner was. . . .. a sweet little puppy wearing Angel wings. Follow-up categories were Meanest Looking, Best Trick, Best Butler Spirit, Oldest, Youngest, Best Dressed and Best Wannabe. The winners of each of these categories went head-to-head for Best of Show which was won by, believe it or not, for the second consecutive year Mr. Hugo Casey, owned by Butler alumna Kearsten Casey of South Bend. Hugo earned the honor of "Best Butler Spirit" by wearing a No. 54 Matt Howard basketball jersey, wristbands, Dawg Pound cap, basketball necklace/medallion, etc., which advanced him to the final round. He was handsomely rewarded for his efforts with a year's supply of Holistic Select dog food courtesy of Eagle Pack Pet Food/ WellPet and City Dogs Grocery. That's more than a $600 value for Hugo! You can see him "interviewed" on You Tube under Bulldog Beauty Contest. For his part, Hugo was speechless.

So, again I ask, could anything be more fun that a beauty contest for Bulldogs? Possibly a "Westie Walk", taking place as I write this on October 24th. Imagine thirty or more cute little white West Highland Terriers going down the canal and the avenues led by a bag piper. There will be more on that in another article. Yes indeed, pets make you smile.