I always sign off my column by saying "pets make you smile" because they do. Here are two examples: The CFA Cat show and the Butler Bulldog Beauty Contest. Both are annual events, extreme opposites, free or cheap, and so much fun to attend.

On October 30th/31st (2010), at the State Fairgrounds, was the first cat show. If you missed it you can attend the Cat Fancier Association's next show on November 20th/21st starting at 10:00 AM. The whole family can go for $12.00. It's an educational experience because you will see every breed of cat and they are splendid. My favorite at the October show was a Manx (they're tail-less). This boy came in from Texas and was a major champion with 30,000 frequent flier miles under him. He must be out every weekend strutting his stuff. It is fun to watch them being judged in the ring. It is a little confusing to understand so don't be afraid to ask questions or better yet learn about the judging first on the internet. I think it is more complicated than dog shows. Cat people love to talk about their kitties and you can gain good information on cat care from them. They are the experts. Be advised that these cats are prima donnas so don't touch without asking (you might ruffle their fur before they are being judged).

On October 23rd, Butler held its 10th Bulldog Beauty Contest in conjunction with its homecoming weekend. This is always a blast and a favorite family activity that couples the dogs with the kids. There's a bouncy house for the kids and gifts for the dogs. This year was the biggest and best ever with 124 dogs participating in eight categories including: cutest, meanest looking, youngest, oldest, best trick, best dressed, wannabe and overall best winner. The panel of judges were wowed (not bow wowed) by the creativity. The best dressed came dressed in hula grass skirts, nun's habits, grapes, owner and dog matching sweaters (very chic and stylish), frogs, sunflowers and ballerinas to name a few. And then there was Hercules who came dressed as "Dog the Bounty Hunter". This dog was a hoot and had the standing-room-only crowd in stitches when he strolled out on the stage with a blond wig and leather biker accessories. He won Best in Show and made his mom, Gale Ann Wolfbrndt-Penno proud. He was so funny the way he worked the crowd. He just sat there and hammed it up. In the end it turned out that no dog was so deserving. They say every dog has his day. This was his. Later his story was told. He had been a neglected pet and lived alone for six years in a garage. He got a new lease on life when he was rescued by Gale. If I had been a judge I would have voted in the categories of youngest, cutest and wannabe for Everett James Kaltenmark who is the newest addition of the Butler University family. He is the baby son (born 10-10-10) of Michael and Tiffany Kaltenmark who are the caretakers of Blue II, the Butler mascot and host of this special event. Michael does a marvelous job organizing this great contest which will be held Oct. 22nd next year. Jenny Denton of Red Hydrant Photography did a super job capturing it all for you to see. Go to their web site to see more than two hundred photos of all the great dogs and the fun that was had by all. Click on client gallery. Now what really makes me smile, when you go to this site, you will see how some owners look like their dogs. I think that should be a contest category. Believe it or not you will see that at the cat show too.

This time I will sign off by saying VETS make you smile. Thank you to our veterans. Where would we all be without you? God bless you and happy Veterans' Day!