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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v09n20)
Howling at the Moon by Susan Smith
posted: Sept. 28, 2012

Howling at the Moon header

Really, could anything be more fun than a beauty contest for Bulldogs? You'll just have to go to find out. The contest is the 12th annual Butler University Bulldog Beauty Contest which is being held October 20th, 2012. I have written often about my attachment to Butler - my parents are alums. As the owner of City Dogs Grocery, we have the honor of being a sponsor of this terrific event. 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.
This is a family homecoming festivity open to the public, complete with a bouncy house for kids. The word has gotten out and more than 100 dogs show up for the judging in eight categories. Although we have been a sponsor, it often conflicts with our trade shows and vacations. The first time I went, I vowed not to miss it and indeed missed the trade show instead. It was a good call. Sign-in time was 9:45 A.M. so 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. That was years ago and now every year the bar raises a little higher. No longer is there a "wannabe" category open to all dogs who want to be a Bulldog for the day. It has evolved to Bulldogs only because the number of entrants has grown annually and it needed to be fine tuned. This year, as of this writing, details are still forthcoming. Go to Butler's website to see what categories there are and how to register. As a spectator, just show up. It is at 2:00 PM on October 20th, 2012, and is a free, hysterically good time. You will laugh your head off. The get ups that these dogs come in are a riot.
There are great prizes per winning category. Holistic Select Dog Food is the chief sponsor giving goodie bags to all who register and a year's worth of dog food to the winner. This is the food Blue II and Blue III are eating. It is made in Mishawaka, Indiana. Speaking of Blue III (Trip, as he is referred to), is the new Butler mascot who was introduced on campus last February. He is the understudy, or intern, and will assume the full role when Blue II retires. At nine months old, he is now bigger than his boss. Butler's Michael Kaltenmark has done an outstanding job with these dogs and has made fun in our community for all to enjoy. It's always refreshing to have some good, fun news in our day and the media loves Butler. So do I.
Pets make you smile and at this special, free event they make you outright laugh. Don't miss it.



Susan Smith is a life-long area resident and is the owner of City Dogs Grocery located at 52nd and College. Send your pet related questions/comments to susan@BroadRippleGazette.com




susan@broadripplegazette.com
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