Border collie wins ‘Best in Show’

 

Everyone was a winner at the Parks, Library and Recreation Department’s annual Kids Pet Show on Saturday.

The event, held this year at Earl Franklin Park on Front Street, featured four contestants. Pets were able to enter as many of the five categories offered as they wished.

Jazmin Renteria, 12, and her pet corgi, Tank, were the sole entry in the Least Motivated category and took home first place.

The Most Friendly contest had three entries. Six-year-old Veronica Renteria and her Chihuahua puppy, Dixie, won first in the division. Menni Renteria and his border collie, Pickles, came in second, while the orange tabby, Gannon, shown by Claire Park took third place.

All four contestants competed in the Adorably Cute contest, with the prizes going to: third, Tank; second, Pickles; and first, Dixie.

While the contestants only entered three of the divisions, the judges awarded a fourth first prize for the Most Exotic pet category to Gannon, as he was the only cat in the contest.

After determining the division winners, the judges then had to vote for the Best in Show. The plaque for the top award went to Menni and Pickles.

Following the pet show, the PLR Department held a grand opening ceremony for the Earl Franklin Park dog park. The department served up hot dogs from the city of Sterling’s grill and held a ribbon cutting, welcoming several area residents and their dogs.

PLR Director Wade Gandee shared a brief history of the dog park, which was funded in part by community donations spearheaded by a local teen girl. Gandee also showed pictures of some agility equipment the city hopes to install in the park as funding is available. The first piece — which features ramps up to a platform — is expected this week.

Sara Waite: 970-526-9310, swaite@journal-advocate.com