MOUNT VERNON — In what has become an annual tribute to the dog days of summer, Mount Vernon went to the dogs at the August First Friday.
Although it was rather ruff listening to emcees Joe Rinehart and Ian Ernsberger tell dog jokes during the parade, they redeemed themselves when they interviewed the dogs and their contestants.
It was quickly apparent that the dogs had better timing and fewer “paws” in their delivery than Rinehart and Ernsberger.
Rufferee, dressed in zebra stripes, entered the parade with his handler, who was dressed in scarlet and gray. As his human explained, the name fits perfectly because Rufferee is blind. Rufferee wisely remained silent when Ernsberger asked about the team up north.
A matching bride and groom wore the outfits they wore in their human’s wedding. Other four-legged entrants included a lion, hot dog, and one ready to go snorkeling.
Although the judges had a hard time deciding, they finally narrowed the field to three weiners:
• Best in Show: Ansley Ann, a 1-year-old Yorkie dressed as a prima ballerina. Owner Erika Mason of Fredericktown came dressed as a teacher.
• Dog the judges most want to take home: Kay, a 5-year-old mini Aussie doodle dressed as pumpkins. Kay belongs to Erika Boucher of Galion.
• Most creative costume: 7-year-old Sadie, an Australian shep/blue heeler dressed as a fish. Owner Zoe Bricker of Mount Vernon dressed as a fisherman.
Before and after the parade, the dogs ran around in circles playing with each other as their owners visited with friends and promenaded around Public Square and down South Main Street.
Because, of course, it’s really hard for dogs to run in squares.
WNZR radio at Mount Vernon Nazarene University coordinated the parade.
(Below are Cheryl Splain’s photos.)
