July 25, 2006 > Niles lets the dogs out

by Janet Grant

The dog days of summer are truly coming to Niles as the 8th annual Niles Dog Show gets underway on Saturday, July 29. The Pooch Pow Wow and Canine Convention motto is "No Pedigree? No problem!" as any dog regardless of heritage or looks can have its day in the sun. All compete in fun categories of: Best Costume, Best Performer, Best Rescued, Prettiest Female, Handsomest Male, and Most Unusual Mix.

Your beloved family pet can show off his or her talents and skills in this one-of-a-kind event benefiting the Niles Main Street Association and the Ohlone Humane Society. Awards will be presented in every class by local elected VIPs, and it might just be your pooch _ whether stylish, clever, loyal, appealing, or comical that walks away with one.

If you are an animal lover, this show is not to be missed. Remarkable demonstrations will run throughout the day offering entertainment and a look at the rewarding relationship between dog and man.

The amazing Oso the dancing dog will be back this year performing canine freestyle dancing and entertaining the crowd with a circus routine with his human partner Meta the Clown. Oso is a 2 1/2-year-old Border Collie who not only holds a freestyle dance title from the World Canine Freestyle Organization but also an advanced sheep herding title from the American Herding Breed Association. Oso, Meta and some of their friends will also be demonstrating their skills at duck herding.

The Tri-City Animal Shelter's new Mobile Adoption Center will be making its debut at this year's show. The 33-foot GMC cab-over style recreational vehicle doubles as a mini-clinic and an adoption center. Come and take a look at how the Tri-Cities are taking Animal Services on the road!

Don't have a dog? The Ohlone Humane Society (OHS) can help you. The OHS information booth is staffed with volunteers with years of personal and professional canine experience. They will be offering dogs for adoption during the show and are joined this year by rescue organizations like Golden Gate Bassett Rescue, German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California, and the Amazing Greys.

There will be something for everyone as food vendors and retail booths offering pet supplies, unique gifts and canine art will be available. A special doggie water park will also be set up for your thirsty companion.

Admission is free to spectators, but show participants must register and pay an entry fee of $20 on the day of the show which includes a goodie bag and entry in one class. Entries in additional classes are $5 each. Pre-registration is recommended, and pre-paid entries receive a $5 discount. Participants may register online at www.niles.org or call (510) 742-9868. Only the first 200 dogs will be admitted to the show. Dogs must be at least 6 months old with a current license and be on a leash at all times.

This show is made possible through the cooperation of the Alameda County Water District, East Bay Regional Parks, the city of Fremont, and the hard work of community volunteers from Niles Main Street and the Ohlone Humane Society.

This event will be sign language interpreted for the hearing impaired.

8th Annual Niles Dog Show
Saturday, July 29
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Niles Community Park at 3rd and H streets
Niles District, Fremont
(510) 742-9868

Show Schedule
9:00 a.m. - On-Site Registration (After show starts, register at the Main Street Booth)
10:00 a.m. - Welcome and Demonstration
10:15 a.m. - Best Costume
10:45 a.m. - Prettiest Female
11:30 a.m. - Best Performer
11:45 a.m. - Best Rescued Dog
12:00 p.m. - Lunch Break
12:30 p.m. - Special Awards (Best Veteran - oldest dog,  Best Look-A-Like - dogs who look most like their owners, and Best Odd Couple - dog/handler idiosyncratic combos.)
1:00 p.m. - Most Unusual Mix (aka "Ugliest Dog")
1:30 p.m. - Demonstration
2:00 p.m. - Most Handsome Male
2:45 p.m. - Prize Drawing