July 10, 2012 > Pooch Pow Wow registration is open Pooch Pow Wow registration is open No Pedigree? No Problem! By Keith Elrod After months of preparation and anticipation, the Niles Dog Show has finally arrived! The Pooch Pow Wow, hosted by the Niles Main Street Association, offers canines a chance to show off their best talents, assets, and even good looks. This fun family event is celebrating its 14th anniversary. Come and enjoy the contest where man and his best friend vie for top honors. And don't forget the whimsical doggie water park to keep our canine companions cool. We are also honored by a demonstration by Fremont PD's finest K9 "Dax" with Officer Lambert, and his fellow officer Dennis Baca and K9 "Harkos" Mutts and purebreds alike will be judged in six fun classes: Best Costume, Prettiest Female, Handsomest Male, Most Unusual Mix, Oldest Dog, and Best Rescue Story. Competitors are sure to wow the audience and fellow contestants once more with their unique motifs. Previous year's costume winners have shown galactic power as the entire cast of Star Wars and biker skills as a motor biker with biker "chick." However, simple costume concepts have been just as effective as the elaborate, such as the beekeeper and his pug dressed as a bumblebee and a gold prospector and his "mule." In addition to demonstrations, the Pow Wow includes dog games, a prize draw, and an Information Center staffed with Ohlone Humane Society (OHS) volunteers with years of personal and professional canine experience. OHS and other rescue organizations will offer dogs for adoption during the event. Retail booths with pet supplies, unique gifts, canine art, and other items will be open to spectators; food and drink vendors and a pancake breakfast will be available. Show participants must register and pay an entry fee of $20 the day of the show, which includes a goodie bag and entry in one class. 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/dogshow.html or call Deborah Carey, registrar (510) 790-0306. If you are planning to enter, register your pooch soon; only the first 200 dogs will be admitted to the show. Pooch Pow Wow and Canine Convention Saturday, July 21 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Niles Community Park 3rd & H Street, Fremont (510) 790-0306 http://www.niles.org/dogshow.html