Where mutts compete for glory

CORNWALL — Calling all mutts and even purebreds looking for fun. As if they are not recognized enough at home, area pets and their owners are gearing up for the Great Country Mutt Show, scheduled for Saturday, June 22, on the Cornwall town Green, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Keen competition is expected in the 10 fun-filled categories, each requiring minimal canine concentration — or talent, for that matter. 

The show’s proceeds will benefit the ongoing rescue program of the Little Guild, led energetically by Abigail Cusick, who is also spearheading a long-range campaign toward needed program expansion at the Cornwall animal rescue center.

During a visit on Saturday, May 25, with Cusick and event chair Bunny Williams, both women brimmed with enthusiasm, backed by know-how. Williams of course is a famed New York designer who has shared her energy with many local organizations.

 Sharing the chairmanship is John Rosselli, who is Williams’ husband and a respected designer in his own right. Event co-chairs are designers Robert Couturier and Jeffrey Morgan of Kent and New York City. The event has pedigree.

“I created this idea 15 years ago in New York City,” said Williams recalling the source of the inspiration to raise awareness for rescue dogs, which are often mixed breeds (sometimes referred to as mutts), and to promote their adoption into good homes. Their intelligence, personalities and temperaments are usually outstanding, she noted.

“Isn’t it crazy that only the purebreds get shown? Why not a show for mixed breeds?” Williams reasoned.

The first mutt show in New York City down at the piers drew 2,000 people and 800 dogs. It was so popular, it was repeated the following year.

“People loved it,” Williams said. “It’s fun.”

For the Cornwall iteration, there will be one show ring and a warm-up ring, Cusick said. Pets will compete in 10 categories, including a challenge named “best lap dog over 40 pounds.” The large but loving dogs will need to find their owners, who will be seated in arm chairs. The winning pet will put on the most convoluted, and therefore entertaining, settling-down performance.

Other categories include waggiest tail; easiest carry-on; best trick (any trick); best powder puff; sweetest; dog that looks most like his or her owner; and most unidentifiable mix.

“It’s a little loose; it’s a mutt show,” Williams added.

Offering advice on how pets should prepare for the competition, Williams advised, “First, have a bath and a brush.” Plenty of rest is also recommended. They should just be their best mutt selves, she said.

“Come as you are, but please have a bath,” was the final reiterated piece of advice.

More information and registration details can be found at www.greatcountrymuttshow.com. All dogs are welcome.