By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Depot Days is featuring a new attraction this year: Dog Day Afternoon, a dog show for small dogs.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Depot Day annual fundraiser set for 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at the Orange Railroad Depot Museum, 1210 Green Avenue, in Orange.

The contest, for small dogs up to 20 pounds, will be held in a special area on the grounds, judged by a panel of expert judges.

“We tried to make sure we had everything covered from a ‘watering’ station for the dogs to a tent for the judges,” Friends of the Orange Depot President and Founder Carrie Woliver said.

Judges are Larry Spears Jr., Theresa Beauchamp, Gary Stelly, Peggy Claybar and a secret fifth judge whose name has not been released as yet.

The area on the north side of the depot will be fenced off for the contest. The area will include a ‘watering’ station for the furry contestants as the judges determine the gnarliest, sassiest, friendliest, waggiest tail, grumpiest, most creative costume, the tallest, smallest, best kisser, most creative hairstyle, best pet-owner lookalike and best costume.

Pre-registration fee is $5 per dog per category and $10 per dog per category the day of the event. Dog owners can enter as many categories as they choose.

Owners will lead their dog on a leash in front of the judges, as in national dog competitions. Shot records from the veterinarian for the contestant is required.

The contest is from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Entrance registration forms can be found on the website www.orangetxdepot.org and payment by credit card can be paid by clicking the Donation button. Then the filled in forms should be emailed to depotday@orangetxdepot.org or mailed with a check to Friends of the Orange Depot, PO Box 2654, Orange, TX 77631.