Photos! Sasha Takes Best of Show at Pride of Pets

We’ve got photos from the Pride of Pets Dog Show in Dupont Circle.

A crowd of several hundred people relaxed on the grass of Dupont Circle on a relatively cool Saturday afternoon to take in the 18th Annual Pride of Pets Fun Dog Show.

For a little more than two hours, locals enjoyed the spectacle of Washingtonians (and a handful of suburbanites) showing off 68 of their beloved dogs in 15 fun categories. Categories include Best Tail Wagging, Most Original Costume, Most Glamorous and Most Mysterious Heritage — not your standard dog show categories (winners listed below).

The People’s Choice Best of Show Award went to Sasha, an Ibizan Hound (and dad Tarcisio). Second Place went to Tooshy (and dad Skyler), a Brussels Griffon, while Third Place went to Winnie, a Chow-Golden Retriever Mix (and mom Lauren). “Winnie is a rescue dog,” Lauren said.

All proceeds from the annual event go to PETS-DC (additional donations are always welcome): “PETS-DC is dedicated to improving the health and well being of people living with HIV/AIDS or other disabling conditions and their companion pets. We provide public health education, exercise, pet food, veterinary care, grooming, foster care and adoptions services at no cost to individuals in the Metropolitan Washington area.”

PETS-DC director Dr. Chip Wells said the organization of volunteers currently has 136 clients. “Right now we need help in Alexandria. We need 30 volunteer dog walkers to help in the Potomac Yards area,” Wells said. Visit their website or call (202) 234-7387 to volunteer.

The Winners

In each category First, Second and Third Place prizes were awarded. The final category, People’s Choice Best of Show Award, brought back the winners of the 14 earlier categories. The crowd then helped the judges select the People’s Choice winner with a “clap-off” involving a handful of dogs selected by the judges.

• Best Tail Wagging — 1st Tennyson, 2nd Madison, 3rd, Lumumba.
• Most Affectionate — 1st Zoe, 2nd Linus, 3rd Ritchie.
• Best Mirror Image — 1st Roxie, 2nd Nigel, 3rd Cody.
• Most Obedient — 1st Tootsie, 2nd Lonnie, 3rd Dallas.
• Most Original Costume — 1st Sasha, 2nd & 3rd to the pair of Mottzy & Swiss.
• Least Obedient— 1st Merlin, 2nd Fozzie, 3rd Teddy.
• Most Mysterious Heritage — 1st Norah, 2nd Daphne, 3rd Gypsy.
• Terrific Pet Tricks — 1st Winnie, 2nd Mottzy, 3rd Hoshi.
• Best Puppy — 1st Boo, 2nd Jazzie, 3rd Baxter.
• Best Senior Dog — 1st Fuzzy Bear, 2nd Zoom, 3rd Maya.
• Best Pairs — 1st Swan & Chelsea, 2nd Linus Baxter & Cosby, 3rd Madison & Wilson.
• Most Glamorous — 1st Sasha, 2nd Jolle Etienne, 3rd Pasha.
• Best Vocal Performance — 1st Tooshy, 2nd Swiss, 3rd Madison.
• Most Adorable
  • Small Dog — 1st Ninja, 2nd Hoshi, 3rd Miss Celie.
  • Larger Dog — 1st Tie between Sammy and Mocha, 2nd Klouffie, 3rd Rocky.
• People’s Choice Best of Show Award — 1st Sasha, 2nd Tooshy, 3rd Winnie.