Canines shine in ‘Hot Dogs for Homeless Dogs’ competitions

GRAND FORKS – Dozens of people, with their furry friends in tow, gathered at Lincoln Park for “Hot Dogs for Homeless Dogs,” an annual event sponsored by Crary Real Estate to benefit Circle of Friends animal shelter.

Vendors served hot dogs, of course, and numerous contests were staged, along with a canine demonstration by the Grand Forks Police Department.

In this ninth-annual event, held Wednesday, $1,850 was raised for the shelter, said Mindy Triske, office manager, who coordinated the event for Crary Real Estate.

“It started out as a very small fundraiser in 2014, but quickly became quite popular and grew rapidly,” Triske said, noting that it was not held in ‘20 and ‘21, due to the COVID pandemic.

Each contest winner received a $100 gift card; the cards were provided by Harry’s Steakhouse, Northern Air Action Park, Scheels and Red Hydrant.

Friends and families consumed hot dogs, while many of their four-legged buddies competed for prizes in the “Best Dressed Pet,” “Best Trick,” “Fastest Fetch” and “Look Alike” contests.

The judges, who evaluated and ranked the competitors in each contest, were Frank White, retired UND professor; TrevorD, a DJ with XL93; and Derek Hoffert, Alerus Center assistant general manager.

Russel Crary served as master of ceremonies.

The Hunting Party, Brooke Gornowicz’ trio of dachshunds – Felix, Sketch and Nettie – won the “Best Dressed” contest. They were outfitted to resemble a deer (with antlers), a raccoon and an orange-vested hunter.

“She was hard to decorate,” Gornowicz said of Nettie, whose eyes were rimmed with white paint to resemble a raccoon.

It felt “awesome” to win the top prize, she said.

Other competitors in “Best Dressed” included a dog dressed as a bumble bee, another as an Oscar Meyer hot dog and yet another as a decorated homemade donut.

The “Best Trick” prize went to Jetson, the Singing Dog, a German shepherd-husky mix that “sang,” prompted by the extended howls of family members and others.

“We won three years ago, too,” said Jess Gowan, who attended with her son Jude, 8. “We got him when he was two months old – now he’s five or six (years old),” Jude said. “He’s not too good at fetching.”

The winners of the “Look Alike” competition, which featured dogs and owners in matching costumes or accessories, were Molly, a yellow Lab cross, and her owner Leo Morrissey, 4. They won with their coordinating pirate outfits.

Mayzie, the Hawaii Diva, Crystal Swoll’s five-year-old Yorkshire terrier, came in a close second.

The winner of the 50/50 raffle was Linda LaPlante. She received $350; the other $350 was donated to the animal shelter.

Several of the Circle of Friends animal shelter’s staff members were on hand, distributing information about the facility, its services and its needs, as well as pet licensing policies. The donation wish list includes fleece blankets, large dog blankets, washcloths and hand towels, cat and durable dog toys, Tide pods, bleach and paper towels.

The shelter staff members also displayed a binder with each page displaying a picture and details about each dog and cat that is eligible for adoption.

“We average 50 to 60 animals” that may be adopted, said Mandi Pinkerton, shelter manager.

She and her colleagues were also seeking people to help out at the shelter.

“We’re always looking for volunteers,” Pinkerton said, “to socialize pets and take dogs outside and stuff like that.”

Other entities raising awareness at the event included a niche-market business, “Poop ‘n’ Scoop” that advertised its help with that necessary but unpleasant task, as well as its other services.

Circle of Friends animal shelter, at 4375 N. Washington St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

For more information, call (701) 775-3732 or visit

www.cofpets.com

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