Fund-raiser showcases shelter dogs

Friday, May 30, 2003 | 4:08 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: May 31, 2003

The Las Vegas Valley's homeless animals will take center stage Sunday in the Animal Foundation's Best in Show.

The fund-raiser showcases dogs from the Lied Animal Shelter, which serves as the Las Vegas pound, that were sent to foster homes for socialization.

The event targets wealthy patrons and businesses. A sponsor puts up $500 for a dog, takes it from the pound, grooms it and enters it in the contest. Prizes include trophies and gold-and-diamond paw-print pins designed by Michael E. Minden and Co. Jewelers.

The sponsor then has the choice of keeping the sponsored dog or putting it up for adoption to those attending the show. Adoption costs $7 to $117, based on the age, breed and length of stay at the shelter.

Alumni dogs, who have already been adopted from the pound, also will be showcased.

Through Friday 45 dogs were entered in the show. About 30 of them will be available for adoption.

Doors open at 4 p.m., with entertainment by The Bird Man. The competition begins at 5 p.m. Sunday at The Orleans Arena. Tickets are $5 and available by calling 284-7777. Tickets also are available at Coast Casinos showrooms or at the Boulevard, Meadows or Galleria at Sunset malls' tickets centers.

American Kennel Club-registered judges will judge the animals, but not by traditional standards. All shelter dogs are spayed or neutered.