A chance to shine: Homeless canines flash winning smiles, styles at Vegas fund-raiser

Heather Rawlyk

Friday, April 30, 2004 | 3:20 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: May 1, 2004

Dozens of area shelter dogs will get a red-carpet welcome as they strut down the runway and vie for new homes at the second-annual Animal Foundation "Best in Show" fund-raiser and adoption event Sunday.

The event, held at The Orleans Arena and hosted by Clint Holmes, will feature between 60 and 70 shelter dogs from the Lied Animal Shelter that are available for adoption, according to Lydia Woltag, head of volunteers for the event.

The shelter dogs will compete in four categories, including small, medium and large breeds and the alumni category for dogs that were previously adopted from the shelter, she said.

"It's our own little Westminster for homeless dogs," Woltag said. "But instead of competing for a trophy, these dogs are competing for new homes."

At 1:30 p.m. the first category of dogs will be escorted down a runway one by one, she added. "Each dog has its own little bio that Clint Holmes will be reading for the audience," she said.

"The dog will come out with a volunteer and Clint Holmes will read a quick bio saying things like, 'Scruffy is a 2-year-old lab mix who loves children and playing Frisbee,' " Woltag said. "It gives the audience a chance to not only see the dog but learn a little about them and their personality."

The event will feature a variety of dogs, from 10-pound Chinese cresteds to golden retrievers, she said.

"There's a dog for everyone," she said.

The featured dogs will be assessed by American Kennel Club judges and receive prizes at the end of the event, she said. Four dogs from each category will receive awards, and the "Best in Show" distinction will be presented to the top shelter dog in the competition.

"We'll have real AKC judges, and these dogs are treated like royalty," Woltag said. "It makes the community aware of what beautiful and wonderful pets these homeless and abused animals are and can be.

"When you see them parade around and everyone treating them so nice, it's the most wonderful thing," she said. "These animals make the most appreciative pets because they know they've been adopted and they feel special."

After prizes are awarded, the pets are gathered behind the scenes for adoption. All of the dogs have been spayed or neutered, have their inoculations and have been implanted with special identification chips.

"People take notes in the audience about what dogs they like and come back to get to know them and, hopefully, adopt them," Woltag said. "The dogs are having fun at the event and their real personalities come out, so they're very adoptable."

The event was a huge success for the Animal Foundation last year, she said.

"It was great last year and we're looking for an even better event this year," she said. "It's our biggest fund-raiser of the year."

Woltag said "every penny" that is raised through the event will go directly to feed, spay or neuter, and house the thousands of homeless and abused animals in the Las Vegas Valley.

"Everything from the event goes to the Animal Foundation and helps to feed the dogs, take them outside to play, keep them groomed, healthy and happy," Woltag said.

Funds will be raised through $5 general admission tickets and a silent auction that will be held before the event at 1 p.m., she said.

"A lot of companies have donated items, and we even had Andre Agassi donate a signed tennis racket and autographed picture to put in there," she said. "A lot of stores like Bloomingdale's and casinos like the Palms hotel have donated things for the auction, too."

Woltag said it's a fun event whether people want to adopt a pet or not.

"There's no pressure; you can just come watch the show if you want," she said. "It's a fun, family-filled event. You can bring your kids and, as an added bonus, you can bring home a new member of the family."

Doors open at The Orleans Arena at 1 p.m. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 284-7777, online at www.orleansarena.com or at the Suncoast, Gold Coast, Barbary Coast, The Orleans, Boulevard mall, Galleria at Sunset or Meadows mall.

General admission tickets are $5 and reserved seating can be purchased for $20.