But first....something I need to say because I feel like I'm coming off as a bit of a jackass here. I'm in no way, shape, or form making fun of the city of Peoria or it's residents. I'm actually not even really making fun of the paper. In fact, were I to actually read such so-called magnificent news sources as the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, or even the esteemed Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, I'm sure I could find just as many absurd articles buried in them (under the FAR FAR FAR more prevalent stories of people getting murdered and unemployment crises) as I do in the JStar. The fact that these are easier to find in the PJStar is, in fact, a testament to the city of Peoria. Congratulations on not being so full of depressing, terrifying, crappy news that I can actually manage to READ your paper without feeling bad about humanity as a whole and ultimately hating my life.
So......this week in the PJStar: Crazy Dog Owners
Something to bark about
Thousands of dogs and their human friends brave cold for Humane Society fundraiser on riverfront
By dipping the ends of her rusty blonde hair in black shoe polish, Maureen Kostuik matched her locks with the fur of her sheltie, Fergus.
This owner and dog duo - both sporting a tan, black and white color palate - entered the look-a-like contest Sunday at the Peoria Humane Society's Bark in the Park event on the riverfront.
"He's a momma's boy," Kostuik, 47, of Peoria said of Fergus after they were awarded first place. "I just hope the shoe polish comes out of my hair."
Kostuik also brought along her Irish terrier, Dugan, to the event.
"They've had a blast and not to mention an abundance of cookies," she said while placing a dog biscuit into Dugan's mouth.
The cool weather did not damper the spirit of the nearly 1,000 canines and 3,000 dog lovers that attended the 13th annual Bark in the Park. The afternoon was full of dog-themed activities such as a "Bark Walk," paw print painting and a canine carnival. Organizers expected the event to raise $50,000 to $60,000 for the Humane Society.
"People are here with their mittens and coats on to show their support for animals; it says a lot about our community" said Kitty Yanko, education coordinator for the Humane Society. "Without the funds we raise at this event, we couldn't support our programs."
About an hour into the event, The Great American Mutt Show drew a large crowd of paws and feet to a stage placed in the center of the park. Some of the contests included best-dressed dog, best talent and fastest tail wag.
Winning over the crowd with her singing abilities was a Chinese crested powderpuff named Macy who took first place in the talent competition.
"She's really well-known in our neighborhood as the singing dog," said owner Diane Novak of Dunlap. "Her favorite song to sing is 'Happy Birthday.'"
Meliss Klabel of Peoria also dyed her hair to match her dog's coat. In fact, Klabel and her Chinese crested, Takla - named after the Hindi word for "bald"- both had matching pink and purple streaks in their hair.
Takla also took away first place in the contest entitled "a face only a mother could love."
"He wears (his hair) like this all the time," Klabel said.
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