Kiefer, named for actor Sutherland's appearance after a bad day on 24, was one of the first to arrive at Sunday’s Accidental Dog Show at Hillside Community Church in El Cerrito.
Kiefer – who according to owner Glorya Nevius of San Pablo is half pit bull, a quarter Chihuahua, plus some hairy terrier – soon met up with old friend Monty, who weighs in at 102 pounds and later took the first-place ribbon for largest dog. The two larger dogs remained good natured as they were greeted by the other contestants, most of whom were considerably smaller like tiny Speedo, who almost disappeared beneath Monty as he gave him a good sniff.
Almost two hours later Kiefer walked away with Best of Show with the judges most swayed by Nevius’s account of him finding a stunned hummingbird, laying it on his dog bed, then rushing to get his owner. The bird was sent on its way after a brief convalescence.
But there were plenty of winners Sunday as about 40 ribbons were given out to about a dozen dogs in categories such as most unusual coat, best dressed, naughtiest, best kisser, longest tail, and looks most like owner. About 30 people joined in the festivities.
Award of merits went to Peggy Sue who was recognized for improving her behavior since winning the naughtiest award in a previous year and to Zeki who was honored for his goofiness and great spirit.
The name “accidental” comes from the idea that during this informal show you can accidentally win, and the show earned its name when a stuffed dog named ChewChew was coaxed into participating and tied for first place for best dressed.
Monty’s owner Pam Means of Rodeo said she came to the event because it sounded like fun. Nevius said she appreciated that it would benefit El Cerrito police dog Koda.
“It’s a great cause,” said Nevius, who read up on Koda’s contributions to the force before Sunday’s show.
Ring steward Eileen Andrade opened by inviting owners to introduce their dogs and tell their best and worst attributes.
Speedo’s owner Sara Trueblood of El Cerrito said his best attributes are that he is sweet and devoted but his worst that “He can be a little vocal and he has stinky breath.”
Stella, a rescue dog who may or may not be a mix of corgi and long haired dachshund, has scaled fences and trees in search of squirrels, according to owner Aimee Haire of El Cerrito.
Monty’s good qualities include taking care of the cats but his bad ones include eating their food.
Peggy Sue revealed during a visit to a paw reader (apparently a dog-version of a palm reader) at that she likes her name, and owner Dody Silver said whining is just part of her charm.
Ice dancer Janice Cook of Point Richmond had a chance to be on the other side of the judges’ table as one of the day’s officials. She was joined by Christy Chavez, representing Alpha Pet Supply in Albany, cosponsor and provider of goodie bags and doggie ice cream for the competitors, and Linda Olsen, who shows and breeds Kerry blue terriers.
