The show, which was hosted by the Palau Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Koror State Division of Animal Control, was a huge success, according to Lori Colin, Founder and Director of PAWS.
“Issues such as animal population control and the importance of vaccinating animals and preventing animal-related diseases were also featured,” Colin said.
There were various fun events during the competition. Among the most enjoyable categories were “Most Interesting Ears” and “Most Interesting Tail” for Kids categories, and “Dog and Owner Look-Alike Contest” and “Best Trick”.
“The final scores resulted in a tie for “Best in Show” with the audience choosing Gomer Miguel and Neil Iyar and their dog “Zuma” as the grand prize winner,” explained Colin. “Zuma, owned by Carolyn Nakamura, wowed the crowds with his ability to catch balls and jump through hoops.” Miguel and Iyar won a full-day Rock Island boat trip for 15 people courtesy of Sam’s Tours.
According to Colin, the tied runner up for “Best in Show” was Kina, Sina and Ken Tarkong and their dog Tomo, who has participated in previous dog shows and won many past ribbons.
Participants received a T-shirt and dog toys from WCTC. Prizes included dinner certificates from restaurants and gas certificates from Shell, GF Automotive, NECO Plaza and Coffee and Donut House.
“First place winners in the Kids categories also won a copy of the book, ‘An Island Boy and his Pets’ by Cassandra Bloedel, which features David Blesam and his dog Lilo, a winner in the 2007 dog show,” said Colin.
A Pet Adoption Station was also set up that day, and, according to Colin, 11 puppies and three cats found new owners by the end of the Show. “PAWS donated free spay and neuter surgeries to each of the adopted animals,” Colin added.
DJ Rondizzle was the show’s master of ceremony; Elizabeth De Jong organized the obstacle race; while Colin and PAWS Treasurer Susan Toribiong coordinated the competition events. PAWS Board members Sherman Sato and Lalii Chin, and former member Judge Materne were the judges.
According to Colin, the audience themselves did not go home empty-handed as prizes such as gift bags from Fish n’ Fins and the Palau Shop, certificates from Rainbow’s End Therapy Center, a dolphin encounter at Dolphin’s Pacific, and overnight stays at Palau Royal Resort, Carp Island, Caroline’s Resort and M&A Riverside Bungalows in Ngaraardwere raffled off.
The Dog Show 201o winners were the following: Most Interesting Ears (Kids) Moka (Freja Asanuma) First Place, Coco (Dilluna Rivera) Second Place, Pepper (Beserrak Rengechel) Third Place; Most Interesting Tail (Kids) category, Moka (Freja Asanuma) First Place, Otis (O’Keef Kokichi) Second Place, Tomo (Sina Tarkong) Third Place; Best Behaved Dog (Kids) Pepper (Beserrak Rengechel) First Place, Coco (Dilluna Rivera) Second Place, Tomo (Sina Tarkong) Third Place; Happiest Dog (Kids)Otis (O’Keef Kokichi) First Place, Coco (Dilluna Rivera) Second Place, Pepper (Beserrak Rengechel) Third Place; Dog and Owner Look-Alike Contest (Kids) Tomo (Sina Tarkong) First Place, Moka (Freja Asanuma) Second Place; Otis (O’Keef Kokichi) Third Place; Happiest Dog (Open) Hallie (Judy Otto) First Place, Run(Hiroshi Yamamoto) Second Place, Tod (Nelson Werner) Third Place; Dog and Owner Look-Alike Contest (Open) Spot (Sabbah Delong) First Place, D.O.G. (Jeff Barabe) Second Place, Blackie (Francis Toribiong) Third Place; Best Trick (Open) Zuma (Gomer Miguel & Neil Iyar) First Place, Spot (Sabbah Delong) Second Place, Chocolate (Arsenio Tagle) Third Place; Dog and Owner Obstacle Race (Open) Spot (Sabbah Delong) First Place, Zuma (Gomer Miguel and Neil Iyar) Second Place, D.O.G. (Jeff Barabe) Third Place.
