32 dogs competed in fun events such as “Dog and Owner Look-alike Contest,” “Best Trick,” and “Obstacle Race.” All participants received very cool black T-shirts sponsored by Bank of Hawaii. The top three winners from the nine categories won ribbons and prizes such as cash, restaurant meals, and gasoline coupons from Shell Palau.
The trophy for “Best in Show” went to Kuniko Yasuda Bezner and her dog “Chibi.” Chibi is actually a local Palau dog that belongs to Kuniko’s neighbor Mikeas Isidoro.Kuniko said she had been helping to take care of it, and she trained it for the show.Chibi dazzled the crowds with her ability to jump through hoops and obey Kuniko’s commands. Her gentle demeanor and costume that screamed “bling!” only helped to win over the hearts of the audience and judges.During the “Dog and Owner Look-Alike Contest,” Mason Whipps just about brought the house down when he and his dog Kilo both came out wearing sun glasses. Hands down, they were the coolest ones there.A Puppy Adoption Station was set up, and all 12 puppies were adopted by the end of the Show. PAWS donated free spay/neuter surgeries to each of the adopted puppies.The event was hosted by the Palau Animal Welfare Society and the Koror State Division of Sanitation and Animal Control to highlight issues such as animal population control and the importance of vaccinations and animal health.Taiwan Ambassador Maggie Tien graced the event with her presence, and offered her congratulations and words of encouragement for the efforts made by PAWS and the Koror State Government in the field of animal health and education.Valerie Lowson, director of PAWS, MC’ed the show and PAWS Founder Lori Colin coordinated all the competition events on the field.Elizabeth De Jong organized the obstacle race. Guest speakers included Director of Agriculture Fred Sengebau, Koror State Legislator Idesong Sumang, Director of Koror State Community and Cultural Affairs Scott Yano, Chief of Sanitation and Animal Control Lily Milong, and veterinarian Dr. Mihnea Muresanu. Judges were Director Yano, Legislator Sumang, and PAWS Board members Sherman Sato, Lalii Chin, and Lorraine Rivera.The audience participated in a raffle, and prizes included sunglasses from Palau Shop, certificates from Melusch-Dil Beauty Shop, fabulous overnight stays at Palau Royal Resort and Carp Island, and a full-day charter boat tour through the Rock Islands courtesy of Sam’s Tours.BBQ hotdogs were served fresh off the grill thanks to the efforts of Susan Toribiong and Tina Salii’s staff from Penthous, and generous donations from Surangel’s and Kumangai Bakery.Sponsors were: Bank of Hawaii, Surangel’s, Taiwan Embassy, Palau Pacific Resort, Kramer’s Cafe, The Print Zone, Palau Royal Resort, Carp Corp., Drop Off Bar and Grill, The Taj, TRB Architects, Neco Plaza, Rock Island Tour Company, Dolphins Pacific, Carol Ngiraidis, Bottom Time Bar and Grill, Rock Island Café, NECO Corporation, Debbie Remengesau, and The Penthouse. A big thanks is in order for all the volunteers who made it all possible, including: PAWS Board Members, the Koror State staff, Nobuko Bowen, Jaime Sampson, Danka Ledgerwood, Betsy Cepparulo, Sarah Koster, Rick Lejkowski, Tim Caplis, Marina Toribiong, Megan Beard, Kiki Adelbai, Lynn Polloi, J Kaminsky, Kuniko, Haerin, and many, many others.The other winners of the dog show are the following:Best SmilePango (Maria Otto)Tomo (Kina Tarkong)Ben Ben (Michael Liao)Most Interesting EarsGeorge (Merous Menz)Pepe (KB Sakuma)Zig Zag (Burke Fox)Most Interesting TailAlbie (Nelson Werner)Sophie (David Chen)Lady (Aritha August)Best Big DogKilo (Mason Whipps)Bella (Sean Austin)Sailor (Liam Bornovski)Best Small DogShrek (Rhena Gonzales)Momo (Shoko Maruyama)Coco (Freja Asanuma)Happiest DogEins (Lisa Lin)Pango (Maria Otto)Coco (Christy Lejkowski)Dog and Owner Look-Alike ContestChibi (Kuniko Yasuda)Lady (Aritha August)Kilo (Mason Whipps)Best TrickChibi (Kuniko Yasuda)Jumbo (Arsenio Tagle)George(Jane Menz)Dog and Owner Obstacle RaceGeorge (Jane Menz)Jumbo (Arsenio Tagle)Spot (Sabbah Delong) tied with Zuma (Gomer Miguel)
