Staff photo - Kathy Bridges Dr. Richard Duffey is assisted by a University of Georgia Veterinary Science student in administering a rabies vaccination. A total of 61 animals were vaccinated at the Dog-Gone Summer Festival held Saturday at the Barrow County Recreation Department. Staff photo - Kathy Bridges Cutest pet winner, Dragon with owner Jessica Thomas Staff photo - Kathy Bridges Cutest pet 2nd place, Criss, the Golden Retriever with owner, Felicia Bradley and friend, Dexter Staff photo - Kathy Bridges Cutest pet third place was Patrick with owner Maddie Konzelman

Dogs ruled at the recent 'Dog-Gone' Summer Festival sponsored by Barrow County Animal Control and held Saturday at the Recreation Department.

"It did pretty well for a first time event," said Stephen Eades, Animal Control director.

The day began with chilly temperatures and Off. Danyal Harper, who coordinated the event, waited until the day warmed up before climbing in the dunking booth. His fellow officers got the first chance to send him to the 'brink,' which was only one of the many activities at the festival. Other fundraising efforts including t-shirt sales and a silent auction for baskets filled with canine and feline goodies.

"It looks like we raised close to $1,500," said Eades "Danyal is still working on the breakdown of donations."

Dr. Richard Duffey of Winder Animal Hospital was on hand to vaccinate animals for rabies and place microchips. A total of 63 rabies shots were given and 32 microchips placed. Animal Control sold 63 additional rabies vouchers in September and 230 in March for a total of 354 for the year.

"Last year we did 313," said Eades, "so this year was the most we had ever done."

Four Paws Animal Hospital in Statham was a platinum sponsor for the event and Dr. Angela Thibodeaux was present with information and a kitten available for adoption. Four Paws handles all the animals that are adopted from Barrow County Animal Control which consists of exams, rabies vaccinations, spay/neutering and micro-chipping.

A pet costume contest was held early in the day with pets vying for first-third place prizes. 'Speedy,' a Chihuahua mix owned by Julian McCoy won first place for his pirate costume; 'Tinkerbell,' a Chihuahua puppy owned by Brooke and Addie Pierce placed second in a tutu; and ?? placed third. Winners got a choice of a rabies vaccination or a microchip and all entrants got a dog training video. In addition the first place winner got a gift certificate from Mind and Body Spa and Speedy won a free grooming from Hope Animal Medical Center of Athens.

A cutest pet contest attracted even more entrants ranging from mutts to pure-breeds, puppies to elder dogs. Judges were Sgt. Ryan Sears, who is with the Barrow County Sheriff's Department K-9 unit; Mandy Wilson or Miss Sparkles the Clown; and Off. Kevin Clark with Animal Control. The judges 'interviewed' the contestants and their owners before conferencing to pick the winners.

First place went to 'Dragon,' a puppy with mixed heritage owned by Jessica Thomas. Dragon won a grooming session at Chateau Elan Vet Clinic.

A Golden Retriever named 'Criss' captured second place. His owner, Felicia Bradley, was also accompanied by 'Dexter' the Yorkshire terrier who rode in her front overalls' pocket. Criss won a free rabies or micro-chipping.

Maddie Konzelman, daughter of Dr. Thibodeaux and owner of 'Patrick' a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, took third place and won a Fatz gift certificate.

Originally published Wednesday, October 3, 2007