There wasn't a cat to be found on the front grounds of the Estevan Humane Society on Sunday afternoon as the way was made clear for the 17th annual edition of the Estevan Humane Society's Dog Jog.
The air was crisp and the sun peeked out quite frequently for the 25 or more official entries that made their way from the humane society's animal shelter in the valley south of the city down the road toward the Souris Valley Theatre in Woodlawn Regional Park, and back again.
Big dogs greeted small dogs. There were a few yappers and yippers among the official canine registrants and all of them were eager tail waggers.
Prizes were offered for those dog owners who had collected the most in pledges for the event.
This year's major prize winner was Layne Gilroy, who has been a participant for a few years now. His effort in raising $2,105 for the cause, earned him a new all-terrain vehicle while his sister Jordan won a skateboard for finishing second in pledge support with $1,035. Jordan Reed was third, the winner of an Apple iPod, with a collection of $914.75.
In total, the registrants brought in $5,866 which was down slightly from last year's total of $6,020.61, according to event organizers although the number of dogs and owners participating were about the same.
In some years, the event has attracted as many as 40 dogs and over $10,000 has been raised to assist the society in the operation of its shelter that houses both dogs and cats as well as an occasional domesticated rabbit or other potential pets.
Prizes were also awarded for owners of dogs who showed the best tricks or who were wearing the best costumes. This year's event included a special Saskatchewan Roughrider costume prize which was won by the Gilroy team and their dogs Pugsley and Gypsy.
The best trick was performed by a Yorkie named Brutus belonging to Jayler Olver while the best costume was sported by Rally, owned by Charlie Jackson.
Jordan Reed and his pal Choco won the award for best owner/dog look alike team as they sported construction gear complete with hard hats and safety vests.
The judges for this years contest were Cara Finkle and Brett Ludtke from the Prairie Animal Health Centre and Cindy Beaulieu from The Estevan Mercury.
All entrants and visitors were invited to enjoy hot dogs and refreshments following the jog as tabulations were made to determine the winning pledge amounts and the judges put the dogs through their tricks and the costume judging.
A few dogs currently housed in the shelter found friends for the afternoon as well when extra walkers were found who were willing to take them for a jaunt with the other canines.
