Dogs and their humans team up for Galloway pie-eating contest

Dogs got a seat at the table this past weekend as they teamed with their humans in a pie-eating contest.

The competition at the Garden State Beer Company was a fun — and slightly messy — preview to the upcoming Bark in the Park, an annual event that benefits Laddie's Legacy, a charity started by Absecon Veterinary Hospital that provides financial help to those that cannot afford lifesaving care for their pets.

The pie-eating contest is one of Bark and the Park's most popular activities. And the special competition Sunday was no different.

Human and dog teamed up to be the first to finish their miniature pies. Humans got to eat apple, cherry or lemon topped with whipped cream. The canines had dog food pies topped with cottage cheese.

Both team members had to finish to win.

Dan McNerney and 2½-year-old Oltis, of Mays Landing, took top honors.McNerney is a member of the Seashore Dog Training Club.

The Mays Landing team of Dan McNerney and his 2½-year-old Bernese mountain dog, Otis, took top honors. McNerney is a member of the Seashore Dog Training Club.

Second place went to Margate's Ed Frebowitz, and his 3-year-old Jack Russell, Auggie. Frebowitz is an American Canine coach.

Brandon Ward and 4-year-old Husky Minnie, of Manahawkin, took third place.

Participants included Absecon Veterinary doctors and staff, Seashore Dog Training, local government officials, Patient Care Hospice, American Canine Coach, Dayna Troiano Dog Training and Office Basics.

Minnie, 4, keeps an eye on her partner, Brandon Ward, as the Manahawkin pair eat their way to third place.

After the pies were gone, families enjoyed a pizza party with biscuits — and probably a few "pizza bones" — for the dogs.

Local artist Laura Birnbohm exhibited her work at the event and donated a portion of profits to Laddie’s Legacy.

Birnbohm is a lifelong artist with a degree in marine science from Stockton University. She works full-time as a marine science educator and volunteers her free time to conservation efforts.

Birnbohm is also director of Exotic & General Practice at Absecon Veterinary Hospital.

Dogs and their families are invited to the fourth annual Bark in the Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept.14, at the Atlantic County 4H Fairgrounds, 3210 NJ-50 in Mays Landing.

Admission is $7 per person. Dogs of all ages and kids 12 and younger will be admitted free.

Dogs must be friendly with people, kid and other dogs, and up to date on their vaccines.

Dogs also must be on non-retractable leashes.

Bark in the Park will feature local vendors, food trucks, a beer garden with craft beer from Dr. Brewlittles Beer Company, and a ton of dog friendly games and activities.

Laddie's legacy lives on.

Laddie's Legacy honors Laddie a Maine coon kitty that was surrendered to Absecon Veterinary Hospital because his owner could not pay for increasing medical fees.

For more information on Laddie’s Legacy and all the lives saved, visit www.laddieslegacy.org .