Pups show up for inaugural pet contest

WALNUT COVE — The dog days of summer came early this year to Stokes County.

On Saturday, June 22, The Friends of the Stokes Shelter hosted their First Ever Pet Contest at Decked Out Burgers and Dogs.

Furry friends, their humans and one lizard — Kevin, a bearded dragon — gathered in the shade in the field next to the Walnut Cove eatery for a fun morning of fellowship and fundraising.

A $5 entrance fee donated to FOSS earned each participating pup a shot at a prize. Suggested categories were personality, talent and best dressed, but the contest was open to “anything and everything.”

All the dogs were treated to a “pup cup” of whipped cream and a dog cookie as well as a goodie bag.

Celebrity judges trio Duane Elliott, a.k.a. the Yolo Hiker, Walnut Cove Mayor Nellie Brown and FOSS Board Chair Leslie Staples picked the winners.

First place went to Carole and Dave Walker’s Beatrice, who was in full Barbie costume including blond wig, sunglasses and a pink convertible.

Second place was awarded to Beatrice’s siblings Boomer and Blitzen. Boomer wore a patriotic themed outfit, and Blitzen wore a cowboy hat that matched Dave Walker’s.

Third place went to Meco, whose name is an acronym for “Main Engine Cut Off” — Meco was adopted from FOSS by Thomas Tamer, an engineer.

Meco’s grand-owner Katie Tamer told the story of her rescue, which earned Meco third prize as well as a ribbon for “best rescue story.”

Tamer said her son Thomas had searched several shelters before he found Meco at FOSS. Meco did not like men at the time, but Thomas spent time with her and ultimately adopted her. Now, Tamer said Meco is a “velcro dog,” stuck to Thomas’s side.

Each prize winner was given a gift basket.

In addition to contest entrance fees, the non-profit organization also offered a spin on a prize wheel in exchange for a donation.

Decked Out Burgers and Dogs also ran a special that day with a portion of proceeds donated to FOSS.

Master of Ceremonies and DJ Tory Mabe provided some background about the organization when kicking things off.

Fundraising for the organization began in 2013, and the facility on 1111 Dodgetown Road in Walnut Cove opened in 2020.

Emily Burgess, FOSS volunteer, said that the organization had rescued 1,411 animals to date.

Some of those rescues, such as Meco, came to the pup cup party, giving a chance for the FOSS folks to see how well the “alumni” were doing with their new owners.

“It’s so good to see them,” said Renea Brown, FOSS services manager. “I love it.”