Sunday, June 19, 2011

Every Dog Has Its Day At Woofstock


The judges made their decision Saturday, naming Holden the Dalmatian as Best in Show at the Friends of the Animal Shelter's inaugural Woofstock Mutts & Music Festival at Highfields Event Center.

Judges Ronnie Young and Scott Singer reached a deadlock between Holden and a standard poodle. The judges put it to the assembled crowd to break the tie by volume of cheers, and the crowd gave the nod to Holden and owner Steve Czaikowski.

"We have third reading of the budget soon," said Singer, a member of the Aiken City Council. "That's going to be much easier than making this decision."

Music was provided by 4 Cats in a Doghouse, who played during the two-hour registration period Saturday morning.

The band's performance was followed by agility and obedience training demonstrations.

Once registration was completed, dogs from dachshunds to Dalmatians to Dobermans competed in three rings in several categories, including Most Adorable, Macho Mutt, So Ugly I'm Cute, Best Original Costume, Owner Look-A-Likes, Rescue Dogs and Super Seniors.

"We are thrilled at the turnout," said FOTAS president Jennifer Miller. "FOTAS is enhancing the community. We support the Aiken County Animal Shelter, and we're seeing the community's support for it today. It goes to show how we can make a difference. All the money raised by Woofstock goes back to the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Our goal is to reduce the use of euthanasia and support quality of life for dogs living at the shelter."

"We can't raise as much as we need at one event, but we're thrilled to have a day like this - the huge crowd, the perfect weather, all these dogs - this event is being smiled on," Said FOTAS secretary/treasurer Joya DiStefano, "We can't believe the goodwill being generated today. The people are happy, the dogs are happy. We're going to build on this in the coming year for the next Woofstock."

For more information about the Friends of the Aiken County Animal Shelter, visit www.fotasaiken.org.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

FOTAS Photos of the Competitive Events at Highfields

 Bring your own dog for the day!! A good time was had by all!




























FOTAS volunteers work with the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 411 Wire Road, Aiken SC to help the abandoned animals from Aiken and Edgefield Counties in SC. For more information, e-mail info@fotasaiken.org or visit www.fotasaiken.org.


Volunteers at Aiken Woofstock

Just a few of the activities run by many who volunteered that day and in advance!