Hercules - "Best of Show"

Hercules takes a drink of water before competing at the third annual Pooch Pageant hosted by the Friends of the Guthrie Animals (FOGAS) at the Logan County Abstract Company Saturday afternoon. This 11-year-old, 168 pound English mastiff won Best in Show. His handler, Margaret Hope, said she will donate the prize money to Mastiff Rescue. (Jarrett George/The News Leader)

The Friends of the Guthrie Animals (FOGAS) hosted the third annual Pooch Pageant yesterday at the Logan County Abstract in Guthrie.

“I couldn’t have done this without my sponsors,” FOGAS founder Von Coburn said. “This pageant couldn’t happen without my sponsors digging into their pockets and giving money.”

Approximately 70 entries competed for the title of Best Big Dog, Best Little Dog, Best Rescue, Best Trick, Best Costume and Best in Show. Over $1,000 were given in prizes.

Best Big Dog went to Gracie, handled by Katie Wiens. Best Little Dog went to Bear, handled by Carolyn Durham. Best Rescue went to Tick, handled by Kelly Patalino. Best Trick went to Boomer, handled by John Chappell. Best Costume went to Skippyjon Jones, handled by Lily Lacina, and Best in Show went to Hercules, handled by Margaret Hope.

Judges were Guthrie Mayor Chuck Burtcher, Guthrie City Councilwoman Ellen Gomes, The News Leader publisher/editor Belinda Ramsey, Logan County Sheriff Randy Richardson, KFOR Channel Four’s Lance West, Guthrie City Councilwoman Mary Coffin and Audra Kriebal.

“We had a great turnout. The support of the community was awesome. We had tremendous volunteers,” Coburn said.

Three winners chose to donate their prize money to FOGAS. Chappell, Patalino and Lacina each returned their prize money. Hope said she plans use her prize money for Mastiff Rescue.
Coburn said her goal was to bring in between $4,000 and $5,000 during the fundraiser.

However, she said her primary objective for the event was to raise awareness.

“My main target with this event is to educate people on spaying and neutering pets,” Coburn said.

“The money we make here funds our spay and neuter program,” Coburn told the audience at the pageant. “Since we started this program, we’ve spayed or neutered over 50 animals.”