From dogs dressed up in costume to those doing tricks, there was a lot of tail-wagging fun at the BowWow PowWow on Saturday.
Ramona’s 18th annual dog show was a way to celebrate a love for dogs, their friendship and the joy pets bring to people’s lives, according to master of ceremonies Chris Bertolero.
The event on Sept. 12 at the fairgrounds was also fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Ramona. This year the Kiwanians raised about $5,000, according to the club’s Treasurer Ken Bates.
“Every wagging tail and happy bark helps us raise funds to support vital programs for children, families and local causes right here in Ramona,” according to organizers.
Julie Gallant
The Best Costume winner in the teen category was Kahlo Lababit who dressed as a bunny while her dog Nala was dressed as a carrot. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
The Pressler sisters of Ramona tied for first place in the Best Costume among children category. From left, Kelcee Pressler, 7, and her Toy Poodle Bunny dressed as Dorothy from the “Wizard of Oz” while Kaia Pressler, 12, and her Mini-Poodle Sunny dressed as Jesse from “Toy Story.” (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Kelcee Pressler and her dog, Bunny, wore matching Dorothy outfits from the “Wizard of Oz.” (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Kaia Pressler and her dog, Sunny, wore matching Jesse outfits from “Toy Story.” (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Danni Funk and her dog Bella wore Western-themed cowgirl costumes. (Julie Gallant)
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Julie Gallant
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The Best Costume winner in the teen category was Kahlo Lababit who dressed as a bunny while her dog Nala was dressed as a carrot. (Julie Gallant)
Kiwanis supported programs include high school scholarships, Ramona Unified Student of the Month, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Rady Children’s Hospital and the Ramona Heritage Museum.
Some of the club’s projects include Super Saturday Breakfast, Ramona Music Fest, Ramona Rodeo, Ramona Senior Center, school supplies drive and Ramona Fourth of July fireworks.
Kiwanis Club of Ramona also contributes to Project Lifesaver overseen by the Ramona Sheriff’s substation. Project Lifesaver uses state-of-the-art tracking technology to help deputies locate a missing person such as those with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism or Down’s syndrome.
Julie Gallant
Sidney Lynch sported a patriotic red, white and blue costume with her dog, Cinnabon. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Ruby Johnson and her French Bulldog Violet won the Most Beautiful contest. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Lori Parker entered her Coton de Tulear dog, Sophie, in the Most Beautiful contest. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Maria Arroyo and her Poodle mix Cinnabon dressed as Hawaiian girls during the BowWow PowWow contest. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Mary Caraway and her Maltese Shih Tzu dog won the Dog and Owner Look-alike contest with matching Hawaiian shirts and sunglasses. (Julie Gallant)
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Julie Gallant
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Sidney Lynch sported a patriotic red, white and blue costume with her dog, Cinnabon. (Julie Gallant)
When it comes to dogs, the highlight of the BowWow PowWow was the Best Costumes contests in the categories of adult’s dog, teen’s dog and child’s dog.
Other categories were Most Beautiful female dog, Most Handsome male dog, Dog and Owner Look-alike, Most Talented, Best Tail Wagger, Cutest Little Dog, Best Kisser and Best of Show.
Judging was conducted by photographer Tim Connelly, veterinarian technician Shannon Smith and Ramona Chamber of Commerce President Vinnie Ciampoli.
In addition to entry fees, funds were raised through a silent auction and opportunity drawings.
Julie Gallant
Kaia Pressler and her dog Sunny won the Most Talented contest. Sunny jumped over a raised bar and leapt through a hoop to get the award. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
A San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy gave a demonstration of the law enforcement agency’s K-9 Unit during the BowWow PowWow. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Dena Dotson and her Pomski named Foosa won first place in the Most Handsome male dog category. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Susan White of Ramona Disposal Service shows off her fall gift basket at the BowWow PowWow. (Julie Gallant)
Julie Gallant
Montecito High School construction students made these dog houses for the BowWow PowWow’s silent auction. (Julie Gallant)
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Julie Gallant
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Kaia Pressler and her dog Sunny won the Most Talented contest. Sunny jumped over a raised bar and leapt through a hoop to get the award. (Julie Gallant)