Dogs bring out the best in kids

There is something about kids and dogs; they just go together so well. The happy faces, wiggly walk and innocent precociousness to assert themselves into any conversation are unrivaled skills, but nothing is better than seeing one care for the other. And yes, it goes both ways. The child watches out for the dog and the dog will always watch out for the child. Just like Optimist Club members, dogs bring out the best in kids.

All of these reasons are why I think this project from the Optimist Club of Marshall, Missouri is the best of show.

 "The Marshall Mutts Are Us" is a dog show strictly for kids to show the family dog. The dog can be purebred, a rescue, or a mutt; the only requirements are that he is current on shots, kept on a leash, and shown by a youth who is 16-years old or younger. 

The Marshall Mutts will be judged in 12 categories including most beautiful female, most handsome male, friendliest, best tail wag, best kisser, owner look-alike and best trick. 

The show is free to all participants and their pets. It will take place on Saturday, September 10, 2011, 9:00 a.m. at Indian Foothills Park, Marshall Aquatic Center. Please click on the picture to print the flyer. 

Thanks to Dennis Desmond for the story.