The FOCAS Dog Show has always been a fun and successful event. This year was no exception. Fifty-six dogs participated and over $1200 was raised. All dogs took home a prize ribbon and many won a raffled prize basket as well. Judging was conducted in such fun categories as Largest Dog, Nicest Eyes, Most Rambunctious, Best Costume, etc. The prize baskets were chock full of dog-related merchandise donated by merchants and assembled by FOCAS volunteers. There also was a 50/50 raffle, and refreshments were served. This year, all of the proceeds went to the FOCAS Angel Fund. The Angel Fund was established by FOCAS to provide veterinary services for homeless animals in need of medical care. It includes, but is not limited to, the animals at the Bergen County Animal Shelter. Beneficiaries of the Angel Fund often require emergency treatment and extraordinary medical care costing thousands of dollars. Contributions to this fund are used specifically for that purpose. Dogs that benefited from the fund and have been adopted were invited to the Dog Show for special recognition. A large poster was on display with pictures of some of the animals that have been helped by the Angel Fund. Many of the animals helped, who otherwise would have been euthanized, are now in loving homes. Fund raising efforts like the Dog Show enable FOCAS to continue this life-saving work. A 13-year old animal lover, named, Alix Talor Boudrot, raised $110 for the Angel Fund by selling "Lucky Slug Snails." They are clay snails that she made and sold at her mother’s pet store, Westwood Pets. She presented FOCAS with a check at the Show and told the audience a little about what a labor of love it was for her to help animals. Also, a FOCAS volunteer, Deanna Scala, demonstrated how she trained a deaf shelter dog, Chet, with American Sign Language. Chet is an American Bulldog mix and is currently available for adoption. It was especially nice to see how 56 dogs spent the day together, and they all seemed to get along just fine. Perhaps they all sensed the fun, non-competitive spirit of the day and the importance of the Angel Fund’s mission. We could all learn something from our dogs. ###
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