Have you always wanted to participate in a dog show with your best friend but could not because of his mixed parentage? Don’t miss your chance to prove that your often-overlooked mutt is a champion, too! We are offering you the opportunity to go for the bronze, silver and gold medals at our first-ever Doggie Olympic Games, where all dogs of all ages, sizes and abilities have a chance to go for the gold! The games will be held Saturday, June 23, on the beach in Long Beach from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pre-registration is recommended, as there is a maximum of 20 dogs per category for this must-do, must-see event that celebrates the special bond between people and their pets.

Now, you might be saying “How can old Fred or Ginger win, when they can’t keep up with the puppies?” Or you might be thinking “My dog can’t win because he hasn’t been trained in agility.” Well, don’t worry! Check out these doggie sporting events and just like the Olympics, there will be gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to the first, second and third place winners for each competition:

The Doggie Dash – the first dog to reach its owner, wins. The Nadia Comaneci – an agility competition; I Got Rhythm Musical Sit – like musical chairs; What? No Ducks? – ball retrieving competition; The Mariah Carey/Luciano Pavarotti Sing Off – dog singing; The Babe Ruth Obedience Baseball Skill Level 1 & 2 – dogs complete a command at each base to score; Peanut Butter Lick – dog and owner compete together; Frisbee Throwing – dog with furthest catch wins; Rip Van Winkle Sleep Off – dog lying down the longest without moving; Dunking for Dogs (hot dogs) – first dog to eat five pieces of a hot dog wins; Fill A Fuller Brush – best shedder, how much hair can you collect?; and Who’s Your Daddy? – the pooch with the most interesting parentage wins. We will even have a trophy for our Lewis andClark Seaman Award, for the dog that has traveled the furthest distance to compete at the games.

Sponsors include the city of Long Beach, Petco, Bank of the Pacific, KVAS 103.9 “The Eagle,” beachdog.com, Evergreen Septic Service, Inc., Harbor Pacific Bottling, Inc., Ilwaco Merchants Association, Long Beach Merchants Association, Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau, NW Visual Arts, Oceanfront Getaways, Ocean Park Area Chamber of Commerce, Oceanside Animal Clinic, Spence Photography andDesign, Unqiue Petique and Boreas B&B in memory of their beloved “D.O.G.”

You can find more information on the Doggie Olympic Games and pre-register for the competition at www.beachpets.com or call (360) 642-1180.

Sparky, a pooch with zest! – Sparky is an adorable, happy and handsome 2-year-old Lab mix. He came to us in the middle of February needing plenty of love and food for he was terribly thin. He looks so much better now. Even though he may have had a rough start in life, he enjoys each day with a zest of fun and a warm heart. He deserves a home where he will be part of the family and loved unconditionally. Can you find room in your heart and home for Sparky? Come see him today at the shelter!

Jake, he is not a rake – But he has been waiting 72 days for a home and someone to love him. This 3-year-old neutered de-clawed male tabby cat needs you to give him plenty of love and affection. Jake is hoping that someone will finally come to the shelter today to adopt him and give him what he needs, an indoor-only home. He can’t wait to love you!

Happy Adoption Tails! – Dogs: Eightball, Becky, Josie, Lilly, Sally, Chris, Sampson, Betty, Fred, Dotty. Cats: Juliette, George-Wally, Skye, Forest, Sable, Carlos, Mousetepher, Spencer and two tabbies.

Shelter Wish List – Dry cat and kitten food, dog collars, Purina kitten chow, cat beds, laundry soap, paper towels and garbage bags.