Dogs get chance to shine at mall show

Sunday, March 14, 2004

Courtland Center went to the dogs - at least for a couple of hours - during its first-ever Fluffy Puppy Fashion Show.

The March 6 show in Burton capped off a free pet-grooming treatment for dogs offered by Ruffly Purrfect Peticures in Grand Blanc, which sponsored the event with K-9 Concepts and K-9 Kreations.

Eeyor, a 2-year-old 186-pound Saint Bernard, took first place. Pet owner Delcie Kipfmiller won a $200 mall gift certificate and a one-year supply of dog food from Pet Supplies Plus.

"This is the first one I've been to, and it's all new to me," said Kipfmiller of Merrill. "This is really neat. It gives people the chance to show off their dogs."

Angel, a teacup Yorkshire terrier, donned a diamond necklace and a pink bow.

"The show gives (owners) the opportunity to show off their pet when they think theirs is the best," said owner Cathy Jewell of Birch Run.

It's also a great opportunity to learn about different breeds, she said.

"If people are looking to get a different pet, they can talk to the people and find out about them, like if some pets are better with children," Jewell said.

Michele Soderberg, owner of Ruffly Purrfect Peticures, said the show featured 20 entries, including a Shih Tzu, a miniature Schnauzer, golden Labs, a German Shepherd, a Lhasa apso, a Newfoundland, a terrier and Pugs.

While the fashion show was a chance for pet owners to let their animals strut their stuff, Soderberg stressed the importance of getting animals professionally groomed for health and safety reasons.

"Looking good is just the benefit," Soderberg said.

"There are a lot of health and safety reasons for getting pets groomed. We do a lot more than people realize. We see things that an owner may miss."

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