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The event has become popular with dog owners who have pooches that would never win awards at the Westminster Dog Show but can win blue ribbons at one of the many fun contests at the event, said Allyson Halm, president of the nonprofit Adopt-A-Dog group.
"We have created classes that everyone can enter, and that was the point when we created it 27 years ago," Halm said. "Celebrate your dog like it was a Westminster dog."
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park, located off Exit 3 of Interstate 95.
It has become the go-to event for dog lovers in Greenwich and beyond, Halm said.
"We have people coming from throughout the tri-state area and elsewhere. It has become very renowned throughout the area," she said.
It is also vitally important for the organization as its major fundraiser, Halm said.
Adopt-A-Dog was created in 1981 by Donna Nives, Gloria Scheuer and Pam Fahnestock, who were concerned about the number of animals languishing in animal shelters. Part of the organization's goals is to encourage responsible pet ownership, she said.
Adopt-A-Dog's shelter is located at 23 Cox Ave. in Armonk, N.Y. It can hold 30 to 50 dogs, Halm said.
In a troubling sign, a large number of dog owners are surrendering their pets due to reasons ranging from job loss to downsizing to moving out of the area, Halm said.
"We are seeing that more than ever," Halm said. The economic trend has increased every year and even become worse in the past year. "The first thing that goes is the dog."
Participants can register their dogs in competitions such as Aged to Perfection, Biggest Lap Dog, and Best Tail Wagger as well as a costume contest by going to the website at www.adoptadog.org.
There will also be music and other events for the whole family to enjoy.
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