Dogged determination rules K-9s on catwalk Some 150 enter 'Strut Your Mutt' costume contest BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer Clockwise from left: Geralyn Kelly and Peter Hauschild, Ocean, came dressed as Dorothy and Toto to "Strut Your Mutt," the doggie costume contest held Sunday at Thompson Park, Newman Springs Road, Middletown. Pups Kerby as the Lion, Cooper as the Scarecrow and Foster as the Tin Man completed the Wizard of Oz theme. Busy bees Browser and Brigit, a pair of bulldogs owned by Middletown resident Donna Blaze, won for "scariest" costumes. Maci came ready to rock 'n' roll dressed as a bobby soxer, with owner Kathi Cipriano of Neptune. Helen Kayser, Keansburg, and her poodle, Eddie. Nurse Bocca and Doctor Cody were on hand in case of an emergency; owners are Kim Alverzo and Desiree Jackson, respectively, both of Marlboro. MIDDLETOWN - The beauty contestants at Thompson Park Day were all real dogs. Always a cute fest, the fourth annual "Strut Your Mutt" contest took place Sunday afternoon as part of the activities surrounding Thompson Park Day, located off Newman Springs Road in Lincroft. This year an estimated 150 K-9s walked the catwalk. This was the biggest turnout yet, according to Maria Wojciechowski, executive director of Monmouth County Friends of the Parks, the sponsor of the popular event. PHOTOS BY KAREN BOWES Trophies were handed out in five adorable categories: most original, scariest, funniest, prettiest and best human/K-9 duo. Three contests were held throughout the day, at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., for a total of 15 winners. Mike O'Brien of Holmdel and his chocolate Lab Snickers won for funniest costume as Shaggy and Scooby Doo. For most original, Kaitlin and Tavish Hill of Rumson won for their Welsh corgi's football costume. Donna Blaze of Middletown and her two English bulldogs Brigit and Browser, which were dressed as bumblebees, won for scariest costume. For prettiest costume, owner Charlotte Diaz of Brick and her dogs Dulcie and Doogie won dressed as a bank robber and moll. And Montana Riggs of Colts Neck won for best human/K-9 duo as a dragon and knight with her rat terrier Roxy. Registration for the contest was $15. The money collected is used for the upkeep of the off-leash dog areas at Thompson Park, according to Wojciechowski. Thompson Park has two off-leash dog areas, one for dogs less than 35 pounds and another area for larger dogs. As part of the petfriendly facility, a state-of-the-art water foundation for dogs is installed nearby. "So they can always have clean water and you don't have to worry about bringing your bowl," Wojciechowski said. After a hard day of basking in the spotlight, man's best friend is sure to appreciate it.