Dan's Papers - May 6, 2008 - The Cutchogue Canine Classic

Head Down To The North Fork's First Ever Dog Show,
Don't Be Afraid To Enter Your Pooch

If you think Fido has what it takes to become a star, you'll want to stake out the competition at the upcoming Cutchogue Canine Classic.

Anyone can enter their dog in the event that's billed as a "fun dog show"-in other words, not a cutthroat competition (fans of the movie Best in Show will remember how down and dirty it can get). Held for the first time this year, the Cutchogue Canine Classic takes place Saturday May 17 at the Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery on the North Road in Cutchogue. With its sights set on having a good time without the pressure to win, it promises to be a yap a minute.

Animal organizations can enter for free, business and service organizations for a mere $60 and food vendors for $75. The entrance fee is $10 with general admission $5 for adults; $3 for children, and $3 for seniors. After May 1, the entrance fee will go up to $15, with adult admission to $8, and children's and senior's to $4. The day is sponsored by North Fork Wood Design, Suffolk County National Bank, and the Lion's Club of Mattituck.

Barring all the hilarity that will surely ensue, the goal of the show most of all is to be a fund-raising event for a few of the very active organizations on the North Fork of Long Island that are devoted to helping animals. The North Fork Animal Welfare League is one, an organization that helps to educate people on humane issues and to prevent cruelty to animals; SAVES, INC., a feline rescue organization that stands for Spay Alter Vaccinate Every Stray; the Kent Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter located in Calverton; and the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, a 52-year-old organization that helps the blind as well as the physically impaired, and whose subsidiary, America's Vet Dogs-the Veteran's K-9 Corps, will also benefit a group which pairs trained canines with disabled veterans.

It will kick off with the first event, entitled, "East End Blend" (or the Best Heinz 57 pooch) followed by "Grand Cru Breeder's Choice" (for the best purebred), "Good Things Come in Small Packages", "Best Catcher/Jumper", and "Canine Crooners". There is even a competition for the people and pets who look most alike, since we all do identify with our furry friends on a physical and emotional level. The day rounds out with a Blessing of the Animals, for all who are there, and a group photo!

And a judgment of one's peers is what makes a competition a competition-in this case, those in the know where animals are concerned. Even though the Cutchogue Canine Classic (or CCC, as it's called for short) is intended for pure enjoyment, judges will be present to dole out best and the second best in a number of categories. An assemblage of some of the North Fork's biggest names, they include Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell; fellow winery owner Ann Marie Goerler, of Jamesport Winery; veterinarian Robert Pisciotta of the North Fork Animal Hospital; SAVES President Albert LaFrance; and Village of Greenport Mayor David Nyce.

If you haven't had enough of gazing into the eyes of your beloved, you can do so the following day. "A Celebration of the Dog: Photo, Art, and Essay Exhibition" will be held on the grounds of the vineyard as well, starting at noon. Submissions for the exhibition can take the form of a favorite photograph, artistic creation (of any kind-painting, sculpture, paw print!), or original short essay or poem. The "Pick of the Litter" will then be chosen by the judges and displayed throughout the month of June in the Borghese Vineyard Gallery owned by Ann Marie and Marco Borghese to showcase the local talent in their midst. Show hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. every day with twelve unique events each day. For more information, contact Lynn Tonnessen of Main Road Home at 631-734-7865 or visit Castello di Borghese Vineyard & Winery is located at 17150 County Road 48/North Road, Cutchogue, 631-734-5111