The Humane Society of North Texas’ ever-popular Extreme Mutt Makeover is back for the fourth year in a row. The 2012 event will be held this Saturday, October 13th at the Will Rogers Equestrian Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave. in Fort Worth.
Preparations for the event started months ago, when fifteen dogs were chosen from shelters across the Metroplex where they were abandoned, unwanted, deemed difficult (or impossible) to adopt, and destined for euthanasia. None have any formal training. Each of these lucky dogs is getting a new leash on life, a forever home, and a chance to win cash and prizes.
Fifteen volunteer trainers will participate this year – including four youth trainers. On September 1st, a drawing was held to match each trainer with one of the dogs. Those fifteen dog/trainer pairs (and four alternates) have spent the last six weeks building a relationship with each other, completing basic obedience training, preparing to compete on the special Mutt Makeover obstacle course, and learning a few particularly challenging skills for the free style competition.
All that hard work and training is about to pay off. Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, all the dogs and their trainers will show off their preliminary obedience training and mastery of specified obstacle course elements. After lunch, they’ll all compete in the free style competition, followed by the top three finalists in competition beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Adult division cash prizes include $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for 3rd place. Youth division prices have not yet been announced but rumor has it there are some great prices for these amazing kids as well. Five judges will be scoring the mutts as they go through their paces for the crowd. Alternates will be returning for special demonstrations at the event finals as well.
Time N Timber is returning as the title sponsor again this year.This family-friendly event is free (although the City of Fort Worth charges $5 for parking).
Some of the EMM 2012 mutts have already been adopted, but many are still looking for their forever homes. They include, Marko, Domino, Rambo, Buddy, Emmit, Amos, Lilli, Emmy, Roy, Pebbles, and O-Dee.
2012 EMM Judges:
Sandy Grambort, Extreme Mustang Makeover
Jean-Paul Bonnelly, The Republic of Dog
Gina McCase, Tellington Touch Provider
Victoria Severans, KAOS K-9 Agility and Obedience Squad
Celebrity Judge:
95.9 FM’s Ron Moore
Competing in the 2012 EMM Youth Division:
Cheyenne Young – Amos, from HSNT
Madisyn Rambo – Dixie,, from HSNT
Colin Wilson – Lola, from HSNT
Ashley Stockton – Emmit, from Mansfield Animal Care & Control
Nicole Stockton – Rambo, from HSNT
Competing in the 2012 EMM Adult Division:
Gayle Hammond – Buddy, from HSNT
Linda Palma – O’Dee, surrendered by his owner to HSNT
Michelle McClelland – Lillie, from Mansfield Animal Care & Control
Shannon Kiley – Taffy, from Richland Hills Animal Control
Pam Allen – Domino, from HSNT
Susie Betts – Logan from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control via HSNT
GL Potts – Emmy, from HSNT
Emily Hurt – Roy, from Plano Animal Services
Emily Musgrove – Marko, from Hurst Animal Services
Krista Cornelius – Homer, from DFW Humane Society
2012 EMM Alternates:
Virginia Kamper – Butterscotch, from Wichita Falls Humane
Kristen Tushingham Madlinger – Ozzie, from DFW Humane Society
Jessica Caulk – Pebbles, from Richland Hills Animal Control
Michelle Lyon – Murphy, from Bedford Animal Control
Keep up with all the fun, trainer updates and event preparations on the Extreme Mutt Makeover Facebook page.
Photo: The 2012 EMM dogs and their trainers, courtesy HSNT.
Copyright Rebecca Poling 2012. All rights reserved. Email DFWAnimalRescue@att.net if you have a story you’d like to share. Or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!
