Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Jun 29/01) - The Miss Universe Pageant it wasn't.
The six contestants walked by the judges, wearing ill-fitting clothing that was not made with them in mind.
They didn't maintain order very well, bumping into each other or wandering off in search of a stray cat.
It was definitely not proper etiquette for humans. But that's all right, this was a dog show.
Six children dressed up their pooches for the show, which was put on by the Inuvik SPCA during last Friday's Midnight Madness festival.
While it's safe to say the dogs felt more than a little sheepish, Linda Eccles said the event was a lot of fun, and that each of the children got a prize.
"We gave away a lot of prizes and just general stuff for animals to children that walked by," said Eccles, who recently formed the society along with her husband, Greg Stromgren.
They aim to set up an animal shelter within town.
"It went really well," Eccles said. "We raised some money for spaying and neutering, and money towards the shelter, so that was good. And we got quite a few memberships."
Eccles also said the society needs volunteers, and that several teenagers expressed interest. She said having a booth set up was a good chance for them to get themselves known.
Eccles said that though the society is still in its infancy, already she is helping one resident adopt out a litter of eight puppies.
"I'm talking with Yellowknife, so if we can't get them all adopted here we'll get them flown out to the shelter down there," Eccles said.
"So people are starting to use the resource, which is nice to see."
The Inuvik SPCA's first annual general meeting won't occur until September. Eccles explained the interest may be stronger then than during the summer.
She also explained fundraising efforts are continuing. This Saturday members will do a zone cleanup. Members will meet at 2 p.m. at the corner of Albert and Raven.
Eccles is planning on doing talks in both schools this fall to teach children about the importance of spaying and neutering, and the importance of caring for pets.
"If you have a pet, it's a 20-year commitment."
