Dorothy Westerman
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 14/05) - Yellowknife dogs are jumping for joy after tallying up the total from the annual NWT SPCA dog jog Sunday.

The four-legged jog throughout the city raised almost twice the amount it did last year, says Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals president Janet Pacey.

"We raised $6,503.75 - almost $3,000 more than last year," Pacey said.

Despite rainy weather, more than 100 people and their pooches gathered at the Yellowknife Community Arena for the event.

Prizes were awarded in various categories.

The waggiest tail went to Tuk the rescue dog; friendliest dog was Matilda the Fort Smith border collie spaniel mix and owner Karen Clegg; Cowboy performed the best dog tricks for owner Crystal Laamenen; Pierson the Boston terrier had the best snout (owner Amanda St. Denis); the best dressed dog (who matched its owner Lynne Mahen) was Aurora the Yorkshire terrier; and Buster the pitbull had the sexiest dog legs (owner Ivan).

People, too, were recognized for the efforts they made collecting pledges.

Shauna Miller raised the most money: $1,014.50. Second was Marianne Wasylycia who raised $710 and third was Karen Lajoie - $310.

During this year's event, money was also collected by participants for hurricane Katrina victims.