Marion County Pet Show

Everybody loves a pet show, so when the Marion County 4-H Extension Service announced their annual show, they had an amazing response. Joining with Hamilton’s Tractor Supply Company to sponsor the show and to support the annual Clover Campaign, the Marion County 4-H’ers began their preparation for this popular event. The show began four years ago after students expressed an interest in showing their pets.

This year, the show was filled with dogs, cats and rabbits. In the past, some students had shown unusual pets, like fish, small birds, a parrot and even a bearded dragon. Only pets that could be purchased in a pet store were allowed, which eliminated wildlife and farm animals.

The show featured many different categories, such as a costume contest for the smallest, largest and most unusual dog, cat or rabbit. All of these animals had to be at least one year old.

The Pet Show had 32 contestants with 25 owners, as some youngsters brought multiple animals. Most owners also dressed in costumes to present their animals. From the moment that Brody Wood got the information about the show, he was excited. Brody, a fifth-grader at Hackleburg Elementary School, looked online with his dog, Murphy, to find just the right costumes for both of them. After finding a “prisoner” outfit for Murphy, Brody decided that he and his brother would dress as policemen to “guard” Murphy.

“I saw all kinds of costumes at the show,” Brody explained, “but I was very proud of Murphy. He loved his costume, and it was a fun day to spend with my best friend!” The choices of costumes were both creative and entertaining. For example, one rabbit was a scary dinosaur, while some pooches donned bumble bee, lion, unicorn and princess outfits. One pup paraded as a banana split and another, a pumpkin. Spectators saw Curious George,

Cat Division: (l to r) 1st Place Costume Contest and Smallest Cat: Alyssa Jones with Luna; 1st Place Largest and Most Unusual Cat: Taylor Hawkins with Yeti.

Dog Costume: ( l to r) 1st: Noah Wood and Brody Wood with Murphy as a prisoner; 2nd: Emily Sink (the good witch) with Sassy, the princess; 3rd: Angel Gibson with Jasper as Curious George; Ava Bellew, with Chief as a UPS delivery driver.

Wonder Woman and even a UPS driver go by. One fancy feline slinked by as a taco. The costumes were original and quite unique, something that pleased the audience immensely.

Dr. Melissa Shotts and Lynn Trulove served as the judges for the colorful parade of pets and their young masters. A large crowd enjoyed the festivities, while supporting Marion County’s 4-H members.

Many other 4-H members from all over Marion County came to help in other ways. They volunteered to make the show run smoothly. For example, some 4-H’ers led games for younger students, painted faces, helped to set up and take down the show and registered guests. The Tractor Supply parking lot was filled with spectators enjoying the excitement.

Both businesses and individuals stepped up to support this event. The Winfield Bottling Company donated banners for the 4-H Youth Council to decorate for the show. The Marion County Extension Staff also helped to get everything ready for the show. Samuel Sutton and Karlee Hardin took many photos, which can be found on Facebook and Instagram. The Hamilton Tractor Supply Company staff not only allowed the students to hold their Pet Show at their store but they also pitched in to help in so many other ways.

Hope Mitchell, a senior at Hackleburg High School, was one of the contestants. “I participated because I love animals and meeting new people,” she explained. “4-H has blessed me with so many opportunities throughout high school. I encourage everyone to join.“

Rabbit Division: 1st in Largest and Most Unusual Rabbit: Hannah Robinson with Ginger; 1st in Costume and Smallest Rabbit Category: Lily Swartz with Judy Hops Right.

Lizzie Lockhart with Governor, dressed as a bumblebee.

Rebecca Danley, the 4-H Foundation Regional Extension Agent for Marion County, expressed her appreciation to all who helped to make this event a big success. “Kids want to come out and show off their pets,” she stated. “This show gave them that opportunity and provided entertainment for their families and friends. We hope to continue this tradition for years to come!”