Your dog can compete in Aurora's Rover Rescue show

Not every dog can be a show dog, but pretty much every dog can wag its tail or give its owner a kiss.

In the eighth annual Rover Rescue Pet Dog Show, typical pet dogs will get their chance to shine, event organizers say.

With contests such as Best Trick, Fastest Eater and Most Kisses in 15 Seconds, any dog can participate in the fundraising event planned for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Aurora Turners Club, 1335 Mitchell Road, Aurora.

“Most shows are for dogs that are groomed for those, where this show is a pet dog show,” said Kelly Janulis, president of Aurora-based Rover Rescue. “Every dog can qualify. Any dog can win; most tail wags doesn't take a lot of talent.”

Dog show organizers even divide entrants into categories based on attributes such as body size and tail length to give each pet a more equitable chance of winning, Janulis said.

“People love their dogs, and any time they get to do different activities with their dogs, I think they really enjoy those things,” said Janulis, whose Pomeranian, Tasha, is a former Most Kisses in 15 Seconds winner.

Owners must register their pet in advance and pay a $5 entry fee; audience admission is free. The event typically draws about 80 canines and at least 150 people because most come as families, Janulis said.

Raffles add to the event's fundraising power and proceeds benefit the nonprofit, all-volunteer Rover Rescue and its network of about 40 Fox Valley area foster homes for dogs that can't stay any longer at certain animal shelters.

The organization has found permanent homes for more than 3,800 dogs in less than eight years of existence.

For details, visit roverrescue.org.