Put Westminster out of your mind. Hollywood is forgotten. Under the broad skies of Habersham County, rather than in bright spotlights or glossy magazines, the animal kingdom’s most intense competition takes place. The stakes are higher than the groomer’s bill before Christmas in Dogs of Summer, where rhinestone collars and unbridled ambition collide.
Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant
This Saturday, August 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., Aerial Mountain Springs will host the Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant, silent auction, and adoption event. An evening aimed at raising money for Habersham County Animal Care and Control will be held at the lakefront location, which features a large garden and a combination of indoor and outdoor areas.The 2025 Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant will take place at the lakefront location of Aerial Mountain Springs. (Google Photos is the source.)
Offstage, guests will participate in a silent auction bidding battle, and onstage, they will compete for the privilege to bark.
Local sponsors Holden Oversoul Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Mr. Biscuit’s Caf (who also serves loaded teas as a drink vendor), FarmHouse PoundCakes, Amanda’s Farm to Fork @ The Tea Room, and Nosh by Kelly Young have donated picnic baskets and other items for this year’s silent auction.
The Cute North Georgian Magazine arranged the event, which directly benefits the shelter and transforms donations from the public into useful care for the animals that are most in need.
Welcome to the dog-eat-dog world of canine couture
The competitors show up in style during Dogs of Summer. And don’t let those puppy-dog eyes deceive you; underneath the meticulously combed hair is a competitive edge that can shatter glass.
It is well known that the Costume category may both start and break friendships.
One seasoned French Poodle, mid-manicure, explains, “One minute you’re swooning over a dachshund’s flamingo tutu, and the next you’re in a full-on tug-of-war over a bedazzled fire hydrant prop.”
Swimsuit: The ultimate showdown
Style and endurance come together in the Swimsuit Competition. Which Golden Retriever, Steve or Harold, dressed in custom Ralph Lauren swimwear, will take home the title? Or will the judges be impressed by the boldness and confidence of a courageous young Pug wearing a Speedo?
According to rumors, a grandchild of Uga will arrive on behalf of the University of Georgia wearing a collegiate outfit that reads “educated, classy, but hawt.”
Talent: Where stars are born
Legends are made from underdogs in the Talent section. Audiences have enjoyed anything from interpretative fetch to synchronized tail wagging in previous years. As Chuck Berry played on a Bluetooth speaker, one corgi even gave a perfect performance of Roll Over Beethoven, rolling over.In 2024, Charlie (Charles) McCurry, the Ugliest Dog category winner, proudly accepted his prize. In what seemed to be a covert act of retaliation, he tripped his owner, Thomas McCurry, 69, of Cornelia, Georgia, as he was descending the steps. Charlie McCurry is the recipient of this 2025 Dogs of Summer dedication. (The Adorable North Georgian/Carly McCurry)
With competition this intense, every advantage matters. Some guests have boldly requested frisbees, jump ropes, skateboards, and even hula hoops.
Mr. or Mrs. Dog: The prime title
The title barked about behind the grooming van, and the crown gem is Mr. & Mrs. Dog of Summer. It’s a legacy, not just a sash. Winners own the stage, not just walk it. It takes more than a symmetrical snout and an impressive tail plume to earn this distinction. Under the strong glare of stage lights (the sun), it’s all about charisma, chemistry, and the capacity to exude summer romance.
The shelter is past capacity. This fundraiser meets a need
The event supports the Habersham County Animal Shelter, which is a vital cause beneath the glitter and lighthearted flair. The current facility is frequently overcrowded, but the county has authorized the development of a new facility. An endless stream of animals, many in need of immediate medical attention, daily feeding, and secure shelter, are managed by staff and volunteers. Space is scarce and supplies are running low, but demand never goes away.
At the Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant, dogs onstage dance for the audience to applaud, while offstage, attention is kept on the animals that are still looking for homes.
The Habersham County Animal Shelter receives all proceeds from the silent auction, which helps provide food, medical attention, and fresh starts for animals that are still in need of forever homes. It’s the ideal fusion of elegant dining and elegant behavior.The Aerial Mountain Springs venue’s indoor-outdoor arrangement combines the greatest features of both indoor and outdoor weddings. (The Adorable North Georgian/Carly McCurry)
There will be appetizers, wine, and beer for sale.
When & where the drama unfolds
Put August 23 at 6 to 8 p.m. at the Aerial Mountain Springs Venue on your calendars. Family tickets cost $20, individual tickets cost $10, and VIP tickets cost $60. Dogs only pay $10 per category to compete, and yes, their human on-stage carrier gets free entry.
Family tickets can be purchased at the door or through Eventbrite. Tickets can only be bought individually for $10 at the door. To guarantee your dog’s place in the pageant and to obtain VIP tickets, send an email to [email protected] or text 706-299-8407.
Bring your spirit of competition. Bring your sense of humor. Don’t undervalue the poodle in pearls in anything you do.
