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News-Sun photo by CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY This full-blooded Leopard Hound may not have been to finishing school, but she's intelligent, lively and looking for a good home.

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published: Sunday, February 10, 2013

Beauties that outshine pampered show dogs

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Monday and Tuesday the cream of the cream of the canine universe gather together for the world class beauty pageant known as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The WKC describes itself as "the Superbowl and Academy Awards, but even greater," on its website. Twelve states have joined the union since the club was founded it says. According to the WKC, 35 breeds and 1,200 entries took part in the first show, held in 1877. About 3,200 entries, competing in 162 breeds and varieties, are expected to compete in 2013, including the introduction of two new breeds.

"There is only one Westminster, and in its long and prestigious experience just about every superlative imaginable has been used to describe the club, (which) has become the symbol of the pure bred dog," the club says.

The Highlands County Animal Shelter doesn't have the WKC's pedigree, its influence or its money. There are no bright lights or red carpeting. No one wears a tuxedo or long gown.

What the shelter does have is as great a variety of breeds, half-breeds, and wonderfully odd-ball mixes, as any dog show in existence. The shelter is democratic, not elitist. It takes in any stray, no matter how dubious its family lineage.

The director of the county's Animal Control department Darryl Scott said, "So many different dogs pass through here, we've seen probably every type dog there is.

"Of course," he quickly added, "that doesn't mean we have every type dog every day, but we've seen Great Danes, huskies, poodles, shepherds, bull dogs, every kind of hound, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers."

The WKC speaks about a breed's elegance, grace and dignity; Scott and his staff talk about individual dogs and finding them homes.

The most important qualities a dog possesses don't have as much to do with sleek bodies or glossy ears, Scott said, as they do with loyalty and willingness to please.

Attracted to fluffy lap dogs? Big athletic runners? Or sturdy, even-tempered dogs who don't mind children pulling their ears? We've got them, Scott said, or will before long. Mixes, he said, often contain the best qualities of several breeds.

It isn't difficult to adopt, he added. "Come on out. If there's a dog you want, fill out the forms and tell us which veterinarian to take the dog to (to be spayed or neutered), then you go on home. You pick up the animal at the veterinarian."

By state law, every dog or cat released from the pound has to be spayed or neutered. They also get de-wormed and vaccinated. They are not released from the pound.

The fee for adoption includes the medical costs. A female dog is $85, a male $75. Cat fees are $70 for females, $55 for males.

As of Friday there were 60 dogs, 50 cats, one rabbit and a chicken looking for homes -- or a dedicated FFA or 4-H student.

Call 655-6475 for more information.