Forget Westminster. Forget Hollywood. The fiercest competition in the animal kingdom happens not under bright spotlights or in glossy magazines, but under the open skies of Habersham County. This is Dogs of Summer, where rhinestone collars meet raw ambition, and the stakes are higher than the groomer’s bill before Christmas.
Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant
The Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant, silent auction, and adoption event will take over Aerial Mountain Springs this Saturday, August 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. The lakeside venue, with its mix of indoor and outdoor spaces and spacious garden, will host an evening designed to raise funds for Habersham County Animal Care and Control.
Guests will compete onstage for barking rights, while offstage, they’ll vie in a silent auction bidding war.
This year’s silent auction features picnic baskets and gifts from local sponsors—Holden Oversoul Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Mr. Biscuit’s Café (who is also a drink vendor serving loaded teas), FarmHouse PoundCakes, Amanda’s Farm to Fork at The Tea Room, and Nosh by Kelly Young.
The event, organized by The Cute North Georgian Magazine, directly supports the shelter, turning community generosity into practical care for animals that need it most.
Welcome to the dog-eat-dog world of canine couture
At Dogs of Summer, the contestants arrive in style. And don’t be fooled by those puppy-dog eyes; beneath the carefully coiffed fluff lies a competitive edge so sharp it can cut glass.
The Costume category is known to spark friendships and end them.
“One minute you’re gushing over a dachshund’s flamingo tutu, the next you’re in a full-on tug-of-war over a bedazzled fire hydrant prop,” says one seasoned French Poodle, mid manicure.
Swimsuit: The ultimate showdown
In the Swimsuit Competition, style meets stamina. Will an elderly and stately Golden Retriever, named Harold or Steve, claim the crown in his tailored Ralph Lauren swim trunks? Or will a plucky young Pug in a Speedo impress the judges with confidence and daring?
Rumor has it, a granddaughter of Uga, representing the University of Georgia, will arrive in a collegiate one-piece that says “educated, classy, but hawt.”
Talent: Where stars are born
The Talent portion is where underdogs become legends. In past years, audiences have been treated to everything from synchronized tail wagging to interpretive fetch. One corgi even performed a flawless rendition of “Roll Over Beethoven”—literally rolling over while a Bluetooth speaker blared Chuck Berry.
A few attendees have made bold requests, frisbees, jump ropes, skateboards, even hula hoops, and with competition this fierce, every edge counts.
Mr. or Mrs. Dog: The prime title
Mr. & Mrs. Dog of Summer is the crown jewel, the title barked about behind the grooming van. It’s not just a sash, it’s a legacy. Winners don’t just walk the stage; they own it. Securing this honor requires more than a symmetrical snout and an enviable tail plume. It’s about charisma, chemistry, and the ability to radiate summer romance under the harsh glare of stage lights (the sun).
The shelter is past capacity. This fundraiser meets a need
Beneath the sequins and playful showmanship, the event serves a pressing cause to support the Habersham County Animal Shelter. The county has approved construction of a new facility, but the current facility operates beyond capacity most days. Staff and volunteers manage an unrelenting flood of animals, many requiring urgent medical care, daily feeding, and safe housing. Supplies run thin, space is limited, yet the need is constant.
Onstage at the Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant, dogs prance for applause; offstage, the focus stays fixed on the animals still waiting for homes.
Every dollar raised from the silent auction goes directly to the Habersham County Animal Shelter, funding food, medical care, and new beginnings for animals still waiting for their forever homes. It’s the perfect blend of fine dining and fine deeds.
Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase.
When & where the drama unfolds
Mark your calendars: August 23, 6–8 p.m., at Aerial Mountain Springs Venue. Tickets are $20 per family, $10 per individual, $60 VIP. Dogs compete for just $10 per category (and yes, that includes free admission for their human on-stage carrier).
Reserve family tickets through Eventbrite or at the door. Individual tickets can exclusively be purchased at the door for $10. For VIP tickets and to register in advance to secure your pup’s spot in the pageant, email thecutenorthgeorgian@gmail.com or text 706-299-8407.
Bring your competitive spirit. Bring your sense of humor. And whatever you do, don’t underestimate the poodle in pearls.
