Dogs get their day in Royalton

Sonny, a 15-month-old German shepherd, was one hot dog.

The pooch paraded in front of a panel of judges Friday during the Kids' Dog Show, sponsored by the North Royalton Recreation Department.

He wore a long yellow jacket-like covering with stripes of red and yellow across the top, representing squirts of ketchup and mustard.

Yep. He was a "hot" dog in the show's best costume contest -- and his sausage outfit took top honors in that category.

Sonny didn't mind roasting a bit in the 86-degree weather, although the costume came off immediately after the contest.

"My dogs are awesome," said Hailey Organiscak, who had Sonny and Cabela, a mini-pincher, walking away with awards.

The dozen or so canines at Friday's fun day acted dog-gone well with each other, competing for smallest, largest, best costumed, best trick and best-looking pet.

Zeus, a bull terrier like the advertisement-great Spuds MacKenzie, may look fierce, but the red circle around his right eye made from colored red hair gel, gave him a friendlier look.

"People are afraid of him," said owner Christopher Paskert, who attended the show with stepson Kyle Dykes. "I call him Gentle Giant. He has a good temperament. And takes up the whole bed when he lays across it. He loves to shake, rattle and roll."

Ryan Koler brought Buttons, a year-old bichon poodle, dressed in a Cleveland Indians' shirt as a best costume contestant.

"It a Build-a-Bear T-shirt," said Ryan, as Mom Michele Koler watched the festivities. "I took it off the bear a while ago. I like the Indians. They're my favorite team."

Leah Reese, a North Royalton middle schooler, led Zoe, a 6-year-old beagle-mix around the pavilion at Memorial Park. Zoe, who loves doing tricks, was dressed as a cheerleader.

Leah's advice to the secret of trick learning?...