Canines compete in Pittsburg dog show

Nothing says “Fourth of July” like a King Charles spaniel in an Uncle Sam suit.
At least, the red, white and blue outfit won best costume honors Saturday in the July 4 dog contest at Lincoln Park for Maximilian, who was accompanied by his human companion, Anndrea Russell, Pittsburg.
“This was our first contest, and I didn’t know what to expect,” Russell said. “I didn’t know if I’d gone overboard or underboard, but Max was very patient with me.”
Dogs competed in six categories at the contest. In addition to best costume, they were biggest dog, smallest dog, best fur coat, best trick and longest sit-stay. First place winners in each category also competed for the best of show award, which was selected on the basis of audience applause. Prizes were gift bags of doggie toys and treats.
Lucy Switzer, a Labrador-golden retriever mix, won best trick and best of show. Her human “parents” are Brian and Brandee Switzer, Pittsburg.
“We’ve been working with her since she was a pup, and she’s the best dog I’ve ever had,” Brian Switzer said. “Lucy also has two sisters — Katie and Emily, my kids — who work with her all the time.”
Romeo Taco Geier, a Jack Russell terrier-Chihuahua mix, competed but didn’t win any awards. However, just being alive, healthy and happy is a huge victory for  the small dog, according to Sandra Geier, Pittsburg, who adopted Taco from the Southeast Kansas Humane Society animal shelter in December.
“His nose was broken and he was kicked down stairs,” Geier said. “They begged me to take him, and I said I’d try to work with him. It took me three months to get him to come out of the corner — he’d just sit there and shake. If they’d had an award for the most abused dog, he would have won that.”
A complete listing of dog show winners will be released Monday by the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department.