Carnation Festival Pet Show had dogs, cats, snakes, a hedgehog, a rabbit - even a goat

ALLIANCE − Lola, a mixed Portuguese water dog, was named best in show at the annual Greater Alliance Carnation Festival Pet Show on Friday night.

The annual event sponsored by Coastal Pet Products in Alliance took place at the Jaycee Shelter in Silver Park. At least 25 animals participated in the contest.

The animal participants included dogs, cats, snakes, a hedgehog, a rabbit − even a goat. Most presenters, if not all, were children who led their pets on stage.

"I think it's great to see the kids get up with their pet and tell a little story, get a little comfortable being in front of crowds because they're nervous," said Kim Stout, president of Coastal Pet Products. "They overcame it with the animals."

Linda Ryan's 14-year-old daughter showed their dog, Boomer, a golden retriever.

Ryan, of Alliance, said her daughter battles anxiety, and getting her to open up and talk to people is important. Having Boomer, Ryan said, has helped her daughter overcome some of that anxiety. "They're close," she said.

The pets and owners who medaled took part in the Carnation Festival Grand Parade on Saturday, riding on Coastal Pet's float.

For example, Filomena Anderson, 5, of Sebring took second place in the dog category with her Husky named Stormy. The little girl, dressed in a Little Red Riding Hood costume, couldn't contain her enthusiasm over the event.

"Sshh," her mom said, chuckling.

Danielle Anderson said of her daughter, "It was exciting. She's usually shy."

As for 4-year-old Anna Reinsel of Washington Township and her best friend, Lola the pup, they took first place in the owner/pet look-alike category. Reinsel and Lola wore matching yellow outfits. Last year, they placed third.

Reinsel was all smiles after the announcements.

Asked about her favorite part of the event, Reinsel replied, "dancing."

Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @bduerREP

2023 Carnation Festival Pet Show

Owner/Pet Look Alike

1. Anna Reinsel - Lola

2. Nathan Russell - Oliver

3. Alex Pulivarthy - Sweetie

Best Looking Cat

1. Danette - Dano

2. J - Bandit

3. Ashton Pulivarthy - Tobey

Best Looking “Other”

1. Mollie Reeder - Nagini (a snake)

2. Austin Pulivarthy – Peanut (a goat)

3. Willow – Pepper (a python)

Best Looking “Baby” Pet

1. Arabella Lipfird - Charlie

2. Adalynn Anderson - Pandora

3. Alex Pulivarthy - Sweetie

Best Looking Dog

1. Gabriella Carnes - Tinkerbell

2. Filomena Anderson - Stormy

3. Adalyn- Bluey

Best in Show

1. Anna Reinsel - Lola

(Note: Last names of some competitors were not provided).

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Her name is Lola: 4-year-old's pup wins Carnation Festival Pet Show