by CLARKEVILLE, GA On Saturday, August 23, dozens of local pet owners met at Aerial Mountain Springs for the second annual Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant, when wagging tails, sequined leashes, and rhinestone collars took center stage. The entertaining contest helped the Habersham County Animal Shelter achieve its goal of raising $500.
The event, which was hosted by The Cute North Georgian magazine, combined serious animal welfare with some lighthearted fun. Through categories like Best Costume, Most Dapper, Swimsuit, Talent, and the coveted Mr. and Mrs. Dog of Summer, guests supported their canine competitors.
Pageant winners
The pet pageant was judged by First Baptist Church of Cornelia’s Kristen LaShoto, Brittany Tilly, and Cheryl Clickner.
There is a lot of competition. “It’s really difficult to decide,” Clickner added.
Kristen LaShoto, who voted for the victorious Mrs. Dog of Summer, adding, “I love Maggie Mae, but I didn’t know it would be so tough.”
Harvey Best Costume
Ollie & Mylo Most Dapper
Arlo Tilly Swimsuit Competition
Honeybee Most Talented
Maggie Mae Mrs. Dog of Summer
Taurus Host s Favorite
The pageant gave Molly Waltman Moncure, Honeybee’s mother, insight into her pup’s secret motivation.
Again, thank you for hosting! Moncure stated, “It was a lot of fun, and we will watch for the next event.” Although Honey is incredibly lovely, it appears that she has a competitive side and was motivated to win.
This year’s pageant was dedicated to the memory of Charlie McCurry, the late winner of the 2024 Ugliest Dog Contest.
Community support on display
Local companies such as Holden Oversoul Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Mr. Biscuit’s Caf, FarmHouse PoundCakes, Amanda’s Farm to Fork @ The Tea Room, and Nosh by Kelly Young donated to the silent auction that was held in conjunction with the pageant.
In order to host the evening, venue owner Brittany Grella opened the charming lakefront property at Aerial Mountain Springs. As pets showed off under the summer sunset, guests savored food, beverages, and lots of laughter.
The goodness in this good-hearted event
Despite the playful environment, the fundraising addressed a pressing need. The Habersham County Animal Shelter is still running at full capacity, with volunteers and employees working every day to give stray and surrendered animals food, shelter, and medical attention.
Madi Nix, director of animal care and control for Habersham County, commended the endeavor and its results.Alongside the lion-hearted Harvey, Madi Nix, the director of Habersham County Animal Care and Control, participates in the costume competition. Harvey. As of August 24, 2025, Harvey—short for Harvard—had been residing at the shelter for more than two years, or 780 days. (Image courtesy of Carly McCurry)
Seeing events with well-behaved, well-restrained, and well socialized pets interacting always fills me with a sense of pride as an animal control officer! Nix was added. The winners are responsible pet owners!
Nix expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make the second annual Dogs of Summer so enjoyable, as well as to The Cute North Georgian Magazine.
Adoptable Outside of the shelter, Harvey enjoyed flaunting his own self-worth. The company was excellent, and the site was stunning! “I said,” she said.
The event’s proceeds will be used to purchase owner supplies for Cornelia’s recently constructed animal shelter. These include furnishings, veterinary equipment, and play yard toys that will enhance the care and standard of living for shelter employees and animals.
The fact that so many people in our community donated their skills and resources to help those who could never pay them back touched me the most. Carly McCurry, the organizer, expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported and contributed to the event. We are eagerly awaiting Dogs of Summer 2026.
