Tails were wagging last weekend as the Butler County Humane Society held its first “Bark in the Park” in downtown Greenville.

Confederate Park was the place on Saturday to show off your favorite canine, shop among some pet-related gift items, and discover some highly adoptable puppies and kittens in need of a “fur-ever” home.

Faith Newton found a cuddly new companion. The little girl picked out a female black, tan and white Beagle mix, which she promptly named “Sam.”

Faith soon had her new puppy decked out in a pretty purple print dress and leash, ready to show Sam off in the “Pets on Parade” Contest Saturday afternoon.

Along with Faith and Sam, Deane Hamilton and Mia, a King Charles spaniel; Cemira Powell and Harley, a wire-hair/Jack Russell terrier mix; Kristi Sexton and Chihuahuas, Pookie and George; Linda Golson and Prissy the Pomeranian; Hanna Miller and Jazz the Chihuahua; Jerry Halford and Jasmine; Rebecca Reynolds and poodle Ruby Marie: Carolyn Gill and Yorkie Taz; Faye Finney with Chu Wee the English mastiff and My Kee, the Bassett Hound; Pete Hamilton and Ginger, and Meredith and Morgan Mann with Clementine the Beagle and mixed breed Daisy, all strutted their stuff for judges Annie Crenshaw and Kandys Killough.

“Well, there are no ugly dogs here today, so we’ve thrown that category out,” Crenshaw said with a grin.

Everyone agreed Chu Wee, the unflappable giant mastiff decked out in a Little Red Riding Hood costume, deserved “Largest Dog” title. Prissy’s festive red and white “HoHoHo” costume earned her “Best Dressed,” while Jazz tied with Sexton’s Chihuahua for “Smallest.” Jazz, honored as “Cutest,” amused the crowd as she pirouetted in her pink tulle ballerina skirt for treats.

“Youngest” honors went to eight-week-old Sam while Harley and Ruby Marie were recognized for their senior status among the contestants. Canine costumes sighted on Saturday included a diva leopard, Easter bunny, Bama cheerleader and a canine angel. Ginger was also recognized as a Katrina evacuee who had found a new home in Greenville.

“Considering this was truly something we planned on short notice, we are so pleased with the response,” Crenshaw, who chaired the event, said.

“It has been a lot of fun; we’ve seen two puppies and kittens get adopted, and we’ve raised more funds to care for the animals. I would say that makes it a success.”

Crenshaw encourages those who did not make it to the event but are looking for a new pet, to pay a visit to the Greenville Animal Shelter at 1310 East Commerce St. Monday through Saturday, or go to www.petfinder.com to see photos of homeless animals up for adoption here in Butler County.

“We also want to remind people we always welcome donations of any size, so keep an eye out for our collection jars around town. And we still have great gift items that have been donated to us available for sale,” Crenshaw said.

The Butler County Humane Society continues to assist in controlling pet over-population through affordable spay/neuter programs, monetary donations and supplies for the shelter, and raising funds for the establishment of a Second Chance No Kill Animal Shelter for the county (to work in conjunction with the city shelter).

For more info, email Greenville_animal_shelter@yahoo.

The Butler County Humane Society meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. (location TBA), and welcomes all animal lovers.

Contact BCHS president Herbert Morton at herbertandolga@centurytel.net