A doggone good time was had by attendees Sunday afternoon as the fall edition of the Butler County Humane Society’s Bark in the Park arrived in downtown Greenville. Classic rock and pop tunes spun by well-known Montgomery DJ Major Delay rang out across Confederate Park while volunteer Tom Matthews grilled hot dogs and served pizza, occasionally slipping a tasty treat to a hungry canine or two.

Santa was on hand for photos with pooches and people, snapped by BCHS volunteer and ace pet photographer Lillian Jernigan.

While some pet lovers simply stopped in to say hello and briefly visit with fellow friends of the furry on a beautiful autumn afternoon, others came to participate in the semi-annual Pet Parade and Contest. Ten canines and their owners presented themselves to the panel of judges, with each dog receiving a title and a treat. Payton,  Allen Johnson’s Boston terrier, both a regular at the event and a past BCHS pet calendar star, won over the judges with a friendly, well-mannered personality and winning smile. Payton received top title of “Best All Around” along with a giant bag filled with food, toys and treats.

Other contestants and their titles and owners were: “Oliver,” owned by Logan Davis, named “Social Butterfly;”  Ricky Stead’s “Daisy,” “Most Laid-Back,” Rebecca Duncan’s rescue Lab “Belle,” awarded “Most School Spirit” for its Auburn coat and bandanna;

“Daisy Mae,” owned by Breunna Marie, named “Marvelous Midget,” Dan Winn’s “Buddy,” declared “The Friskiest,” “Curly,” owned by Lilly Ingram, named “Cutest,” Sonya Rice’s poodle “Rudy,” named “Fanciest” and Gary and Mary Richardson’s Papillons “Jack” and “Jill,” named “Nimblest” and “Prissiest Pup” respectively.

“We appreciate everybody, both the volunteers and the pet owners, who came out and supported Bark in the Park today,” said event organizer, volunteer Kimberly Matthews.

Monies raised by the event, which was sponsored by Golden Flake, Coca Cola, Pizza Hut and Piggly Wiggly, will go towards helping homeless animals in Butler County.