Novo Ecijanos have developed a new
love affair with the dog, the purebreed kind. This fondness for live imported
dogs has spawned a new booming line of businesses, from kennels, to veterinary
clinics, to dog supplies. It also created a new social event where one
goes with one's dog to see and be seen -- the dog show.
On February 8, 2004, the
Nueva Ecija Pitbull Club
staged its First Pitbull
Show/Weight Pulling Competition and
Purebreed Fun Match at the
San Nicolas Elementary School Gym
in Barangay San Nicolas,
Gapan City.
At stake: trophies and plaques
for the dog owners;
huge bags of yummy dog food
for the winners.
Overseeing the proceedings,
the officials of the Nueva Ecija Pitbull Club:
Aris Pineda, president;
Jun Ruiz, vice president; Alex Lopez, secretary;
Ariel Navatilan, treasurer;
Arnel dela Cruz, adviser, Bimbo Galang, adviser; and
Oliver Valente, coordinator.
The board of judges make
minute inspections of the contestants.
Rule: male dogs have to
have two balls. One ball missing, one point deduction.
No kidding.
The contestants range from
the pocket-sized one...
... to the long one...
... and the huge one.
Dressed up bitches (referring
to the dogs of course)...
... to one with military
ambitions.
How many dog breeds can
you identify?
Let's start with this one...
This sleepy one?
This curly one?
What about this?
Now, this?
This one?
And this?
And finally, this?
If you easily identified
all, congratulations! You're a certified dog fan!
This must be the canine
equivalent of torture:
being tied up downwind from
a smoking barbecue stand.
Cute puppies for sale.
Cute puppies' price tag:
P15,000 each!
A cardboard sign!
That's no way to sell a
dog with breeding!
Take the dog to the dog
show? No, ride the dog...
Another proof that dogs
tend to look like
their owners, and vice versa.
Filthy rich dog.
Barking at the wrong dog.
Digital
photos and text by Ramon R. Valmonte
February
2004
.
