The thrill of canine competition will be in the air when the Little Guild’s Great Country Mutt Show takes place at Lime Rock Park this June.  Free and open to the public, the Great Country Mutt Show is a Westminster-style Dog Show that celebrates all breeds and creeds!  Held rain or shine on Sunday, June 5th, from 11 am to 2 pm at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT., there is an opportunity for everyone’s beloved dog to compete under the big tent! Competitive categories include Cutest Carry-On, Sweetest Pair of Dogs, Best Ears, Waggiest Tail, Best Paw Shake, Best Trick, Most Unidentifiable Mix, Dog That Looks Most Like It’s Owner, Best Senior, and Best Lap Dog Over 40 Pounds!

New to the show this year is a Pet and Parent Fashion Show that will be judged by the legendary Michael Musto and Mickey Boardman. Michael Musto is the longtime columnist for the Village Voice, which has returned, with Musto prominently on board. He has also written for Vanity Fair and the New York Times, penned four books, won eight Glam Awards for Best Writer, and is currently streaming in docs on Netflix, FX, Amazon Prime, and Showtime. Mickey Boardman, aka Mr. Mickey, is the Editorial Director of Paper Magazine, as well as being a humanitarian and self-described shopaholic. Mickey is currently promoting his glamorous yet affordable fashion line for liverocket.com. 

Returning this year as a judge is Connecticut State Representative Maria Horn, and Richard Schlesinger as the Master of Ceremonies.  Mr. Schlesinger, a devoted long-time supporter of the Little Guild, is an Emmy award news correspondent widely known for his extensive work on 48 Hours and CBS News Sunday Morning.  New to the show will be the esteemed theatrical animal trainer Bill Berloni as one of the judges.   Mr. Berloni was just 20 years old when he found a rescue dog to train to play Sandy in the original production of Annie, beginning his career-long commitment to training rescue animals for Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, special events, the New York City Ballet, motion pictures, television, and commercials. Mr. Berloni is the author of Broadway Tails, Doga, Wags to Riches, and Sandy, The Autobiography of a Star.

Outside of the rings there will be live music by the Joint Chiefs, a silent auction, and food available from Ben & Jerry’s, Greenhouse Tavern, Lemongrass Grill and Lime Rock Park as well as refreshing local brews from Great Falls Brewery.  Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the Vodka For Dog People, is a sponsor of the Great Country Mutt Show, and will have a tent available offering dogs a hydration station and a dog tag engraver, along with some fun happenings for dogs and people alike!   Little Guild t-shirts designed by talented Litchfield artist Greg Domres will be available for sale.

“The Great Country Mutt Show is energizing, entertaining and a spectacular celebration of every dog and all that they bring to us, every dog is a winner.  It’s also an opportunity for us at the Little Guild to say thank you to our great community for their continued support of our mission.  This year promises to be especially robust, Lime Rock Park is picturesque, and the Lime Rock Park team has been so supportive and helpful in planning for the big day.  Thanks to their support, as well as our terrific sponsors, Tito’s and Hammertown Barn, the day promises to be a special one for all who attend,” said Jenny Langendoerfer, Executive Director of the Little Guild.  

The Little Guild is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1960. It is the largest animal shelter in Northwest Connecticut and boasts one of the highest save rates nationally for a no-kill shelter.  Dedicated to rescuing, healing and individually nurturing homeless dogs and cats and to matching these animals with caring homes in the community, the Little Guild also provides programs that strengthen the bonds between pets and people, and partners with local organizations to support pet owners in the community.   

To register for the Great Country Mutt Show, please go to www.littleguild.org.  Entrance to Lime Rock Park for the Great Country Mutt Show will be though the main entrance, 60 White Hollow Road, Lakeville, CT, 06039