Who says purebred dogs get to have all the fun? Not the mutts and their owners who attended the 4th annual Chicagoland Great American Mutt Show May 15. The event, which took place at the Morton West High School in Berwyn, featured contests including the most creative pet trick, waggiest tail and best dressed.

The goal of the event was to promote the mission of no kill shelters. Plenty of organizations, including Animal Care League, Chicago Bully Breed Rescue and A Caring Place Humane Society were on hand to educate visitors about their work.

Sponsored by the Berwyn Development Corporation, this is the only show of its kind in Illinois, a fact Mayor Robert Lovero is proud of.

The more stuff we have to show people what Berwyn is about is great, he said. So many people grew up in the Berwyn/Cicero area and we are trying to do stuff to provide entertainment and bring them back.

Visitors and their dogs came from the Chicagoland area including Aurora resident Jerry McGlone and his dog Guinness. McGlone entered Guinness, a rottweiler and pit bull mix he rescued from a Berwyn shelter, in the most creative pet trick contest. While Guinnesss skill of jumping into her owners arm didnt earn a ribbon, McGlone loves the fact that his large dog is so affectionate.

One day I sat up and she jumped into my arms, he said. Since she is so big, I realized next time I better be prepared for it.

For more information, go to Berwyn.net.

By Elizabeth Vassolo | Triblocal.com
Photos by Elizabeth Vassolo