Yoda and Sampson Named Wagapalooza Queen and King

 

 

Waga King Sampson and Waga Queen Yoda with their owners.

 

 

CRUZ BAY — Dog lovers and pet owners packed the Winston Wells ball field on Saturday evening, May 9, for the 15th annual Wagapalooza.
The distinctly-St. John style dog show is one of the main fundraisers of the year for the island’s sole animal welfare organization, the St. John Animal Care Center.

This year’s judges, Joan Sparling, Kelly Cruikshank and Magistrate Judge Allen Smith, had no easy task deciding winners among the talented pooches in categories ranging from Best Costume to Best Old Timer.

In the end, the trio named 12-year-old Yoda, last year’s Best Old Timer, as this year’s Waga Queen. Sampson, who was resplendent in a feathered headdress for the Best Costume category, looked regal as he accepted the Waga King honor.

In addition to the dog show itself, Wagapalooza featured food and drinks, raffles and music by DJ I-Duane. There were also plenty of activities to keep the kids busy with a bouncy house, face painting and a popcorn machine.

“This is a great turn out and we’re really excited for a great night,” said ACC President Lucy Banks. “This event brings the animals to the forefront and brings the community together. There aren’t many free, family-friendly events on St. John and this really is a great one.”

While there were plenty of laughs and no shortage of entertaining dogs, not even emcee Ellis Davis could keep a dry eye when he announced this year’s Babe Award.

Given each year to the dog that has made the most miraculous change in spirit and health since it entered ACC’s shelter, the three-legged Maximus was honored with the Babe Award Saturday night.

Maximus was hit by a car and was able to undergo successful surgery only thanks to the outpouring of love and financial support from local and stateside residents. Since being adopted by Michelle Fage and Jason Cawthorn, Maximus has thrived.

“Just a week or two after his surgery, Maximus was up and about, walking around on his three legs,” Davis told the crowd as he announced the award. “Now he loves to run and jump and doesn’t even realize he only has three legs.”

With a job at Canines, Cats and Critters, Lori Damron often sees rescue dogs when they first arrive at the ACC’s shelter and need medical attention. She loved seeing many of those once sick dogs happily playing in the Cruz Bay ball field.

“It’s so great to see these dogs here who used to be in the shelter and now they’ve been adopted and they’re so happy,” said Damron. “It’s especially great seeing some of the dogs who we watched go through heart worm treatment and now they’re doing great.”

All funds raised at Wagapalooza go to keep the ACC’s no kill shelter open and allows the organization to care for the island’s neglected and abused dogs and cats.

For more information about the St. John ACC or to make a donation, check out www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com.