This September, we held our highly anticipated Under Dog Show, and we’re still buzzing with excitement! Hosted at Bentonville Brewing Company, this event brought together the community to celebrate the resilience, strength, and charm of some of Northwest Arkansas' finest rescue dogs.
The day was filled with laughter, wagging tails, and incredible stories of transformation, as each dog strutted their stuff, competing for a chance to be crowned Best in Show. But to us—and the packed crowd—every dog was already a winner!
A Day of Fun Awareness
The Under Dog Show wasn’t just about competition; it was about highlighting the stories of rescue dogs who have overcome adversity. Each dog that took the stage had their own unique background, some from shelters, some from foster homes, and all of them on their way to happy endings. Whether they were showing off their “best tricks” or stealing hearts with their soulful eyes, these dogs reminded us why rescues matter.
Our emcee, Allison Wise from 40/29 News, brought so much energy and warmth to the event. And our panel of judges—Heather Schnars from Hounds Hideaway, Katrina Redding of Camp Underbite, Metta Butler (local veterinarian), and Christian Bradow, dog trainer at Big Paws of the Ozarks—had the tough job of choosing winners from such an impressive group.
The show featured categories like Best Dressed, Best Trick, Big Dumb Idiot, and, of course, Best in Show. Despite a brief rainstorm that soaked our furry friends and their humans, the crowd stuck around and cheered as each dog took their turn in the spotlight. Even if they didn’t win, they were celebrated for just being their lovable, goofy selves.
Raising Awareness for Rescue Dogs
The purpose of the Under Dog Show goes beyond fun and competition. It’s about spreading awareness of the need for adopting rescue dogs and supporting animal welfare organizations. By highlighting the success stories of the dogs participating, we aimed to show that rescue dogs make incredible companions, regardless of their past.
This year, we were especially focused on shining a light on our foster program and the free training support we offer to ensure that every adoption is successful. With the help of our community partners, we’ve been able to provide resources that improve the quality of life for shelter dogs while they wait for their forever homes.
Thank You to Our Partners and Community
A huge thank you goes out to our sponsors and event partners, especially Bentonville Brewing Company for hosting us and making sure both the two-legged and four-legged attendees had an amazing time. We couldn’t have done it without the generous support of local businesses, volunteers, and attendees who all came out to show their love for rescue dogs.
Looking Forward to Next Year
If you missed this year’s Under Dog Show, don’t worry—we’ll be back! This event has become a staple for Big Paws, and each year it gets bigger and better. Stay tuned for announcements about next year’s show, and be sure to follow us on social media for all the details.
Until then, remember that the true “under dogs” are the ones waiting for their forever homes. If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, check out our available dogs or consider becoming a foster. You can make a world of difference in a dog’s life, just like the ones who competed in this year’s Under Dog Show.
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