These dogs have their day

Mac won the cutest-costume award, dressed as a Westie angel.

The cutest-trick accolade went to Henry, and Chanel accepted the shortest-tail award at 4¾ inches.

But these award-winning West Highland White Terriers -- also known as Westies -- weren't the only fluffy white dogs to be recognized at yesterday's third annual Virginia Westie Walk at Richmond's Bryan Park.

Each of the roughly 70 Westies in attendance received a medal and a certificate.

Yesterday's event, organized by the River City Westies, celebrated the breed known for its high energy, tenacity and cheerful spirit.

"They're great family dogs," said Teresa Showalter, an event coordinator.

A bagpiper led the dogs on the Westie Walk around Bryan Park. Then the Rev. Phyllis Ann Min led the Blessing of the Animals. The event included a parade, contests and a silent auction.

Tickets to the event cost $22 or $27, and the proceeds benefit rescued Westies, Showalter said.

Min, a nondenominational minister and an animal chaplain, gave a group blessing for the Westies. She wished them a healthy life and rang a bell three times "to acknowledge those that have moved on to our father."

"It was my greatest honor," Min said.

Tom and Kris Hutaff came to the Westie Walk from the Raleigh, N.C., area to adopt a Westie named Ike from Angie Gittles of Maryland Westie Rescue. Ike was rescued from a puppy mill and had lived in a cage all his life, Gittles said.

He was missing several teeth and had been "just a big ball of dirt" when she was rescued, she said.

"He cleaned up well," she said.

"We've had Westies for about 10, 11 years," Kris Hutaff said. "They're a wonderful little breed."
Contact Reed Williams at (804) 649-6332 or .