Dogs and their handlers ready to make an impression at the BowWow PowWow in Ramona – San Diego Union-Tribune

The 16th BowWow Pow Wow attracted 33 dogs and their handlers competing in 13 categories ranging from Most Talented and Best Kisser to Dog and Child Lookalike and Best Adult Costume.

In addition to the dogs registered in the various categories, some people came with dogs that did not participate in the friendly competition.

The Kiwanis Club of Ramona event was held on September 14th at the Ramona Fairgrounds.

The show was not only a great success, but also a lot of fun, said Tiffany Lynch, who co-hosted the event with Jon Stephens.

“There is nothing more beautiful than seeing dogs having a great time with their owners,” Lynch said.

Winners of the Best Child Costume Contest were, from left, Kahlo Lababit and Nala (second), Vida Adomitis and Hank (first), and Kelcee Pressler and Bunny (third). (Maureen Robertson)

The winners of the award for Best Adult Costume are, from left, Maebelle with Maria Arroyo (first), Cinna Bella with Mary Caraway (second) and Wee Wee with Shelly Kapok (third). (Maureen Robertson)

Corissa Musarar and Mary Jane (right) received the first place ribbon in the dog and owner lookalike category, Shelly Kapok and Wee Wee (center) took second place, and Maria Arroyo and Maebelle came in third place. (Maureen Robertson)

With the support of her parents Megan and Nathan Otto, Charlotte Otto directs Teddy in the Most Talented category and he jumps over the bar. (Maureen Robertson)

Smiling, the winners of the dog and child lookalikes leave the jury, from left: Sidney Lynch and Gigi (second place), Kelcee Pressler and Bunny (third place) and Vida Adomitis and Hank (first place). (Maureen Robertson)

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Winners of the Best Child Costume Contest were, from left, Kahlo Lababit and Nala (second), Vida Adomitis and Hank (first), and Kelcee Pressler and Bunny (third). (Maureen Robertson)

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Seated at the judges' table throughout the day were Kris Taylor of Taylor Made Working Dogs, Shelly Mullin of Shellz Dezign, Photography & Dogs and Ilana Friedman of 2 The Rescue Animal Rescue Inc. Another guest at the table was Rocky, Friedman's friendly rescue dog who “thinks everyone is here to see him,” Friedman said.

The award for cutest little dog went to (from left) Amanda Marcus and Solo (2nd place), Evelyn Brown and Tucker (3rd) and Kelcee Pressler and Bunny. (Maureen Robertson)

The Best Kisser winners with their handlers are, from left, Lieba and Phil Town (second place), Fenway with Eddie Browning (third place) and Oliver with Corissa Musarar (first place). (Maureen Robertson)

From left: 2024 Dog Show judges Kris Taylor of Taylor Made Working Dogs, Shelly Mullin of Shellz Dezign, Photography & Dogs and Ilana Friedman of 2 The Rescue Animal Rescue Inc., consider who will receive the ribbons for best costume. (Maureen Robertson)

Ilana Friedman, founder of 2 The Rescue Animal Sanctuary Inc., stands in front of the doghouse she won as the highest bidder at the silent auction. With her is Rocky, a rescue dog from Mexico. (Maureen Robertson)

The jury chose Oliver as the best kisser. With him is his handler Corissa Musarar. (Maureen Robertson)

Abrah Otto sits with Maria Arroyo's Maebelle while her sister Charlotte sits with Teddy. (Maureen Robertson)

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The award for cutest little dog went to (from left) Amanda Marcus and Solo (2nd place), Evelyn Brown and Tucker (3rd) and Kelcee Pressler and Bunny. (Maureen Robertson)

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Ramona Rodeo Queen Izzy Lynch and Junior Rodeo Queen Kate Dobrotin assisted the Kiwanians when needed, and Kiwanian Chris Bertolero served as master of ceremonies. Emma Chamdroo sang the national anthem, accompanied by her father David, who played guitar.

Jeanne Bell, auction and opportunity drawing chair, coordinated the display of 18 themed baskets and 10 silent auction items. As with previous Kiwanis dog shows, Montecito High School construction students, under the guidance of teacher Nick Jordan, built two dog houses and donated them for the silent auction.

Bell also brought her homemade dog biscuits.

“We are pleased that we had more dogs than last year and can't wait for next year,” said Lynch. “We hope everyone will mark the date – September 13, 2025.”

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit Ramona Kiwanis' numerous youth, military, seniors and community projects.