Ten pups battled it out in their quest to be named top dog at Beach Shack’s sixth annual Rusty Nail Doggie Pageant on Saturday, Sept. 15. These 10 finalists were chosen out of dozens of Facebook entries. The dogs walked the “doggie-pageant runway” and competed in three different categories for a chance at the title of “The Official Rusty Nail Dog Mascot 2019.” The four-legged finalists were judged on best style (Mommy and or Daddy and me – matching costumes), tricks and musical chairs.
While all the contestants were downright adorable, the judges ultimately choose Louis, a 4 year-old French Bulldog, as the 2019 Official Rusty Nail Dog Mascot! Louis is from Morristown, N.J. but loves vacationing with his family in Cape May. He will have his photo on the Rusty Nail Dog Menu as the new official mascot, and his owners took home a $250 Beach Shack/Rusty Nail gift certificate.
This year’s event was hosted by Jorge Bendersky, celebrity dog groomer, pet stylist and author. The judges were Shelley Van Dyke from the Animal Outreach of Cape May, “The Pet Lady” Dana Humphrey, Jessica Himmelburger (owner of Dexter, the 2018 Rusty Nail Mascot), Bob Wharton (owner of Jackson, the 2016 Rusty Nail Mascot) and the VP of Marketing for Cape Resorts, Colleen Buckley.
The event was free, but donations were gladly accepted and all go towards the Animal Outreach of Cape May. In total, more than $750 was raised for the group.