Canines vying for top-dog status

NEWPORT BEACH -- Dissatisfied with being left at home to guard the

Halloween candy, it looks like dogs are finally getting their chance to

dress up.

About 100 dogs will compete for titles in such categories as best

lingerie, best swimwear, best master/pet look-alikes and best formal wear

at the Top Dog Fashion Show at the Newport Dunes Resort today.

“The costumes run the gamut -- bulldogs dressed as ballerinas, Chihuahua

in skin-diving suits and hound dogs dressed as Raggedy Ann and Andy,”

said organizer Frank Groff.

“We raise about $1,000 per year,” Groff said.

Money raised from the event will be donated to the Orange County Society

for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Companion Pet Retreat.

Pet Retreat is an organization that looks after animals whose owners are

terminally ill and can no longer care for their pets.

The fee to register a pet is $7 per category.

Top Dog Fashion Show

WHEN: Today, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Newport Dunes Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach

PHONE: (949) 729-3863