Dogs in costumes? Check. Cold beer on a warm Sunday afternoon? Check. Proceeds benefiting the Berkeley Humane Society? Check.

There is no better way to spend a sunny day in the Bay Area than at the Fifth Annual Rescued Dog Pageant, which the Missouri Lounge in Berkeley hosted on this past Sunday, July 15.

The event highlights the importance of adopting dogs from local shelters, while giving former shelter dogs a chance to be the belle of the ball. Twenty percent of the bar sales and raffle-ticket sales support the Berkeley Humane Society, paying it forward to dogs that are still up for adoption.

“Rescue dogs are just dogs,” host Paul Pot told me as we watched a Chihuahua chase his tail. “They’re not damaged; they just are starting their lives in a rescue shelter. People here love their dogs no matter what.”

Roughly 30 dogs participated in the pageant. To enter, the dogs simply had to find a human willing to fill out a bio, pick a theme song and dress them up in a humiliating costume. Each participating dog received roughly 30 seconds to one minute to strut their stuff in front of an enthusiastic crowd cheering from picnic benches in the usually crowded parking lot.

He is obviously a good cowboy. Photo courtesy of Tony Uriarte.

During their spotlight moment, the dogs had the opportunity to perform standard tricks, such as fetching, shaking and rolling over, as well as more advanced talents. A terrier mix known as Puppy Serena Williams, at least to her dog parents, wowed the audience with her 360-degree turns. “She’s only been outrun by a greyhound,” they said of her speed and grace.

Dog yoga with Merkle. Photo courtesy of Tony Uriarte.

After the pageant, the humans in attendance voted for their favorite dogs using the raffle tickets benefiting the Berkeley Humane Society. One fan purchased $200 worth of tickets to vote for her favorite dog, which ultimately won the crown. With his dyed red beard and “Biker Dawg” leather vest, Luigi was truly dressed for success.

Luigi was the best bad boy. Photo courtesy the author.

The third-place winner, Peanut Awesome, had a particularly warm and fuzzy moment. “I found him on the streets of Oakland in a dog gang,” his owner, Bridget, told me. “We guess that he’s seven years old, but we really don’t know.” We do know that he’s lived with Bridget for five years now and that he is happiest when she is cuddling with him.

Third-place winner Peanut and proud owner Bridget. Photo courtesy of the author.

Even noncompeting dogs had a great day. Missouri Lounge staff member John brought his two-year-old rescue dog, Ziggy, to enjoy the festivities. She eagerly wagged her tail all afternoon, asking for pats and kisses as people walked in and out of the venue.

Ziggy and John take security at the Missouri Lounge very seriously. Photo courtesy of the author.

Humans without furry friends of their own had the opportunity to adopt a kitten from the Berkeley Humane Society or just pet the numerous dogs that came to compete. Even after the winners were announced, the lounge was full of dogs of all shapes and sizes who would rather hang out and receive more attention than go home.