It was all smiles and wags, as local groups gathered to film a Dog & Human Pie-Eating Contest on July 21 at the Garden State Beer Company in Galloway. The event was a preview for Bark in the Park, a dog-friendly family event that benefits Absecon Veterinary Hospital’s 501(c)3 charity, Laddie’s Legacy. The pie-eating contest is one of the most popular activities at Bark in the Park.
Each team was made up of a human and dog who competed to be the first to finish their miniature pies. The humans enjoyed apple, cherry or lemon pies with whipped cream while the dogs had dog food pies topped with cottage cheese.
First place was claimed by Dan McNerney of Mays Landing, and his 2.5-year-old Bernese mountain dog, Otis. Dan is a member of the Seashore Dog Training Club. Second place went to Ed Frebowitz of Margate, and his 3-year-old Jack Russell, Auggie. Ed is an American Canine Coach. Brandon Ward of Manahawkin, and his 4-year-old husky, Minnie, took third place. Brandon is affiliated with A Class Floors, a third-generation local business.
Groups participating included Absecon Veterinary doctors and staff, Seashore Dog Training, local government officials, Patient Care Hospice, American Canine Coach, Dayna Troiano Dog Training, Office Basics, and others. The pie eating competition was followed by a pizza party for all involved with biscuits for the dogs.
Local artist Laura Birnbohm exhibited her work at the event and donated a portion of profits to Laddie’s Legacy. Birnbohm is a lifelong artist with a degree in marine science from Stockton University. She works full time as a marine science educator and volunteers her free time to conservation efforts. Birnbohm is director of exotic & general practice at Absecon Veterinary Hospital.
About Laddie’s Legacy
Laddie’s Legacy provides financial assistance for families who cannot afford lifesaving care for their pets.
It is a veterinarian referred vet bill assistant program that has saved countless lives since its inception in 2022. Laddie’s Legacy commemorates the life of Laddie, a Maine coon kitty that was surrendered to Absecon Veterinary Hospital because his owner could not pay for increasing medical fees. For more information on Laddie’s Legacy and all the lives saved, visit www.laddieslegacy.org.
About Bark in the Park
Dogs and their families are invited to the 4th Annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Atlantic County 4H Fairgrounds, 3210 Route 50, Mays Landing. Admission is $7 per person. Kids 12 and under and dogs are free. Dogs must be people, kid, and other dog friendly and up to date on vaccines. Dogs also must be on non-retractable leashes. Bark in the Park will feature local vendors, food trucks, a beer garden with craft beer from Dr. Brewlittles Beer Company, and a ton of dog friendly games and activities.
Photo Credit: Shayna Lowenstein
