For many years, students, faculty, and staff members have gathered in the Commons with their dogs for BSM’s annual Dogfest. The annual event took place on Wednesday, April 5; dogs of all breeds and sizes were welcomed. Each dog was greeted by a series of barking by every other dog present. This year, twenty-one dogs and about forty owners were in attendance for the hour long award ceremony.  

Each owner had a chance to tell everyone about their dog and each dog received a special award. These awards ranged from “Twinkle Toes” to “Biggest Nose,” which was won by a Collie. Senior Grace Ryan’s dog Loki won “Best Cuddler.” One dog in particular won “Best Tail Wagger,” but ironically had its tail between its legs when it walked up to receive the award. A large Bullmastiff won “Most Mellow” which he maintained throughout the night by not getting very excited for his treat and didn’t bark at all.  

Student Council Junior Class Secretary Stella Fortier brought Lionel, a Corgi, who is one of the four dogs she owns. Lionel did not participate in the dog talent show, but instead helped Fortier run the Dogfest. “There were a lot more people at Dogfest than we initially expected to come. When one dog showed up, and all of the other dogs saw it, they started going crazy and barking. It was really cute to see all of the teachers’ dogs too,” Fortier said.  

All dogs had a chance to perform a trick or sit and smile in front of the judges.  Every year, a different BSM department judges the talent show. This year, the judges consisted of teachers from the Science Department including Ms. Lindsey Novak, Mr. Bob Lyons, Mr. Tanner Stevens, Ms. Abbi Baker, Ms. Jennifer Roushar, and Ms. Lisa Bargas, who also brought her three dogs. Bargas’s dog Space Jam won “Best Name” and Ursula got “Fluffiest”, the dog she was watching won “Shiniest.” “The science teachers came up with a unique award when they saw each dog,” Fortier said.  

Assistant Principal Ms. Mary Andersen also brought her dog. Andersen’s rescue dog Luna Loon Dog won “Best Smoocher.” “She came with the name Luna, but I thought it was too common of a name, so I added Loon Dog,” Andersen said.