SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. - Clad in a red American flag T-shirt and a patriotic hat too big for his head, Kiki strode past his fellow competitors with confidence.
Just 3 years old, the yellow Lab mix had secured the "most patriotic" title before he even reached the panel of three judges.
"We just rescued him three weeks ago, and he's wearing my T-shirt and my daughter's Uncle Sam hat," said Patty Ross of Dunmore, Kiki's owner. "We wanted to come out here because the event is for a great cause."
More than 250 people and their dogs swarmed the Abington Dog Park at Hillside Park on Sunday for "Tails for Troops."
Spearheaded by a group of Marywood University students, the event featured a dog pageant - with awards for the cutest and funniest-looking dog, as well as the one with the best trick.
Students organized the event to raise money for Paws and Stripes, a New Mexico-based organization that provides service dogs to military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
Sunday's goal: raise $2,500 - enough to sponsor one dog and veteran through the program, said organizer and Navy veteran Julia Casper.
"This has been a great showing so far, even more than I could have expected," said Ms. Casper, a junior at Marywood. "I don't know how much we have raised, but we are our well on our way.
"It's just nice that we will be able to give back to the people who serve our country."
A veteran who was deployed overseas three times, including once to Bosnia, Charles Davis understands the value of having a companion with him at all times.
The Scranton man described his 2-year-old border collie as his "best friend" and a "lifesaver."
"It gives veterans something to focus on," Mr. Davis said. He said his birthday, March 1, falls one day before his dog's, so they share a birthday cake.
"Being able to train a dog well - it makes you feel like you have achieved something."
Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on Twitter