Wonder Dog Day 2009

Cedric Derrick, of Marshall, convinces Moose to perform one of the tricks that netted Moose the title of Wonder Dog of the Year. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

Melinda Beeler, left, and McKenna Beeler, right, slip a lion costume around Oscar. Oscar placed first in the Top Dog Model contest for children 13 and under. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

A number of Saline County residents gather with their canine friends in front of the Jim the Wonder Dog Park for Wonder Dog Day Saturday, May 2. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

Wishbone displays one of his tricks during the Wonder Dog of the Year competition. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

McKenna Beeler, of Marshall, convinces Oscar to "play dead" during the Wonder Dog of the Year contest. Oscar placed second in the competition. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

Sam Van Vactor, of Arrow Rock, holds Macy, a dog from the Marshall Animal Shelter at Wonder Dog Day. Emcee Larry Arrowood made a point of telling attendees that Macy and others present were available for adoption. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

One girl uses a treat to convince her dog, dressed as a ballerina, to do a little dance at Wonder Dog Day. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

Gatsby performs a trick for Disa Farris during the Wonder Dog of the Year contest. Gatsby placed third in that competition and second in the Jim the Wonder Dog Look-Alike Contest. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

Amy Crump, right, reads a book to children during Wonder Dog Day after giving them an oral history of Jim the Wonder Dog. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)

Jenn Lappin gives a demonstration of how a dog should behave -- belly unprotected, head back -- during an obedience demonstration. (Geoff Rands/Democrat-News)