Denison -- A chill was in the air early Saturday morning and no one appreciated the cool weather more than the guests of honor at the Second Annual Bark & Paws in downtown Denison who came in their fur coats.

In only its second year, Bark & Paws has rapidly grown into an early fall favorite for pet owners in North Texas and southern Oklahoma.

The day's activities got underway with the Dachshund Races.  Wienie Man McCullough veered hard left coming out of the gate but recovered in time to take second place. This year's Dachshund dash winner was Wagoner Fannin, while Henry Farris went home with a third-place ribbon for his efforts.

Dachshund race ribbon winners: (L-R) Second place, Wienie Man McCullough and Michelle; first place, Wagoner Fannin and Aimee; third place, Henry Farris and Dustin

Up next was Retrievers Games, a competition custom made for first-place winner, Rose Oetker. Izzy Clark, one of the speed demons in the Dachshund dash, doubled his chances for a ribbon by taking on the retrievers in this contest and his strategy paid off with a second-place ribbon.   Mayo Rockwell ran away with third place. 

Rose Oetker and Dustin

At 11:00 a.m., all the pets had their owners back on a leash for a leisurely parade down Main Street to Heritage Park in downtown Denison, led by Luke Robinson, Founder of 2 Million Dogs.

A full day of activities followed - winners are listed below photos.

Winners of Denison Bark & Paws contests

10:00 a.m. at Forest Park - Hot Dickity Dog Dachshund Races
3RD – Henry Farris and Dustin
2ND – Wienie Man McCullough and Michelle
1ST – Wagoner Fannin and Aimee

10:30 a.m. Retriever Game at Forest Park
3RD – McKayo Rockwell and Dusty
2ND – Izzie Clark and Roxanne
1ST – Rose Oetker and Jeremy

11:00 a.m. Parade - Forest Park to Heritage Park
Parade led to Heritage Park by Luke Robinson, Founder of 2 Million Dogs

Best Tail Wag
3RD – Rose Oetker and Jeremy
2ND – Rex Wilson and Chase
1ST – Molly

Best Strutter
3RD – Bella Wilson
2ND – Ozzie Sumrall
1ST – Callie Blue Legg

11:30 a.m. at Heritage Park Blessing of the Dogs

12:00 noon Master/Dog Look Alike Contest at Heritage Park

3RD – Wendy Spindle and Lauren
2ND – Isaac Drake and Tiffany
1ST – Yogi and Dean Cheney

12:00 noon Master/Dog Dress Alike Contest at Heritage Park
3RD – Sassie Ridenour and McKenzie
2ND – Duke Matthews and Jennifer
1ST – Daisy Mae Hale and Danielle

12:00 noon Best Dressed Contest (Most Patriotic) at Heritage Park
3RD – Rex Wilson and Chase
2ND – Coco Hull and Fisher
1ST – Sophie Strickland and Britney

12:30 p.m. Doghouse & Misc. Auction at Heritage Park
Karen Salyer auctioned off Dog Houses built by Boy Scouts Troop 605, Larry and Vickie Brast, and Tractor Supply

1:00 p.m. Most Obedient (Follow Master's Command) at Heritage Park
3RD – Paco Rockwell and Angie
2ND – Sissy Thomason and Tony
1ST – Duke Matthews and Jennifer

1:30 p.m. Most Talented (Best Trick) at Heritage Park
3RD – Moon Firquain and Melissa
2ND – Sissy Thomason and Tony
1ST – Chester and Caitlyn

2:00 p.m. Big Dog/Little Dog Contests at Heritage Park

Big Dog
3RD – Rowdee Furrh and Darby
2ND – Titus Clevenger and Mike
1ST – Rex Wilson and Chase

Little Dog
3RD – Diamond Roberts and Anne
2ND – Carmen and Alexis
1ST – Taz and Naylan

2:30 p.m. Ugliest Dog Contest at Heritage Park
3RD – Sissy Zinn and Macy
2ND – Macy and Tony
1ST – Gruesome Garcia and Christy

2:30 p.m. Traveled the Farthest at Heritage Park
3RD – Smitty Spindle and Preston from Houston!

2:30 p.m. Oldest Dog at Heritage Park
3RD – Blondie and Heather
2ND – Paco Rockwell and Angie
1ST – Piglet and Mary

3:00 p.m. Obstacle Course at Heritage Park
3RD – Boo Ford and Blair
2ND – Paco Rockwell and Angie
1ST – McKayo Rockwell and Dusty

3:30 p.m. Presentation of Best of Show at Heritage Park
Duke Mathews and Jennifer