Hollywood Dog Trick Contest

Video courtesy of Fox 11 News

Yesterday was the Grand Opening of our new Zoom Room Hollywood. At 1 pm, we hosted the Hollywood Dog Trick Contest in which talented Hollywood dogs were invited to come perform their best stunts for the assembled crowd and the judges.

Our esteemed judges included Ernie Slone, the editor of Dog Fancy Magazine; Paul Raybould, Executive Vice President of the Morris Animal Foundation; expert trainer Janine Aines of the Animal Actors of Hollywood; and our own Jaime Van Wye, the founder of the Zoom Room.

Competition was tough! But we are now delighted to announce the winners. But we must pause to take note of the fact that ALL THREE of our winners are rescued dogs – dogs who had been abandoned to shelters, but whose owners not only gave them a new lease on life and loving home, but have showered them with such nurturing love and positive training that they’ve risen to become exceptionally well-trained companions. So a big shout out to rescue dogs everywhere!

First Place

First Place: Maggie

First place went to an incredible routine by Maggie and her owner, Nicole. Nicole adopted Maggie from the North Central animal shelter. She is a Bichon Frise, Mini Poodle, Golden Retriever, Border Collie mix, but, as Nicole says, she’s “mostly she’s just a dog that loves making friends and seeing people smile.” The winning routine included riding and rocking a pony, spreading eagle against the wall for frisking, and at least a dozen other hysterical antics.

Nicole and Maggie will be enjoying an incredible SIX FULL MONTHS of free Open Gym at the Zoom Room. Maggie can now boast the best indoor dog playground in all of Los Angeles!

Video footage courtesy of DogChannel.com

Second Place

Second Place: Spencer

Second place went to Spencer and his owner, Melissa. Spencer is a Rottweiler mix, adopted from The Amanda Foundation when he was one. (He’s now almost eight years old.) While most of the day’s entrants performed a suite of tricks, Spencer stood out by performing one perfectly choreographed story called “Stick ’em up” in which Spencer naughtily rifled through Melissa’s purse, nabbed her wallet, and then when told stick ’em up at toy-gun-point, raised his paws in surrender.

As their prize, Melissa and Spencer will be treated to a Doggy Disco party for up to twenty dogs and their humans in an extravaganza of canine celebration.

Video footage courtesy of DogChannel.com

Third Place

Third Place: Maggie

Third prize was awarded to a fantastic routine by another rescued Maggie – a three-year-old mutt rescued from the Lange Foundation by her owner, Bridget. Bridget and Maggie have been taking classes at the Zoom Room in Culver City, where they are regulars in Agility League. The highlight of Maggie’s routine was rolling herself up in a blanket like an adorable burrito!

Maggie and Bridget received a $50 Gift Card for the Zoom Room to shop from our array of training gear, raw and organic dog food, all-natural treats and other goodies.

Video footage courtesy of DogChannel.com

Congratulations to the winners and to all of our other remarkable contestants!