Features Editor

Not many towns set aside a day to honor a dog but, then, most towns can’t boast of a dog like Joe.

Mention the name "Joe" around Brundidge and no one has to ask, "Joe who?"

Joe is Joe Leverett, former assistant police chief of Brundidge. Joe was an extra-ordinary dog who could put fear in a criminal’s heart by the mere mention of his name and a hole in his pants with the nip of his teeth.

The tales of Joe Leverett are too many to tell in a short space of time, However, one fall Sunday

afternoon each year, the town of Brundidge pays tribute to its legendary dog by inviting all dogs to strut their stuff in Joe’s hometown and vie for top dog honors in the annual K9 Joe Contest.

The contest is open to all dogs and prizes will be awarded in several categories from prissy pup to ruff and tuff. The top dog award will be presented to the most original pup on paws.

Special awards will be presented for paw-sonality and talent.

"This is a fun afternoon for dog and dog lovers," said Master of Ceremonies Matt Leverett, grandson of Howell Leverett, who was the Brundidge Police Chief and Joe’s master. "So we invite everyone to dress up their dogs and put them on stage. We have several categories and the dogs can come dress any way. Some people have the idea that the dogs must be dressed like Joe, but that’s not true. Joe did puff a pipe and pack a gun and we always have some dogs dressed like him but we also have dogs dressed as clowns, ballerinas, sports fans, bathing beauties and some dressed to look like their owner. It’s just a fun contest and a fun afternoon."

The contest begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Knox Ryals Pavilion on Main Street next to the Bass House in downtown Brundidge.

Joe’s favorite sweet treats, Animal

Crackers and lemonade will be served and all contestants are invited to remain after the show to have their photograph taken with a

"Joe" cutout.

Paw-tographs will be given by the winning pooches.

Entry fee is a can of dog food which will be donated to the Pike County Animal Shelter in memory of Joe. Register up until show time. There is no admission charge for the fun.

The K-9 Joe Contest is sponsored by the Brundidge Historical Society in conjunction with the annual Peanut Butter Festival Oct. 21.