There’s a new exhibit about man’s best friend coming to the Royal Alberta Museum in June and it’s pawsitively a bow-wow.
Called Wolf to Woof: The Story of Dogs, it looks at canines as hunters, helpers and heroes. It tracks their history, evolution, diversity and methods of communication.
To complement this touring exhibit, RAM is adding a local touch. In partnership with the Friends of Royal Alberta Museum, now celebrating their 30th anniversary, they are sponsoring the Best Buddy Contest.
“The museum does a lot of programming and we have a wide audience. However, dogs cut across all demographics. They have universal appeal. When you bring in an exhibit that tells the story of dogs, it was a great opportunity to ask Albertans for a more personal look. And with summer coming up we wanted to have something playful that would educate and entertain,” says RAM executive director Chris Robinson.
The Best Buddy Contest runs until April 13. Participants need to submit their dogs’ photo and a true story to a maximum of 100 words.
There are three categories: the Hall of Fame for heroic champs; the Wall of Shame for dogs with tails between their legs, and Best Friends Forever for that wet-nosed friend that will always hold a special place in your heart.
Ten stories and photos from each category will be professionally framed, mounted and displayed as part of Wolf to Woof exhibit running June 9 to Sept. 16.
“After the exhibition is over we will give the dog owners the framed pictures for their living room.”
Robinson himself has a 13-year-old golden retriever full of idiosyncrasies. Molly is afraid of hardwood flooring, thunder and her food bowl. She’s fed by hand. She has even chewed through the pedestal of an antique table and destroyed a couch.
“They all want to be good dogs,” chuckles Robinson. “All dogs are worth celebrating and we are providing a chance for Albertans to see their dog in a museum exhibition.
And Albertans surely love their dogs. Within the first 36 hours of the contest announcement, the museum received 89 entries – the majority falling in the Best Friends Forever Category.
“I don’t envy the job of the judging panel. It will be tough.”
For full contest rules and additional information log onto www.royalalbertamuseum.ca.
