Unleashed: Pageant pups are definitely best of show

Photo courtesy of Yelp!BR

Sunday night, Miss Oklahoma Olivia Jordan was crowned Miss USA in Baton Rouge. But, the cuddly canines at Yelp!BR also walked away winners.

Before the big event at the Baton Rouge River Center, pageant sponsor designer eyewear retailer OPTX of Rhode Island chose Yelp!BR as its featured charity for a sunglasses shoot.

On Wednesday, July 1, Yelp!BR Director Jessica Card transported 10 adoptable dogs to Mount Hope Plantation for the photo op.

Card says she wasn’t sure what to expect when 10 Miss USA contenders arrived. It turned out many of the women were excited to spend time with canines because they had dogs of their own.

Even when it began to rain, the beautifully coiffed and coutured contestants didn’t lose their composure.

“I was surprised how laid-back, cool and compassionate the girls were toward the animals,” Card says.

For the visitors and the hometown hounds, reviews of the Fourth of July themed shoot have been nothing but spectacular. The images of the fun and furry day have been tweeted, posted and broadcast around the world on the OPTX, Miss USA and Yelp’s websites and social media.

“It’s great for the rescue,” says Card. “We’re a little Mom-and-Pop local rescue in Baton Rouge. When [the photos and video] are broadcast or Miss New York tweets it, you never know who will see it. We’re very grateful for the opportunity.”

See additional photos. Check out a video of the photo shoot below.

Creature Feature 

Lee is an adult terrier mix. Lee can be a little timid at first. Once she is comfortable with her surroundings, she is a very loving companion.

Jameson is a 10-month-old hound mix. With training, this sweet energetic boy will make an excellent pet.

Roxie is a playful, 1-year-old lab/beagle mix. She is good with other dogs, who enjoy rough play. While she has a lot of energy, Roxie is a great companion that is also crate-trained and responds to “sit and shake” commands.

Oscar is a calm 4-year-old terrier mix. He is a sweet boy with a great temperament, who gets along with other dogs and tolerates cats.

Sadie is a 5-year-old Weimaraner. Her owner surrendered this silver beauty when the family moved into an apartment that didn’t allow dogs. Sadie is house-trained and good with kids. Since she was an only dog, she is just now learning how to play with other dogs in her foster home.

Mable is a senior Chihuahua/rat terrier mix. Sweet, loving, this little lady enjoys being held. If you are looking for a great lap dog, you will meet your match in Mable.

These great dogs have all been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped and heartworm tested. Many other puppies and dogs are available at Yelp!BR or here.