When Andy Cross’ daughter Sarah and her friends were in first and second grade, they expressed interest in entering their dogs into a show. Cross explained that conventional dog shows primarily featured purebred animals.
The children disagreed with this limitation. “We should be able to put our dogs in a show,” Cross recalls them saying. The answer became obvious: “Let’s create our own dog show.”
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Sarah and her friends created a handmade poster featuring unconventional categories such as “Biggest Nose” and “Longest Tail.” Cross anticipated approximately 20 dogs from their Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood would participate. He was astonished when 70 appeared at the inaugural event—and year after year, those same dogs and new ones continued to return.
Cross and his spouse have maintained this tradition for over two decades, continuing even after their daughter matured and relocated to Colorado. On June 16, they organized the 23rd annual Skinker-DeBaliviere community dog show at St. Louis’ Greg Freeman Park and playground. The original poster created by their daughter and her classmates is still used.
Annually, participants compete in the original categories designed by children, such as “Longest Tail,” with judging performed by young audience members selected by Cross. The child judges oversee the competition, announce winners, and explain their selections to the delight of spectators.
“The owners are thrilled,” Cross notes regarding the awards. “I’ve visited homes where ribbons from six years ago are displayed on refrigerators, commemorating wins like ‘Longest Tail’ or ‘Best Trick.’ They treasure these awards. Though the competition itself is lighthearted, it’s genuinely enjoyable. We need more of this type of fun.”
This year featured both newcomers, including “Best in Show” recipient Nigel, and longtime participants who have attended for over a decade.
Eileen G’Sell, a WashU teaching professor and longtime Skinker-Debaliviere resident, has participated since relocating to the area in 2009.
“I was immediately charmed by this child-designed poster advertising a dog show. I brought my dog, Holden, and returned every June, winning numerous awards,” G’Sell explains. “When he passed away in 2022, I grieved the loss of attending the dog show.” Her concerns proved unfounded: Her 2023 dog, Violet, has won “Sleekest Coat” and “Puppiest Dog” previously and claimed “Shortest Ears” this year.
G’Sell observes that despite residents’ varied professional backgrounds and geographic origins, dog ownership serves as a connecting element. “I believe this event exemplifies what makes our neighborhood exceptional,” G’Sell tells SLM. “Our community diversity runs deep, not superficially. I’m grateful this tradition persists. It genuinely brings me joy.”
Local residents are working to expand these canine-centered relationships. For seven years, community members have been planning a dog park. Adam Bergeron, Skinker-DeBaliviere Dog Park Committee member, believes the facility will strengthen community bonds.
“There’s significant interest in neighborhood connection, though the current event occurs annually,” Bergeron explains. “We view the dog park as an inclusive space where any visitor contributes positively. It’s another method to connect the Skinker and DeBaliviere sides of our neighborhood.”
Through funding from the Community Development Administration and private donations, the committee has secured $90,000 of the required $130,000. The dog park is expected to open this year with additional details available on the Instagram page.
Throughout the event, dogs strained against leashes and barked competitively, unaware of their participation. Within fifteen minutes, the competition concluded and participants departed with their awards. The pavement retained chalk drawings of dogs that Cross created before the show—silent witnesses to their fleeting moment.
