Miramar Best in Show Dog Event Returns to Montecito for 4th Year
Andie Lopez Bornet
MONTECITO, Calif. – It’s the event that keeps bringing people back every year with their furry friends.
The 4th annual Miramar Best in Show took place on Sunday under warm skies, giving competitors the chance to win the coveted title of Best in Show.
The event was presented by STAUD, a Los Angeles lifestyle brand that shares a love of animals and offers customers pet portraits on select STAUD pieces.
“We started a line of hand-painted pet bags during COVID,” said STAUD President Jon Zieders. “And a year after we started that line, we came here (Miramar Best in Show) during summer, and it seemed like a natural fit. So it’s our third year sponsoring the event, and pets mean a lot to our entire organization.”
Returning hosts included actress, comedian and singer Jane Lynch.
“Seeing everybody with their dogs and knowing that we’re supporting the Humane Society here in Santa Barbara—and look at it, everybody looks so cute in their garden wear—I love it. It’s my second year doing this, and I just adore it,” said Lynch.
Rosewood Miramar Hotel managing director Rick Fidel also returned, never disappointing with his grand entrance.
The judging panel included American actress and model Camilla Belle and STAUD President Jon Zieders.
Your NewsChannel caught up with one participant before the show who explained her and her dog’s attire.
“This little guy wasn’t able to come to our wedding last year,” said participant Kayla Hogue, who wore a bridal veil while her dog sported a tuxedo bandana. “So we’re humoring him today and going to have a little walk down the aisle, a little first dance, and a first kiss.”
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Santa Barbara Humane and Love Leo Rescue, based in Los Angeles.
A spotted Dalmatian friend took home the grand prize of Best in Show.
Other categories included Best Trick, Spectators’ Choice, and Best Look.
“My son is very creative and a great speaker, and he was like, ‘Let’s make it really fun, we want to stand out,'” said Dani Hoffman, who won Best Look with her family dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz. “So we decided we wanted to do something different and stand out. My husband and I were really nervous, but we went all in.”