Dogs take to the catwalk in Oklahoma City, showing latest fashion

Maddie puts my dogs to shame.

She does it all. She can roll over, play dead and perform all other kinds of tricks on command. And she does it all with impeccable style — a matching leash, collar and bandana.

My dogs were probably taking a nap or chewing the living room rug while Maddie was being named best in show.

Maddie won the "Pets with Pride” contest at the 22nd annual Oklahoma City Pride festival, a weekend of gay pride activities.

I helped judge the contest for my weekly series about volunteering. My cohorts were author and comedienne Ruby Ann Boxcar and Robin Dorner, a writer for The City Sentinel. I didn’t see Sally Kern there.

We handed out awards for best tail wagger, best dressed, owner look-alike, best talent and congeniality. And Maddie was named best in show for her stellar taste and talent. Her owner, Benita Scroggins, beamed with pride.

My favorite contest was the best dressed. Dog clothes are hilarious. I’m pretty sure dogs don’t agree with me, but they just don’t realize how great they look. My favorite was the black Labrador retriever in a rainbow tutu followed by the little white dog wearing swim trunks. I don’t even know where to buy dog tutus and swim trunks, but my dogs need them. Immediately. Before summer’s over and they go out of fashion. A dog wearing swim trunks in winter would look absolutely ridiculous.

My jealousy aside, the contest was so much fun. I got home and hugged my dogs. They may not be able to roll over, but they’re wonderful. They have talents of their own. For example, they’re really good at napping. Too bad there wasn’t a category for that.