I'm sorry Ms. Jack Russell — I am fur-real. Never meant to make your puppy cry, I apologize a trillion times.
That dogified version of an Outkast lyric could very well be uttered by Big Boi next week, since
he'll be the celebrity judge for a dog & owner lookalike contest happening on National Dog Day in Brooklyn on Aug. 26. (Also, before you crazy ATLiens jump down my throat, I'm well aware André 3000 sings the hook in 'Ms. Jackson.')
Craft brewery Dogfish Head organized the event that'll take place at Bandshell at Industry City (220 36th St., Brooklyn, NY) as dog lovers duke it out to see who shares the most uncanny resemblance to their pooches. Contestants will bring their most photogenic snouts and their so-fresh-and-so-clean matching looks as they vie for the top prize.
Dogfish Head said on its website that the winning owner-pet pair will secure an "epic prize package," which includes a dog-friendly getaway in coastal Delaware, a swag bag, treats, trophies and more.
At the event, contestants will strut the stage and shake it like a Polaroid picture (ideally, without getting fur all over the judges) as they show off their doppelganger attempts before the panel of judges. Aside from Big Boi, NYC canine influencer Lumi (@LittleBearLumi on social media) and Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione will bring their discerning eyes to the judges' table.
Here's some more details about the grand prize:
- A year's worth of Dogfish Head beers and cocktails
- A year's worth of Dog Bark treats from Waggies by Maggie & Friends
- Dog-friendly getaway
- A three-night stay at the dog-friendly Dogfish INN in Lewes
- A Woof Pack full of canine-approved goodies
- A $1,000 travel stipend
- A $250 Dogfish Head gift card
- Dogfish swag for both human and pup
- Matching trophy and medal
The runner-up and third place will also fetch some fun rewards from the brewer, with bragging rights sure to last fur-ever. Fur-ever-ever?
The brewery says its partnering with Waggies by Maggie & Friends, a nonprofit that creates employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, to put on the event.
You can preregister for the lookalike contest by following this link, or you can sign up onsite the day of starting at 5 p.m. Those onsite registrations close at 5:59 p.m.
Big Boi is no stranger to canines: the rapper runs a 25-acre dog breeding and rescue group called Pitfall Kennels in south Atlanta. The kennel focuses on bully, French and English bulldogs.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Outkast's Big Boi to judge dog-owner lookalike contest on National Dog Day
