t may be a dog-eat-dog world, but at the Bentley Commons in Bedford, dogs can find peace at the fourth annual Bentley Commons Dog Show on Thursday, July 19.

“This is not a sanctioned, official dog show,” said Bentley Commons event coordinator and marketing assistant Kimberly Harrington. “It’s more for fun and entertainment.”

Harrington added that Bentley Commons hosts different fundraisers to benefit the community. “This month, our dog show will help animals across New Hampshire.”

Additionally, Harrington said, dogs are beneficial for the elderly. “We have dogs visit the community all the time, and it brings a smile to our residents’ faces. Some of our residents are dog owners, and at last year’s dog show, one of our residents’ dogs won for best costume. The show left our residents very happy.”

The show is open to the public, and dog owners are can register their dogs for the show beginning at 1 p.m. Competition categories are: Best Costume, Most Talented, Cutest, Dog/Owner Look Alike, People’s Choice, Wildest and most Well-Behaved. The registration fee is $5, and all proceeds will go to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.

Harrington encouraged participants to dress up their dogs in costumes for Best Costume. Attendees will be able to vote for the dog and owner who look the most alike.

Fungo, the Fisher Cats’ team mascot, will be in attendance from 1:45-3 p.m. There also will be a live disc jockey from Nashua-based Perfect Entertainment and a chance to have pets’ photos taken by a professional photographer. Complimentary snacks, such as snow cones, water and popcorn, will be available. The ARL-NH will have dogs at the show that are available for adoption.

“Our license with the state does not allow us to offer off-site adoptions. Participants cannot adopt at the show but can visit with dogs,” said Animal Rescue League volunteer Laurie Galletta.

“If it rains, we will still have the dog show outside, but spectators can watch from inside the glass windows. The show will take place on the outside patio.” Harrington said. “It’s a fun time; the kids hand out complimentary food, and the DJ gets things going. It was really fun last year.”

“The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire does not receive any state or federal fundraising. All money comes from private donations and events like this, and like most nonprofits, we are feeling the pinch,” Galletta said. “Major expenses for the ARL are spaying, neutering and vaccinations.”

Galletta also said that one of the possible rescue dogs at the show may be Lucy, a 9-year-old boxer who has not been adopted yet.

“If she isn’t adopted between now and the time of the dog show, she would be an excellent candidate,” Galletta said. “We won’t know until the day before the show which dogs we will be taking.”

The ARL-NH is open to all residents of New Hampshire and actively serves the towns of Amherst, Auburn, Bedford, Brookline, Candia, Dunbarton, Francestown, Goffstown, Hollis, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, Lyndeborough, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Boston, Peterborough, Wilton and Windham.

Katelyn Dobbs can be reached at 594-6549 or kdobbs@nashuatelegraph.com.