Tugger, a beagle mix, won “Cutest Participant” trophy at the Newhaven Court at Clearview's dog show and currently is a resident of the Butler Humane Society looking for a forever home.

A gold trophy symbolizes the amount of cuteness in the doe-eyed beagle mix named Tugger.

“I think it's a great opportunity to engage with the residents,” said Mike Grabowski, a volunteer with the Butler County Humane Society, who handled the dog that won the cutest category at the annual New Haven Court at Clearview dog show. “We can also showcase, from our standpoint, some of our pets.”

Tugger was one of the dogs, big and small, some dressed in pumpkin and pope costumes, who strutted at Newhaven Court at Clearview, 100 Newhaven Lane, in front of over 50 residents and their families on Wednesday when the dogs were brought by the Butler County Humane Society for its annual dog show.

Residents made dog biscuits for the furry participants. The leftover treats and proceeds went to the humane society.

Madeline Golec, the resident judge, looked for personality in the dogs, she said.

Although the 101-year-old owns a cat, she loves dogs, she said. Her favorite was a harlequin Great Dane named Willamina.

In the upcoming months, the facility plans to offer residents volunteer training at the Butler County Humane Society to provide an outreach opportunity for the dog lovers in the community, said Kathy Roudybush, lifestyles director.

The dog show has been a staple at the assisted living facility for years, said Gary Renwick, New Haven Court at Clearview executive director, who has been with the facility for 18 years.

“It's real popular here,” Renwick said.Pets are important to the residents, he said.“Most of them had dogs or pets in their younger years,” he said. “It makes them feel even more at home.”Pet therapy has proved benefits, Renwick said.“It really does help with anxiety and depression,” he said. “You can see people's faces when we have these dogs.”

Here are the winners of the Newhaven Court at Clearview's annual dog show:Cutest: Tugger, a beagle mixBiggest personality: Willamina, a Harlequin Great DaneCutest costume: Mojo, a Boston terrierMost obedient: Gino, a miniature schnauzerBest of Show: Jake, a bernedoodle

WHAT: Newhaven Court At Clearview basket raffleWHEN: Tickets on sale; raffle drawing is WednesdayWHERE: Newhaven Court At Clearview, 100 Newhaven LaneFOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 888-261-5753

Krystle Pry, director of resident care, holds a treat for Remi, a beagle mix, during Newhaven Court At Clearview’s annual dog show on Wednesday. The dog show has been a staple at the assisted living facility for years, said Gary Renwick, executive director.

Kathy Roudybush, life stage director at Newhaven Court, attempts to have her dog, Sophie, a miniature schnauzer, flip a biscuit for a trick during the annual dog show.

The judges for the annual Newhaven Court at Clearview include, from left, Brandy Jordan of Grane Hospice, 101-year-old Madeline Golec and Michele Dolby of Amedisys Hospice.PHOTOGRAPHY BY Harold Aughton/Butler Eagle