Are you a cute canine? Can you perform a silly trick? Do you and your human owner look alike?

Dogs from throughout San Diego County are invited to compete in a variety of canine contests at a free event at Chula Vista Community Park on Sunday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Organized by The City of Chula Vista and The EastLake Company, the event will benefit the new Chula Vista Animal Shelter opening this summer.

In addition to such contests as “most athletic four-legged animal” and “most unusual breed,” The Eastlake Company, developer of the master-planned community in eastern Chula Vista, is searching for a dog that looks like the canine character now appearing in its advertisements.

“We are looking for a mutt to be the new top dog in our neighborhood,” says Bill Ostrem, president and CEO of The EastLake Company. “A panel of judges will select one that best resembles our mascot and captures the easy-going and fun-loving nature of the neighborhood.”

An 11 a.m. Pet Parade will begin the festivities, followed by:

· Biggest dog, 11:30 a.m.; · Smallest dog, 11:45 a.m.; · Silliest dog trick, 12 p.m.; · Most athletic dog, 12:15 p.m.; · Dog-owner look-a-like, 12:30 p.m., · Best dog costume, 12:45 p.m.; · Dog biscuit toss, 1 p.m.; · Most playful pup, 1:15 p.m.; · Most obedient dog, 1:30 p.m.; · Most exotic breed, 1:45 p.m.; and · EastLake look-a-like dog at 2 p.m.

A $5 donation is requested for participation in each contest and ribbons will be awarded to top dogs in each category. Throughout the afternoon, a $2 donation will buy a dog wash and for $1, a souvenir photo.

Beneficiary: New Chula Vista Animal Shelter

All proceeds will benefit the new Chula Vista Animal Shelter opening in June at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Beyer Way, just south of Main Street. The $2.1-million facility will feature 112 dog kennels and 96 cat cages. An important feature is the addition of several “get-acquainted” areas where the public will be able to spend time with an animal prior to adoption.

Near the entry of the new 6,765-square-foot shelter will be an inside cattery to help promote cat adoptions. Also inside: an education room for pet responsibility classes, seminars about animals for adults and children, and staff training; and, office space for the facility’s employees and volunteers. Three separate covered structures for dogs will be located outdoor, with kennels designed to be easy to clean, warm and safe, with adjacent kennel kitchen areas.

According to Theresa Williams, Animal Control Manager, “The City of Chula Vista is very excited to provide the community with this comfortable, safe and state-of-the-art place for animals. Chula Vista is a pet-friendly city that is committed to reducing the number of animals that come to the shelter and finding homes for those that do.”

For more information, call the Chula Vista Animal Shelter at (619) 691-5123.

EastLake has been voted the Best New Home Community in San Diego County for four consecutive years. To visit, take I-805 to Telegraph Canyon Road and go east. Follow the signs to EastLake and the HomeFinding Center.

For information, call the EastLake HomeFinding Center at (619) 421-3111 or log on to www.eastlake.net.