Zoney wins Best Costume at Krewe of Mutts contest

Gonzales chiropractor Dr. Kathie Kortering and her 15-year-old dog, Zoney, won first place for Zoney's costume in this year's Krewe of Mutts contest in Baton Rouge.

"Zoney 'Phelps' is a five-time gold medalist in the dog paddle," Kortering said. "He's a Yorkie/Chihuahua mix, but really looks like an Ewok."

Moreover, besides the reference to "Return of the Jedi," Zoney is an unusual name for a dog. But to Kortering, it makes perfect sense.

"My daughter, Kyla Kortering, broke all of her swimming records in the ZONE 4 Championships in Reno, Nevada when she was 9 years old," Kortering said. "Her reward was a dog (Zoney). Kyla is currently in Rwanda as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English."

So, besides having an amazingly cute dog (that also likes to dress up) Kortering has even more: an amazing family.

The Best Costume Contest at the Krewe of Mutts was held Saturday, January 27. The theme for this year was "Paws Around the World."

"I chose the Olympics because what is more international than the Olympics?" Kortering said.

The event was sponsored by Raising Canes. Kortering is a chiropractor with Total Care Injury and Pain Centers.