Now in its fifth year, the world's craziest dog show will again feature dozens of pups vying for the title of "Mutt of the Year," or, at least, an opportunity to kiss host Kim Basinger.

New Leash on Life, the organization that calls the SCV home and the presenter of Nuts for Mutts, is a no-kill shelter that provides the community with more than puppies to love. New Leash on Life is expanding its already popular Lend a Paw program to focus on training dogs to assist those with autism. As part of this program, a child or person with autism will be able to adopt one of their well-trained dogs (after months of training) to assist them with their everyday challenges.

Events like Nuts for Mutts help the organization grow the scope of programs like Lend a Paw, as well as offer funding to save unwanted animals from an untimely demise.

Those interested in entering their favorite spayed or neutered mutt into the dog show have a number of categories to choose from: Best Wag, Mystery Mutt, Best Coat, Best Dressed, Friendliest Dog, Best Smile, Most Obedient, Most Toy/Ball Crazy, Best Trick, Best Physically Challenged, Sloppiest Slurper, Fastest Eater, Best Puppy, Most Vocal and the list goes on...

Attention Pet Owners Do you have an amazing photo of your pet? Would you like it considered for publication? E-mail your high-resolution image to tedwards@insidescv.com, along with your name and the name of your pet. Our favorites will be printed in the July issue of Inside SCV Magazine.

Your pup may be a mutt, but that doesn't mean he or she deserves anything less than A-list judges. Doggy-loving celebs like Allison Janney ("West Wing"), Jake Gyllenhaal ("Brokeback Mountain"), Lisa Edelstein ("House MD"), Samantha Mathis ("The Punisher") and many more will be on hand to rate your pooch.

The event also includes over 70 pet-related vendors, a silent auction and delightful food selections.

Nuts for Mutts will be held on April 29 and 30 (I'm thinking there's too much fun planned for a simple one-day event!) at California State University, Northridge on the north campus soccer field. Saturday's hours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday's festivities begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/students and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information, including registration, log on to www.nutsformutts.com.