Tres Pinos
– Nine-month-old Glory stood, panting contentedly under the
midday sun as her owners fawned over her proudly.
Tres Pinos – Nine-month-old Glory stood, panting contentedly under the midday sun as her owners fawned over her proudly.
“A blue ribbon the first time in the ring – that’s not bad!” said Lynn Aguirre of Corona, Calif., as she sprayed water into the young bloodhound’s mouth.
Glory’s blue ribbon was one of many prizes that will be awarded this weekend as part of the annual Gavilan Kennel Club Dog Show at Bolado Park. Nearly 750 dogs – from dachshunds to dobermans – have invaded San Benito County to compete today and Sunday.
The show draws competitors from around the West and attracts local families looking for a good way to spend a weekend afternoon.
“I always tell people, if you’re not doing anything, to come out here and bring the family,” said Tim Robertson, president of Bloodhounds West, a regional dog club.
The weekend’s events can provide entertainment for dog lovers, as well as a chance to learn something about breeding.
The event is expected to draw about 1,700 visitors, according to Donelle Richards, site coordinator for the dog show.
While Glory was a newbie to the dog show circuit, her owners and many of the other pup parents have been involved in the competition for many years.
Richards has been entering competitions since 1947. She worked for many years as a breed handler and since 1999 has judged various competitions.
She said the competition circuit often sees the same owners and dogs competing in shows across California and nearby areas. Because of this, the competitors become very close.
“The dog show is a giant family,” Richards said.
Many of the owners camp out at Bolado Park during the competition, and take the opportunity to chat about all things pooch-related.
“A lot of it is not just the competition; it’s the friendships we’ve made over the years,” Robertson said. “It’s a chance to be with people you enjoy and you share the same interests with.”
But despite the feeling of friendly competition, all are vying for the top prize.
“Everybody tries to go for best in show,” Richards said.
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at
aj**@fr***********.com
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