No Mutts At This Dog Show

More than 800 dogs took their chance in front of the judges during the annual St. Clair Kennel Club dog show Sunday. The American Kennel Club accredited competition has been held at Goodells County Park for the past eight years, said Kristie Stocker, show chairwoman. "We want a lot of great quality dogs and for people to have a good time," said the Chesterfield Township resident.

Exhibitors came from throughout the state and country to compete Saturday and Sunday. Christa Tolkien brought her 15-month-old Maltese Satin to the show from Minnesota. Saturday, she was named best female in breed. Getting a top prize isn't easy. Tolkien spends over an hour each morning preparing Satin for the show ring. "It's just keeping her coat up and brushing her," she said. Other than the wet weather, Tolkien said her first time coming to the show was great.

Along with toy breeds, hounds, non-sporting, sporting, terriers and working dogs were judged on their confirmation and obedience. Doris Ingles of Kimball Township prepared her four Norwegian Elkhounds for the ring Sunday morning. Ingles started competing with her dogs in 1990 after becoming hooked on the breed. "I like their personality, they're very outgoing, they're devoted to their people, they're very smart -- sometimes too smart," she said laughing as she put Dinor Butterfly Kisses in a crate.

Elizabeth and William Bills traveled from Bay City to show their curly-coated retriever, Gladrags Intruder, also known as Rudy. "We love (showing), and you meet a lot of different and nice people," Elizabeth Bills said. Their dog's exuberance for the ring also adds to their excitement, she said. "When you put her leash on and start her over to the ring she drags us to the ring if she can," Elizabeth Bills said.

[Source: The Times Herald]