‘Funnest, Littlest’ doggy present on the town
There wasn’t an indication of elaborate, costly canines with pedigrees a mile lengthy on the Westminster Doggy Show Saturday at Stephen F. Austin Park, however there have been loads of well-loved mutts of mysterious origins barking, sniffing and stealing the present.
The Westminster Doggy Show was held Saturday on the Westminster Presbyterian Church (therefore the identify) in Amarillo, subsequent door to Stephen F. Austin Park, for the third yr, this time round. It had been held for a number of years earlier than, however skipped a couple of years after the pandemic. The space in entrance of the church had vibrant umbrellas and partitioned areas for contests. A small lady strolled round with a bubble machine, and music stuffed the air as dogs and their homeowners strolled round watching the fur reveals.
According to Event Chairperson Darlene Martin, the favored occasion was introduced again by “popular demand,” and a pure want to have a “Fun-Raiser” for the general public to take pleasure in being exterior, having time within the grass with their dogs and youngsters. She mentioned the occasion was purported to be the Saturday earlier than, however resulting from unhealthy climate, it was rescheduled, leaving a smaller group of distributors and guests. Martin mentioned that regardless that it was a smaller occasion, she had labored on it since Jan. 2. Church volunteers chipped in and helped provide you with concepts and contests. Young and old got here with their furbaby relations to the occasion, which featured round 10 artistic and wacky competitions judged by Beth Duke.
People gathered across the rings of competitors to cheer on the dogs vying for first place in varied classes. There was a variety of fur flying within the doggy tummy rub competitors, which many of the dogs totally participated in with out coaxing, though some needed to be helped to flip over.
The Big Trick competitors had dogs catching balls, leaping and doing varied acrobatics taught by their devoted homeowners. The winner of that contest was Hank, who balanced a deal with on the tip of his nostril till his proprietor let him eat the deal with. The Sheldon Brashears household’s different canine, Stormie, had a bit stage fright, however she was new to the sport and will likely be again subsequent yr with extra confidence. Many folks sat within the shade of their folding chairs and loved the present, cheering and clapping for the underdogs.
There have been a number of cubicles across the neighborhood with merchandise to provide away and promote and a pet blessing for these dogs who may want a bit assist in toeing the road. Geraniums have been bought, and meals vehicles supplied donuts and different specialties. A bouncy home for teenagers was on the south finish of the building.
Many canine homeowners had rescue dogs, a number of of whom had powerful beginnings, together with “Pippin,” who was present in a dumpster and saved by person who discovered the proper, loving home for her, with proud proprietor, Carmel Barnhill. She mentioned Pippin was skittish at first, however then started to like the occasion and folks. It took Pippin a very long time to belief her proprietor, however now she’s a loyal companion canine.
The Look-a-Like contest led to a tie with one of many winners being Carlos Rodriguez and his canine Dantes. He mentioned that he saved his canine who was on the best way to being terminated by his proprietor, when he discovered and intervened. His uncommon, stunning canine, who resembles a Chow, turned out to be a Korean Jindo breed. Carlos’s canine is bossed round by his spouse’s (Perla Rodriguez) older chihuahua, Chiquita. The senior chihuahua tells the Jindo canine when he can drink water or eat, and he’s completely immobilized by the tiny, older canine. Chiquita did not win any contests however did fairly nicely within the stomach rub. Carlos and his canine wore matching tenting shirts from Academy. They felt just like the outfit may tilt the scales of their favor a bit to win the coveted title.
The different winner was Judy Sharp together with her small canine, Angelo, who wore a small Harley cap. The two made a dashing pair with Judy’s massive solar hat. Angelo has been her companion for a very long time and loved the competitors however fought the cap some. Carlos Rodriguez gave Sharp the prize.
Competition was stiff in different contests equivalent to Best at Sitting, Goodest Boy, Best Trick, Looks-Most-Looks-Like-Owner and the Face-Only-a-Mother-Could-Love contests, to call a couple of.
Each of the various contests had round six or extra entrants, and homeowners and pets loved displaying off and doing their factor. There have been no protests or gnashing of tooth amongst canine breeds, simply good, clear doggy enjoyable. All the dogs have been winners as they proudly took the ring and received to be the focal point for a couple of minutes. Their two-legged mother and father have been simply as proud because the dogs.
Every canine and human who participated and watched had a howling nice time with a variety of laughs, pets and love. Many members took their winners for a protracted walk on the park because the day warmed up.
