by Ismeralda Moreno on 2013-06-28
93 dogs and their devoted owners set up camp at the Orange Empire Dog Club in Bloomington on June 15th to pit their finest dogs against each other. The American Italian Greyhound Club (AIGC) hosted the event where families and breed enthusiasts could relax and enjoy the show. The President of the AIGC, Lynne K. Poston, shared, “UKC shows are family-oriented and very friendly. You could say conformation shows are a proving ground for breeders. A good breeder breeds to a standard and health tests. A breeder has to be a bit of a veterinarian, a dog behaviorist, a geneticist, and they take responsibility for all of their dogs through the dog’s lifespan.”
Poston, who been showing dogs since the late 1960s, headed the Italian Greyhound Rescue with the American Kennel Club for 15 years. She has shown German Shepherds, Borzoi, and Papillons, before showing and breeding Italian Greyhounds in 1977. In the late 90s she fell in love with the American Hairless Terrier (AHT) and says the AHT is her breed. “Passionate people do the best for these breeds. The United Kennel Club is all about the total dog. A lot of people show their dogs in the UKC and participate in UKC sports to showcase their breed’s purpose.” Poston is also a member of the Orange Empire Dog Club and the AKC Italian Greyhound parent club. “That’s another thing,” Poston added. “A good breeder belongs to many clubs.”
“We’re having a great time!” said Carl who works with Leonbergers, a giant breed of dog that is known for its reliability and great temperament. Carl had been injured while in the military and was left with bad knees. “I just kind of waddle now, so they help me,” he said pointing to his two Leonbergers, “I don’t have to rely on my cane all the time.” Carl’s two Leonbergers, Forever Green’s Riva Ridge and Yuhar vom Kaniberg, an import from Germany, are also service dogs trained for water rescue. Riva took Best of Breed and placed 2nd in the Guard Group where competition included the Boxer, the Black Russian Terrier, the Cane Corso, and the Great Pyrenees.
A couple by the name of Greg and Kathy were thrilled at the sportsmanship and friendliness of the crowd as another exhibitor helped them show one of their dogs. “I’m real glad we came. I admire the people here,” said Kathy.
I did get to meet many friendly people and various breeds including the German Shepherd, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Mini Bull Terrier, Pomeranian, Golden Retriever, Boston Terrier, and many more. I thank the American Italian Greyhound Club for their welcome and for putting on a fun event for all in attendance.