KENNEWICK, Wash. — From September 29th through October 2nd, the Richland and Walla Walla Kennel Clubs are hosting the Tri-City Cluster Dog Show at Columbia Park in Kennewick.
Several different breeds will compete in conformation and agility, featuring some of the nation’s top competitors.
Laura Myles with the German Wirehaired Pointers Club of America said she was born into the world of competitive dog shows.
“The dogs have to know the patterns, there’s an art to setting up the dog and stacking it,” Myles said she can recall her time as a young, junior competitor.
Junior Competitor Kaylee Wagoner traveled all the way from Greeley, Colorado. The 11-year-old girl shows German Wirehaired Pointers.
“We’re here for nationals, we’ve got seven dogs with us. Well, they’re smart and intelligent and goofy; they’re really fun to work with,” Kaylee said.
The 11 year old said she balances showing dogs and school work, and loves the travel aspect of showing dogs.
“We were doing junior showmanship — we were in the class for best junior which is, he chooses the best out of the winners of each class,” she said.
Of course, these dogs and their humans put in a lot of work to preparing for competitions like this but, theses four-legged workers are still a part of the family.
“First and foremost, they’re our companions, their show career is only a year, maybe a couple of years,” Myles explained.
Among the dozens of dogs, Great Dane Marina, owned by Frankie Dubman from Mississippi.
“So, it takes a lot of effort and dedication; a lot of money,” Dubman laughed while holding the leash of Marina.
Dubman said he’s known Marina since she was born inside his home and was then given to a lady in the Pacific Northwest for showing. But, during a road trip, the driver was in a fatal wreck; Marina was one of the four survivors.
Now, Marina is a nationally ranked Great Dane.
“We competed for best of breed, she’s a Grand Champion,” Frankie and Marina won during the Tri-City show, “we’re trying to stay in the top five in the country right now I think we’re either number one or number two,” he said.
At the end of the day, Marina is still Frankie’s best friend, no matter win or lose.
“I love this — this is a hobby you have to have fun, if you don’t have fun there’s no point in spending all this money,” he said.
The show is open for viewers, organizers advised visitors to bring a lawn chair to watch these dogs compete.
You can find the schedule here.
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