By JORDAN PARKER
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Photo: Katie McGinn of Elmsdale, N.S. readies Nikki, a standard poodle, for showing yesterday. The Celebrity Pro Show of the Moncton Kennel Club was held this past weekend at the Moncton Coliseum complex. Dogs and their owners and handlers from around the Maritimes were on hand for the event.
Moncton Kennel Club show a place where the public can get valuable information about breeds before buying a dog
The Annual Moncton Kennel Club Dog Show took place over the weekend, and people came from all over Canada to showcase their dogs.
Show superintendent Walter Norris says the show is a “great way to get families out.”
“Kids just love dogs,” he says.
“Most people don’t realize what dogs can bring to the community.”
Norris says the show promotes “responsible dog ownership,” and helps people make decisions on whether certain breeds are right for them.
“It’s very educational for people. There’s no such thing as a dumb question,” says Norris.
He says being knowledgable before you choose to buy a dog is a must.
“There’s a difference between getting a dog from a responsible breeder and getting one from a backyard breeder,” says Norris.
“Getting a puppy from the wrong person will just leave you with a bad vet bill in the future.”
While Norris loves pure-bred puppies, he says the SPCA is also a great place to find a good pet.
“Some of them will have some baggage, but they need homes,” says Norris. “You just have to give them their second chance.”
Show judge Cheryl Shaw loves going to the shows. She’s been judging for 20 years, and has dogs of her own.
“My dogs are part of the family. I get a great old greeting every time I come in the door,” says Shaw.
She also says the shows can expose people to breeds and dogs they may not be familiar with.
“People can come and see the different bloodlines. They can get a sense of the quality of each kind of dog,” says Shaw.
“There’s a little bit of ego involved, but the shows are a lot of fun.”
Susan Hiltz and her dogs were having a great time competing. Her dog Murphy won medals in the Rallying component.
“It’s great to see what a dog can accomplish,” says Hiltz.
“Doing this helps keep our dogs healthy and active.”
Hiltz says the shows are great for people thinking about getting a dog.
“A lot of people want pets. They can come here and get facts,” says Hiltz.
“This is their opportunity to find some information.”
Phylis Mccullum and her dog Ziba love being involved in the show.
“It gives (people) a chance to see dogs and ask questions. They can find out pros and cons before they commit to getting certain types of dogs,” says Mccullum.
She says she can’t help but love going to shows.
“It’s an addiction, There’s a bit of an ego trip,” says Mccullum.
“But I always go home with the best dog, whether we win or lose,”
