'For the love of dogs': Helena plays host to furry friends at the fairgrounds
The Helena Kennel Club and Gallatin County Kennel Club partnered to host the American Kennel Club Dog Show in Helena where dogs practiced obedience and participated in speed trials.
On Thursday, event hosts kicked off the four-day dog show at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds with 498 canines and 104 breeds.
Participants ranged from breeders to groomers, but one thing was consistent, the love of dogs.
That's why Kim Gould got into dog shows in the first place. The proud owner of an 11-month-old 150-pound English Mastiff named Smalls, who's registered name is Windward You're Killing Me Smalls, is a dog trainer.
"I fell in love with the breed as a kid going to dog shows," she said.
Gould said she always admired them because they were "gentle giants" as Smalls rolled to her feet and received belly rubs and scratches.
The show is free and open to the public and host representatives said it was a great event for a family friendly environment.
Andrea Noreen, a dog groomer for 19 years and her 9-year-old son, Clayton, were touring the show because she said he was falling into the business.
Clayton had an interest in dogs and said he was enjoying the show because "you get to pet half the dogs if you ask nicely."
His mother added the reason she became a groomer was "for the love of dogs." The show was a great opportunity to her because it allows parents to teach the younger generation more about dogs they want to adopt.
Researching the breed people want is key to ensuring the dog fits its owner's lifestyle.
The show was filled with friendly competition that made the event fun for participants, according to Mary Rasmussen, a 17-year veteran of dog shows.
Her dog Tadpole is an English Toy Spaniel and when she got her first one she knew she would be interested in getting into dog shows.
"We get to show off what we produced," she said. Rasmussen is also a breeder and said some dogs were born to be in shows like one of her other dogs.
She said the events are always great because of the comradery. Some events are point based, while others are time trials.
Multiple vendors were present at the event selling most dog-related items such as cleaning supplies, shampoos, leashes and collars.
One event highlighted by representatives was the Itty Bitty Special Attraction on Sunday where kids ages 1 to 5 can come to the fairgrounds to walk a balloon dog or bring a stuffed dog on a leash.
The event was is not a competition and parents or guardians must be with the child to participate.
The show will run through Sunday and for more information visit the Helena Kennel Club website .
Sonny Tapia is a criminal justice and education reporter for the Helena Independent Record.
Education and Criminal Justice Reporter
