Local cats and dogs show off winning ways
The judge made eye contact with each of the 12 contestants in the Household Pets class at the Steel City Kitties cat show last weekend. She picked up a cat named Willow and told spectators she liked the cat’s lovely green eyes, long hair and sweet personality.
“This is my ninth best cat,” the judge said.
“Oh, thank you!” said Jeanie Winters of Wilkins, beaming as she jumped up and down. “Willow is a rescue, and this is her first show! Thank you so much!”
Never have I seen a competitor so excited about a ninth-place finish.
Three days later, I watched on television as Striker, 6, a cocker spaniel from Peters, placed second in the Sporting Group at the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York. It was a surprising finish for Grand Champion Silverhall Strike Force because the No. 3 show dog in the country in 2017 was expected to win the
group and maybe even Best in Show. Minutes later I got a text message from his owner, Regina Beinhauer.
“Striker showed fantastic. Would have loved to win the group, but a Group 2 [placement] is amazing at this show.”
Minutes later the TV camera showed Mrs. Beinhauer in the audience, cheering for other people’s dogs.
Ms. Winters and Mrs. Beinhauer both enjoyed their pets’ performances. They were happy with what they won, and they had fun at the shows. They were gracious competitors who recognize that even if you don’t take first place, there are many ways to win at a show.
At Westminster, the No.1 show dog in the county, a giant schnauzer named TY, took second place. Best in Show was Flynn, a bichon frise ranked fourth in 2017.
Local favorite Striker was upset in the Sporting Group by a Sussex spaniel named Bean, who was ranked No. 18 last year in American Kennel Club competition.
Zack, 7, a bearded collie from Peters, was the No. 1 show dog in his breed in 2017, but he did not win Best of Breed at Westminster. If breeder-owners Ray and Kathy Harrington were disappointed, they didn’t show it.
“Zack was awarded Select Dog, his daughter won the breed, and another dog we bred, Willy, won an Award of Merit,” Mrs. Harrington wrote in an email. “So, a great day for the Dunhill Beardies. Three winners. We are very proud!”
Marty Kroll of Carrick handled his own dog at Westminster, where Grand Champion Starbright Winning Bet was recognized as a Select Dog. He and his wife, Jean, who co-owns the dog they call Dutch, are both professional handlers. But this was Mr. Kroll’s first trip to Westminster. Mrs. Kroll stayed at home to care for their other dogs and run their new business, Chubby Puppy Daycare & Training in Baldwin Borough.
A 3-year-old Rottweiler named Eastwood was designated Select Bitch. She is owned by Hollee Russell of Harrison City. In 2014, Eastwood’s mother, Josie, won an Award of Merit at Westminster. Both dogs are certified therapy dogs who visit medical facilities, schools and courtrooms with Ms. Russell, who is a nurse.
Steel City Kitties
At the Steel City Kitties show in Monroeville last weekend, Mrs. Winters was delighted with Willow’s poise and ribbons. At Cat Fanciers’ Association shows, each cat is judged by six judges. Willow won two ninth-place ribbons and one each for third, fourth, fifth and seventh.
She adopted the cat about a year ago from a woman who said she couldn’t keep her anymore.
“Willow is just the best darn pet ever,” Mrs. Winters said.
Amid the hubbub of more than 200 cats and 3,000 spectators, Willow was calm and seemed to enjoy all the attention.
“I just had the best time,” Ms. Winters said. “It was quite an experience.”
Many people don’t realize they can enter a nonpedigreed household pet in a show. Entrants must be neutered or spayed and cannot be declawed. To learn more, go to cfa.org/ shows.aspx. For dates and locations of American Kennel Club dog shows, go to www.akc.org.