Top-notch dog show

Dear editor:

This is to inform all dog lovers in Hot Springs and surrounding communities that there is a wonderful top-notch dog show that I’ve been attending every year since I found out about it (about 10 years). It is a forerunner of the final show held in New York. I just don’t understand why no one seems to come and support a free event in Hot Springs at the convention center. I met a couple from Missouri last year and one lady from Hot Springs. The Missouri couple just drove down for the show and, of course, the Hot Springs attractions.

People come with their show dogs from all over the U.S. Last year, one lady was there with her six bull mastiffs; now that is a dog! I went one year and they had 18 corgis; that’s a bunch of fur. You haven’t seen anything until you see a ring full of Great Danes or Dalmatians. I usually always try to include the Sunday show as that is when all the winners of each class are judged. A beautiful Boxer won last year’s show. His picture should have been on the front page of our paper. The paper evidently doesn’t know the show exists.

Besides the conformation classes, there are the dogs that participate in the agility classes and the obedience classes. These are all just amazing and it’s better than watching on TV. They give you a program so you will know what’s going on.

They have rows of chairs set up around the show rings so you don’t have to stand. There are also vendors there selling all kinds of dog items, even T-shirts with your favorite dog printed on it, also items for yourself.

The owners and trainers all seem happy with the show despite the poor turnout of spectators. Of course, there are many of the dog owners there. I don’t have a connection other than my love for animals, I use to show quarter horses. But I guess you could say I outgrew that. Now all l have is a precious rescue dog, part beagle and Jack Russel, and she is every bit as wonderful as those beautiful registered dogs.

Hope to see you there.

From one dog lover to another,

Marilyn Prestridge Hot Springs