4-H Dog Show turns out blue ribbons for everyone

[July 29, 2013]  Saturday morning it was unusually chilly for the end of July. At the Logan County Fairgrounds, five young people gathered outside for the annual 4-H Dog Show.

Of the five contestants and their pooches, three were new participants this year: Roux Starr, Emily Paulus and Sarah Starasta. Zac Gill returned to show again this year, as did Amelia Kuhlman.

Also returning for the competition was judge Gail Vlahovich of Bloomington. This is Vlahovich's third year of serving as judge for Logan County.

Vlahovich works well with the kids as they work to bring out the best in their dogs. She spends time one-on-one with each youngster, talking to them about their animal and how to show the dog at its best.

Saturday, with the chilly temperatures, some wind and a lot of traffic in the area, Vlahovich told the kids they were attempting to do something in the show ring that most adults would be afraid to do, and that is show a dog in an area full of distractions.

Vlahovich, who shows dogs herself, told the boys and girls that considering all that was going on around them during their exercises, they had all done extremely well; therefore, all five were awarded blue ribbons for their efforts.

Roux Starr received Best of Class in Beginner 1 and Showmanship 1. Zac Gill took Best of Class in Beginner 2 and Showmanship 2.

There were three who participated in the Dog Care portion of the show: Sarah Starasta, Amelia Kuhlman and Emily Paulus. All three young ladies had to bring their dogs into the arena for a health inspection.

In the end, there was a tie for Best of Show between Starasta and Kuhlman. The girls each had to return to the arena and answer questions about their dogs and how they take care of them.

Vlahovich made her final decision based on the girls' answers and named Starasta as the recipient of the Best of Show award.

[By NILA SMITH]