TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

A Day For Leaders Of The Pack

ADVERTISEMENT

By TOM BRENNAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 3, 2007

DURANT - Participants in the Westminster Kennel Club or Crufts dog shows don't have to worry about dodging rain clouds.

The Brandon Kennel Club, however, doesn't have the pedigree of the sponsors of those world-renowned dog shows.

At least not yet.

The club was founded about a year ago, and members are striving to achieve full sanctioning by the American Kennel Club.

Other local kennel clubs held shows at the Florida State Fairgrounds but since have moved them to neighboring counties.

"We thought this club could fill the void," said Mary Manning-Stolz, the club's corresponding secretary. Because some parts of east Hillsborough are semirural, "There are lots of areas to hold shows. We thought this would be a good place to start a club."

The group held a match on a recent soggy Saturday at Edward Medard Park in Durant. The six show rings were marked off with stakes and ribbons in an open field across from a picnic pavilion. Signs pointing competitors to the venue vied with those directing guests to children's birthday parties.

The show was informal - a place to learn, practice the finer points of showing purebreds and visit with friends, both human and canine.

"It is a way to spend time with our dogs," said Lind Heinz of Lutz, who came to show her English and French bulldogs. "We aren't into the competition. On the way home, everyone gets a hamburger."

Paul Debene of Lutz, who showed his 9-month-old Scottish terrier, Dandy, said he enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.

"It is like spring training for dogs," he said. "These matches are great experiences for novices, puppies. They are for fun, a way people and dogs can get used to the ring."

More than 70 dogs were signed up to compete.

"Plus two cars of Great Danes that are lost," said Debbie Steding, club president. The vehicles carrying the large-breed competitors eventually made their way to the park for the show.

It isn't all about ribbons. The club also runs a number of outreach programs.

"We want advance public education about responsible dog ownership, teach safety around dogs to our children and stay actively involved in legislative issues that affect all dog owners," said Tim Golden, the club's public education coordinator.

He said the club has set up a speakers bureau so members can educate children in local schools. DVDs and coloring books help with the lessons.

The club sees the dog shows as another classroom.

"They are a learning experience," Manning-Stolz said. "People can learn about dogs and learn what dog may be best for them."

Laura Hull of Shady Hill had less didactic reasons for bringing her English bulldogs, Louie and Daisy.

"It's just something fun and different to do," she said, noting that her dogs have their own Web site.

For others, showing is in the blood.

Kaitlyn Fennell, 13, of Cape Coral, is the third generation in her family to show dogs. She borrowed her grandmother's Chinese crested for the show at Medard Park. It was the first time the pair competed together.

"I get really happy when I go in the ring," Kaitlyn said.

Her grandmother, Gloria Batchellor of Spring Hill, has been showing dogs for 29 years.

"It is a great sport and teaches kids values," she said. "A dog is a major responsibility."

Julie Melucci, 10, of Hudson, knows about family rivalries. But it was her first time in a dog show, and she had to take on her brothers Jacob, 14, and Trevor, 12 - both seasoned performers in the ring.

"I was nervous. I have been waiting to show," she said. "But it is unfair. They have so much more experience."

Barbara Meeks of Lakeland waited until after she raised a family to get into the sport.

"I always wanted to do it but had to wait for the kids to get grown before I could," she said. She was competing with two of her three Labrador retrievers.

Sylvia Martinez thought the match would be a great experience for her 6-month-old English bulldog, Bentley.

"I wanted to see what he would do," she said, noting it was their first show. "We had a good time. Bulldogs look so very powerful, but they are very gentle animals."

Kim Langevin of Lakeland has been showing for five years. She came with her Cane Corso, Mondo. Cane Corso is an Italian guard and herding dog recently recognized by the AKC.

"Everyone likes to win," Langevin said. "But I enjoy coming out and being with dog people."

JOIN THE CLUB

•The Brandon Kennel Club meets the fourth Monday of every month at the Brandon Crossroads Bowl, 609 Crater Lane, Tampa.

•Annual dues are $10 per person.

•Those interested in joining must attend three meetings and be voted in by other club members.

•For information, call Mary Manning-Stolz at (813) 215-3580.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 657-4528 or tbrennan@tampatrib.com.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT