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County 4-H Club Members Enter Their Best Friends in Dog Show
Author: mt43news staff reporter

MT43 News Staff Reporter

There were no two dogs alike at the 4-H Dog Show Tuesday night at the Fairgrounds. Black Labs, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepards, Blue Tick Heelers, but wait – exotic breeds too, such as Havanese, a breed originally from Cuba, and a Cesky Fousek, a Czechoslovakian breed.

Then there are the accessories: water bowl, water jug, collar, leash, brush, favorite toy, blanket, and one more essential item: the treat purse. That accessory is magic for each dog. He or she receives an award for each completed instruction.

4-H club members who have worked all year long in the Dog Project, led by Georgia Wilde, ran through their paces in the Showmanship, Obedience, and Agility contests. Darian Fields, who works for Elk Horn Veterinary Clinic, pinch-hit for the regular dog show judge who came late from Silver Star.

Each dog handler must know the parts of the dog and show how he or she and the dog relate to each other in showmanship. How well the dog listens and follows instructions tells the story in the obedience section. Agility is an art for dog and handler: the dog must jump over barriers, run through tunnels, and balance on a teeter-totter. As always, when the dog does well, he gets treats, pets, and loving attention from these young handlers.

Kaylee Cederberg, 11, showed her terrier-looking dog with a curly tail and long hair. She explained the Havanese breed hails from Cuba. “My grandpa went to Colorado to get him for my 3rd birthday. My dog Rusty loves to show off when we go to practice,” she laughed.

Tuesday opened the Broadwater County Fair with 119 4-H members entered in various contests and exhibits, according to Assistant MSU Extension Agent Kasea Gregg. Gregg has recently joined the Extension Office and Agent Allison Kosto because the organization has grown so much in the last few years.

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PhotoCredit: MT43 News Photographer, Nancy Marks
Image 1 Caption: 4-H Dog Show contestants receive their directions from their project manager, Georgia Wilde. MT43 News Photographer, Nancy Marks Pg1*
Image 2 Caption: Her alert Australian Shepherd listens intently as Sierra Sherrard puts him through his paces for Obedience section of the show. MT43 News Photographer, Nancy Marks
Image 3 Caption: It's all about practice. Kayley Conner practices with her one-year-old Cheskey Fousek bird dog. MT43 News Photographer, Nancy Marks
Image 4 Caption: Good boy! MT43 News Photographer, Nancy Marks
Image 5 Caption: Kaylee Cederberg, 11, and her Havanese dog her grandpa gave her when she was 3 years old. MT43 News Photographer, Nancy Marks