For handlers, shows are the best doggone hobby
For handlers in city, shows are the best doggone hobby

By Tatyana C. Johnson

Published: June 30, 2008

For dog lovers, the Oklahoma City Summer Classic Dog Show held at the Cox Convention Center on Sunday was the place to be.

"Entering dogs into dog shows is a hobby for me and my children,” said Ann Horton of Royse City, Texas. "We're very dedicated to this. The kids like seeing all the different types that are here.”

Show fans got to see the "top dog in the country,” according to her handler.

The Best in Show winner was a giant schnauzer named Galilee's Pure of Spirit, Spirit for short. She won in the working breed group and moved on to ultimate victory. Spirit's owners are Mary Hayes and Joe and Carla Sanchez from Acampo, Calif. Her breeders are Hayes and Maryann Bisceglia.

"I was pretty happy that she won,” handler Taffe McFadden. "Spirit is the top dog in the country. She has been in about 100 dog shows this year and has won 45 of them.”

Receiving cheers from the crowd, Spirit and McFadden accepted awards of a framed rosette given by the Oklahoma City Kennel Club and a Purina Pro Plan Best in Show Grooming Bag.

Tim James, the dog show superintendent, said dogs were placed into one of six classes in which they were judged accordingly. The classes were puppy, 12 to 18 months, novice, bred by exhibitor, American-bred and open.

The dog chosen Best of Breed in each class moved on to compete in one of seven groups which included: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, nonsporting and herding. Each class winner then moved on to compete for the Best in Show title.

"This is one of my favorite competitions. It's fun to watch the competition and to see who will be crowned the top dog of them all,” Horton said. "I've competed in too many shows to count and the people that work this show are very nice and here to help.”

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