Spending countless hours on the breeding, training, grooming, traveling and showing, dogs are a way of life for Vikki Davidson.
The Howell, Mich., resident attended the Grand Traverse Kennel Club 60th All-Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial in Traverse City last weekend at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.
Davidson was part of the contingent from Thornapple Australian Shepherds Kennels that brought seven dogs to the show. Like most attendees sharing quality time with their dogs and other dog enthusiasts, Davidson relishes it all.
"When you love something as much as the dogs and the sport, it takes up a lot of your time," she said. "But it's worth it. When they take those points, all that work you put into it pays off."
Davidson estimates that she participates in seven to ten shows a month, traveling all over the country from California to New York City, Florida to the Upper Peninsula. On deck this weekend: a series of four shows in Indiana with dogs who get excited when the tack box comes out for packing.
"We could write a book on our travels we've met so many wonderful people, that's the best thing," she said.
When not showing her dogs or rooting for family and friends, Davidson likes to check out the junior handlers taking their dogs through their paces.
"I think my favorite to watch is the juniors because they're our future," she said of the young age class.
Hosted by the Grand Traverse Kennel Club, the 60th All-Breed Dog Show and Obedience Trial drew participants from approximately 28 different states for the weekend. The dog total was 602 purebreds representing a range of breeds in all shapes, sizes and colors each day showing in multiple rings set up throughout the Howe Arena.
"This is an on-the-map show, an officially sanctioned show," said Kevin Nieboer of Cedar Springs, president of the Grand Traverse Kennel Club. "It ranks around the 125th largest show in the country."
In addition to Grand Traverse Kennel Club Volunteers, members of the 4-H group Northwest Classy K9 pitched in on clean up duties. Meeting monthly in the winter and twice a week in the summer, the club's mission is to teach participants ages 5-18 to train their dogs for dog agility, junior showmanship and obedience. Through this, members learn responsibility, patience and initiative.
"We get the kids ready to participate in the shows if they want to," said Barb Peters, group leader.
A crowd-pleasing facet of the dog show was the category of K9 Freestyle Dancing, which was exactly what it sounds like: dogs and their handlers boogying to music.
Anna Schloff of Lapeer and her yellow lab Danny, 7, cut a rug to a J. Geils Band tune Saturday afternoon, to the cheers of an appreciative audience. From the mutual bow at the beginning to coordinated shimmies and moves throughout with dog treats occasionally inspiring Danny's memory the pair clearly enjoyed themselves.
"He does field and obedience but likes dancing the best," said Schloff, who added that training in all disciplines creates a strong bond between handler and dog.
Bruce Almighty lives up to his name as the Scottie owned by Regina Hess of Dowagiac, Mich. has been earning accolades and accompanying ribbons since he began showing at six months old. Taking Best of Breed Sunday and third best terrier of the show, Bruce ranks number four in the nation among Scotties.
Hess has been showing dogs for 20 years and attended the show with her mother, Nancy Schaus. Although Hess brought four other Scotties to show, Bruce has special ranking in her heart as her best friend.
"I call him BFF Bruce," she said, tapping the acronym of Best Friends Forever.
For more information on the Grand Traverse Kennel Club, see their Web site www.gtkc.org.
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