Dogs have their day at Capitol Park shows
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BY BETTY ADAMS
Staff Writer
Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 07/20/2008

Staff Photo by Joe Phelan
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Staff Photo by Joe Phelan
SHOWING OFF: Carol Orton of Westford, Mass., runs with her 10-month old Chinook Jacoby (named after Jacoby Ellsbury) on a leash Saturday afternoon during a dog show in Capitol Park. There will be dog shows in the southeast corner of the park today too.

AUGUSTA -- Capitol Park trees shaded dogs, kennels, crates, cages and dog owners Saturday as three separate dog clubs held shows.

The events along the south side of the park were sponsored by the Central Maine Kennel Club, the Mid-Coast Kennel Club, both American Kennel Club members, and the Acadia Belgian Shepherd Dog Club, a United Kennel Club.

The Acadia club is hosting two more shows on the same spot today.

On Saturday, Pogo, a Belgian Shepherd belonging to Sue Morlan of Waldoboro walked off with a champion of champions blue ribbon and a handful of others to add to his dozens at home.

"Partly it's his beautiful head and expression and his lovely temperament," Morlan said, wearing a cardboard entry number on her upper arm. A crowd of admirers echoed her words.

Even on a very hot day, Pogo appeared unruffled.

Carol Orton of Westford, Mass., kept her 10-month old Chinook Jacoby (named after Jacoby Ellsbury) on a leash as she awaited a call back to the show ring.

"It's a fun way for people to meet the dogs, and this is a a rare breed," Orton said.

She also had another motive for driving to the Augusta show. "I came to see my pups," she said, indicating two of Jacoby's litter-mates, one of which now lives with owners in Maine.

A small breeze under the willows kept the dogs and their owners cool although some matches were held in larger, sunnier spots.

Jane Moss, president of the Central Maine Kennel Club said her group had registered 40 dogs in a best of breed match show and 16 in an obedience category.

A few canopies away, the Mid-Coast club had six dogs seeking a good citizen label.

All the dogs seemed to warrant the award as little barking resounded in the park.

The Canine Good Citizen Program sponsored by the American Kennel Club requires good behavior among dogs in public and when they're being petted by a friendly stranger or examined by a veterinarian.

Both the Central Maine and Mid-Coast clubs are hosting a point shows Aug. 28 through 31 at the Union Fairgrounds. Entries close Aug. 13.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

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