The Dog Show… A Fun Event! Great Darke County Fair Ohio

Rianna Apple and “Banjo”

The Dog Show… A Fun Event!

Great Darke County Fair...
By Elaine Bailey

The Dog Show… A Fun Event! Set 2 – Parade of Dogs – click here

Spectators of all ages filled the stands and crowded around the arena to watch the parade of dogs and their obedience drills at Saturday’s Dog Show. It’s a draw as to who was having the most fun… the audience, the dogs, the trainers, or Ed Swank, Secretary of the Dog Department serving as emcee.

The members of the Greenville Area Dog Club (GADC) love to have fun, love to see their dogs have fun, and love to see the audience have fun.

“The dog can embarrass you at times,” long-time member Janice Rex exclaimed. “But you just stay calm and continue to have fun to get past it.”

The audience was certainly enjoying the spirited display of color, breeds, and skill.

The GADC took over the Dog House during the first four days of the Darke County Fair before surrendering it to the equally enthusiastic 4-H dog clubs. During those four days the dogs demonstrated skills in obedience and agility, skills learned from classes offered by the GADC.

Any individual may become a member of the GADC when his dog has successfully completed two, eight-week classes in obedience or agility training. Dogs may be AKC registered or mixed breed, and members may be as young as nine years of age.

The GADC, an independent club, has been in the area nearly four decades. It currently meets in the building formerly known as the U.S. Chemical Building in the 5400 block on Sweitzer, north of the Stardust Motel. Sixty-minute agility classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays. Forty-five minute obedience classes are offered on Tuesdays. Classes begin at 6:30 PM.

Many new classes will begin in September so anyone interested may get more information by calling 937.548.0338; 937.337.0292; or 937.692.5310. Pre-registration is required and owners must show the dog’s current, vet-issued vaccination papers.

This year’s GADC officers are Peg Lange, President; Randy Byrd, Vice President; Joe Shafer, Treasurer; and Janice Rex, Secretary.

See also “Canine Royalty Named” click here