LOVING THE LIFE

Competition Brings People Together Through Their Passion For Dogs

BY DAVE BOE

Centuries ago, living “a dog’s life” was a negative thing, but today, things are looking up for our canine companions.

Dogs are loved and nurtured by their owners, as evidenced at the All Breed Dog Show at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, July 12-15. Organized by the Duluth Kennel Club, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, the show included about 3,000 canines that filled Pioneer Hall, vying in different awards, including Groups, Sporting Group, Hound Group, Herding Group and Working Group, and, the top prize, “Best in Show.”

The breeds went from A to Y (no Z): Afghans, boxers, chows, English setters, German shepherds, Irish setters, poodles, silky terriers, Yorkshire terriers and many more.

Eight judges and hundreds of competitors participated in the event over four days. That included Erica Brookshire, plus her mom and daughter, all from St. Cloud. Brookshire brought a pair of English springer spaniels to show. She said she remembers having dogs in her life since she was a child.

“It was really my mom who got the family started in the hobby of breeding and competing our pets,” she said.

She sparked the interest in her family members.

“I brought in my daughter, Riley, when she got older,” she said. “So, we’re fourth-generation owners, breeders and competitors.”

The work means early morning hours, late evenings and long miles. Brookshire said they generally travel to Minnesota events, but also attend some Midwest shows, and have participated in the nationally known Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York.

“You do it for the love of the hobby,” Brookshire said. “Getting the dogs ready, grooming them, preparing them, then getting out into the show. Also making great friends with other owners. Socializing. We look for each other.”

Show chairman Michael Milton organized and ran the event. He also is the kennel club’s president. Like Brookshire, Milton has been involved with dogs most of his life, and off-and-on professionally for 30 years, mainly boarding and grooming. About six years ago, he joined the kennel club, which has about 60 members, and became president last November.

“We all have one thing common: We’re serious about the caring for, breeding, the participation, and the quality of the shows,” Milton said. “We also would like to see more youth participation. It’s nice to see the kids involved. They’re the future.”

Running the show means making sure every logistical, administrative, medical and entrepreneurial cog is moving. Helping Milton are other members of the kennel club and community. Still, Milton is rarely in one spot long.

“I can’t get from one side of the hall without running into people who want to talk,” Milton said. “When I first came to these events, I knew a few people. Now it’s in the hundreds. It’s turned (into) a huge social network that goes beyond the shows.”

In some ways, Milton said, the owners are a breed of their own, sharing that common bond with dogs.

“I do love ‘the dog’s’ life,” he said. “It wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Dave Boe is a Duluth freelance writer.