Dog show set at Horse Park this weekend

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By BRIAN HAWKINS
sdneditor@bellsouth.net [2]

Local dog lovers will find plenty of reasons to howl at the Mississippi Horse Park this weekend — 450 of them, to be exact.
That’s right, 450 dogs will take the show rings in the Horse Park’s indoor arena Saturday and Sunday when the Golden Triangle Kennel Club of Mississippi (GTKCM) hosts its annual licensed American Kennel Club (AKC) Dog Show this weekend.
The dog show will feature 200 different breeds, said Horse Park Manager Bricklee Miller on Thursday. Spectator admission to the event is free both days, Miller said.
“There are 450 dogs from all parts of the United States already entered in this year’s competitive events, with the dogs judged Best In Show selected during the last competition each day at approximately 3 p.m.,” Miller said.

“There will also be dog-related merchandise vendors on site with interesting, unusual and quality items, which are not generally available from any mass merchandiser.  There will also be an extensive number of raffle items available to the general public on Saturday.”
Spectators will be able to watch the dog show action either in the stands or on chairs that will be set up on the arena floor, Miller said. Though the heaters in the indoor arena will be on during the dog show, Miller said those sitting on the arena floor may want to dress warmly since the entrance to the floor opens directly to the outdoors.
A B-OC Match, Canine Good Citizen test and Raffle will also be held on Saturday in addition to the licensed show.
GTKCM will be making available additional information for those dog owners who are interested in responsible ownership. The GTKCM will also provide canine owners with information about the club, its puppy and dog obedience, rally and agility classes, and conformation classes which are conducted locally, during evening hours, generally on the MSU campus.

RV parking is also available at the MSU Horse Park for a nominal fee. And parking is within easy walking distance of the indoor arena area.
For more information, visit http://www.akc.orgor [3] HYPERLINK http://www.onofrio.com.
For more information about the GTKCM visit http://goldentrianglekofms.com [4] or send e-mail to diamaundcollies@gmail.com [5].