OAKHURST – A hearty “woof” and four paws up to all who participated in the 3rd annual Oakminster Dog Show on Apr. 26. All funds raised go to the Eastern Madera County SPCA building fund.
Event organizer Gail Hawksworth, owner of Mysham For the Love of Dogs Training and Care, says the event continues to grow each year, and will be held on the last Sunday of April, just opposite on the calendar from the EMC SPCA Animal Fair which takes place on the first Sunday in October.
This year there were 53 entries, plus a number of dogs socializing in the Oakhurst Community Park that were not entered. However they enjoyed themselves immensely and vow to enter the fun officially next year.
“I would say we had a total of 70 dogs on the grounds and over 100 people watching,” says Gail, who started the event after a few recent failed attempts to drive to the Westminster Dog Show in New York.
“I will not fly my dogs due to their size,” says Gail of her huge Irish Wolfhounds. “Each time I had to turn around due to weather problems. So thought it would be nice to bring a show here to Oakhurst for all dogs and owners to enjoy,” and thus was born the Oakminster Dog Show.
A number of the judges Gail brings in are friends of hers who compete in dog shows, as she does, and have gone to Westminster.
“It’s such a fun time for all, and an opportunity to show off your loving companion,” she says. “Plus, it’s a great way to socialize your dogs. The main reason for the dog show is to help our SPCA and for more people to be involved with their dogs and to be proud of them no matter if they are a mix breed, pure bred, three legged, one eyed – it does not matter.”
Winners received a stuffed toy; a selection from a variety of different types of beautiful glassware; a ribbon for first, second or third place; and of course, bragging rights.
This year’s proud first place winners are:
Youth obedience competition – High In Trial – Kaylon Alsanderr, with dog Charlie
Adult obedience competition – High in Trail – Karen Spooner with dog Ryon
Best in Show Mix Breed Puppy – Mitchell Lewis with dog Lucky
Best in Show Mix Breed Adult – Roger Lee with dog Rexie
Best in Show Purebred Puppy – Charlotte Ventura with dog Tommy
Best in Show Purebred Adult – Sherry Guerra with dog Dexter
The popular event is made possible by the Oakhurst Mountain Lions, who say that this year they had more vendors and more generous sponsors than ever before.
The Mountain Lions Club would like to extend their sincere thanks to all who helped to make the show a rousing, rip-roaring success, including sponsors, volunteers and attendees (two- and four-legged).
Sponsors who lent their support to this event included Silver Level Sponsor Sierra Tel, along with Furry Friends Linda Chappell of Whiskers & Paws, in memory of Jerry Chappell; Gold Country Bottled Water; Graydon Kennels; Tom & Caroline Heather; Linda Mosley, Mountain Auto Clinic, Inc.; Mysham for the Love of Dogs Training & Care; Oakhurst Feed & Pet Supply; Oakhurst Plumbing; Pizza Factory, Inc.; Preston & Nancy; Steve’s Tropical Fish & Pet Supply and Jerrie West, in Loving Memory of Richard West, DVM.
In addition, the following made generous “in-kind” donations: Betty Fisher Ribbons for donating the winners’ ribbons; Mysham Irish Wolfhounds & Gail Hawksworth for donation of the Best-in-Show Conformation and High-in-Trial Obedience awards; and Jackie Mallouf for her awesome photography.
Click these links to learn more about the Oakhurst Mountain Lions, the Eastern Madera County SPCA, and Gail Hawksworth and Mysham Dog Training and Care.
