There were some gorgeous dogs and proud owners on display during the annual Skaha Kennel Club Dog Show this past weekend in Osoyoos. (Keith Lacey photo)
The fact a small town like Osoyoos can host one of the largest all breed dog shows in the province brings a huge smile to the face of Bev Grant.
The life member of the Skaha Kennel Club said that while Penticton did a great job of hosting the club’s annual dog show, the show has become more popular than ever since moving to the Nk’Mip RV Park and Campground seven years ago.
This past Friday to Sunday, more than 300 dogs from across B.C. – as well as Alberta, Washington State, Oregon and even several from Ontario – made the trip with their owners to compete in the Skaha Kennel Dog Show.
“It’s really hard to believe that this is now one of the largest dog shows in all of B.C.,” said Grant, who helped train and show dozens of miniature schnauzers for decades. “This is just a tremendous venue that offers everything you need to run a large show.
“The facilities to showcase the dogs are just fantastic and all of the dog owners can stay right here in the campground or at nearby hotels. It has become a show that all of the top breeders want to be a part of.”
There were three all breed championship shows, four obedience trials and four rally trials held on Saturday and Sunday as well as a Peach of a Puppy tournament on Friday evening.
Grant gave special mention to management at Nk’ Mip RV Park and Campground for supporting the dog show over the past several years.
“They go out of their way to make everyone involved feel at home,” she said. “There aren’t a lot of places where you can hold a show with more than 300 dogs and so many dog owners, but this place is just fantastic and the management seem very pleased to have us here, which means a lot to everybody involved.”
Money raised during the event goes to other organizations dedicated to assisting dogs and animals, including the local SPCA in Penticton, Critter Aid and providing funding for aid dogs who assist the blind and hard of hearing, said Grant.
Dogs are the most loyal and loving creatures on the planet and showcasing their skills in a large event like this brings a lot of pride to owners, she said.
“We all share a passion for dogs and it just so happens that many dog owners like to show their dogs and display the obedience and skills they have taught their dogs,” she said. “It’s a very close knit community.”
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
More than 300 dogs and hundreds of owners from across B.C., as well as from Alberta, Washington State, Oregon and as far away as Ontario, came to Osoyoos for the annual Skaha Kennel Club Dog Show this past Friday to Sunday. (Keith Lacey photo)
