GREENFIELD — German Shepherds, poodles, Irish Setters, spaniels of all sorts and their dog-loving humans pranced about at the Pioneer Valley Kennel Club Dog Show Saturday.
The dog show was held on the large lawn at Greenfield Community College’s College Drive Campus and raised money for the Pioneer Valley Dog Club, which lends financial support to area kennels.
According to Pioneer Valley Kennel Club President Lori Carver, 485 dogs showed up to the event, which included obedience and rally competitions, an introduction of the Greenfield Police Department’s comfort dogs Clarence and Donut, and even a stuffed toy dog show led by children ages 3 through 8.
“Dog shows go on no matter what the weather is,” Carver said with a laugh, pleased that this year’s show drew a large crowd despite the rain and thunder.
The Pioneer Valley Kennel Club Dog Show has gone on for about 30 years with some brief hiatuses, Carver said.
She noted a surprising number of people who don’t own dogs always show up to learn about dogs they might like to own one day.
“It allows people to come look at all the different purebred dogs,” Carver said. “They can talk to people, talk to the owners, find what they like, see the dogs, find a nice socialized puppy.”
Carver said in addition to being an event for locals to look forward to annually, the dog show is also an economic benefit to the area because of the hundreds of people who come from out of town.
She said next year, the Pioneer Valley Kennel Club plans on holding the event over two days, a Saturday and a Sunday.
“It brings in income, because everyone comes in from all over and they come here. They use the restaurants. They use the hotels,” Carver said.
One such person was Margaret Farone, of Kensington, Conn., whose male German Shorthaired Pointer, Freeze, won the “best in show” competition.
“I love doing it,” Farone said. “I love coming here.”
Farone said Freeze won his third best-in-show Saturday, and she was excited for her lean, brown-speckled dog. She admitted the dog’s handsome appearance helps him in such competitions.
“It’s pretty cool,” Farone said. “It doesn’t take a lot of work, because he’s short-haired, so it doesn’t take a lot of grooming. He’s not just a pretty boy though. He’s a great dog.”
Reach David McLellan
at dmclellan@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 268.