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May 25, 2008

Top dogs meet to compete

Annual dog show sees highest-ever participation

By Brian Ojanpa

ST PETER — Diane Spearin appeared pensive as she got ready to enter the judging area with her 10-month-old vizsla.

“It’s a challenge with a dog so young because they get bored,” the Buffalo resident said. Yet she was optimistic.

“But her brother won yesterday.”

Spearin’s dog was among more than 1,000 entries Saturday in the Key City Kennel Club’s show at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds.

Owners and handlers from states near and far turned out for the 33rd annual event, which enjoyed its highest-ever participation numbers despite prices at the pump.

“We’re really surprised,” acting show chairman Fred Bock said of the turnout. “But we have a good judging panel, a good reputation as a fun, pleasant show with a good brand of competition, and this fairgrounds is as good a site as you can find.”

The show had its share of professional handlers, who travel the country showing other people’s dogs.

Upper-echelon handlers, who can earn $500,000 or more a year, include the likes of 72-year-old Stan Flowers, who’s been showing dogs for 60 years.

“He’s a legend,” Bock said.

Mid-morning Saturday, the legend was standing outside his 40-foot motor coach — home away from home for himself, his wife, a young helper, and the 18 dogs he brought with him.



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