Figure 1.-- Here we see a parade of muts in 1925, we think in Washington, D.C. The event seems to have been used to publicize the Dog Shiw sponsired by the Riding and Hunt Club. People in the District kept horses to ride in Rock Creek Park.

Pets of course are primarily a home activity. There are, however, some events that involve activuities outside the home. We notice all kinds of pet revents. The best known are pet shows where oweners snd breeders show off pure breeds. Probanlt the best knon are the kennel club dog shows. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an all-breed conformation show, traditionally held annually at New York City's Madison Square Garden The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of a handful of benched shows in the United States. Since 1934, the Westminster Kennel Club has bestowed the title of Best Junior Handler to one deserving youngster. These talented handlers come from all across the country to be judged on their dog handling skills with eight advancing to the finals competition held at Madison Square Garden. Crufts is an international dog show held annually in the United Kingdom organjized by the Kennel Club, it is the largest such show in the world. These are national events. Local chapters sponsor events leading to the national event. These events are primarily for adults. There are are all kinds of events involving pets aimed at chidren. And they usually are not limited to cats and dogs. Catholic chutches spoonsor bless animals events. Schools and community organizations sponsor pet events. These events do not focus on pure breeds and children with their beloved mutts can paricipate as wll as birds, fish, farm animals and what ever else to which the chilldren have become attached. These are local events in which even younger children can participate. Public Opinion

Created: 7:27 PM 11/17/2012
Last updated: 7:27 PM 11/17/2012