Dogs Rule This Weekend At RCC

Almost 1,400 dogs representing All American Kennel Club Recognized Breeds will be competing in the Wallkill Kennel Club and Rockland Kennel Club dog shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Rockland Community College Field House.

“It’s going to be a fun weekend,” said Rockland Kennel Club Vice President Pat Coleman. 

She said 935 dogs representing 140 different breeds or varieties are entered in Friday’s competition hosted by the Wallkill Kennel Club. The Rockland Kennel Club is presenting Saturday and Sunday's events. On Saturday, 1,396 dogs of 148 breeds will participate and 1,291 show dogs of also of 148 breeds and varieties will compete on Sunday. 

“We expect some of the dogs that participated in the Westminster Kennel Club (show) to be there,” she said. 

Coleman, who is Clarkstown’s animal control officer, noted many of the dogs follow the show circuit.

She expects Saturday to be the busiest of the three days. Variety groups including terrier, hound, toy and sporting and Best in Show will be selected daily. On Friday, that judging is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:15 p.m. 

Coleman said the three-day show is dedicated in memory of Gerri Ambrosio, who was president of the Wallkill Kennel Club when she passed away in July 2012.  Coleman said Ambrosio who had lived in Haverstraw before moving to Orange County, served as the Rockland Kennel Club’s president, treasurer and as a board member. Ramapo Town Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence is expected to make a dedication in Ambrosio’s honor. 

“Personally it’s a great loss for me,” said Coleman.  “She’s been a great friend.”

Coleman said Ambrosio had been attending kennel club meetings up until the time she passed away. 

During the three show days, Coleman said the dogs will be judged in a wide variety of categories.  Besides the competitions, show visitors can learn about the Rebuild Hi-Tor effort, Hi-Tor Animal Care Center’s pets for adoption, Tails of Hope, which raises money for people struggling to pay for their pets’ medical needs, and Finding One Another, which trains dogs to search for lost people. Vendors from Delaware, Massachusetts, Southern New Jersey and upstate New York will be exhibiting.  A portion of the shows’ proceeds will be donated to a local animal shelter and Puppies Behind Bars.

Admission costs are the same each of the three days - $5 for adults and $3 for children aged five and older and senior citizens and children under five years old are free. The dog shows start at 7:30 a.m. each day and end at 6 p.m. with the start of judging at 8:30 a.m.