See dogs in action, learn about breeds at championship shows in Chilliwack

People are invited to check out some dog shows in Chilliwack where they can see canines in action, and also learn more about different breeds.

Two championship dogs shows – the Renaissance Dog Association (April 17-20) and the Auld Lang Syne Dog Association (May 22-25) – are coming to Chilliwack Heritage Park.

Dogs, their handlers and the judges come from all over to attend. The competitors are from throughout B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and the U.S., while the judges travel from around the globe.

“Our judges are very international,” said organizer Monika Pinsker. “Renaissance has two judges from Colombia, one from Mexico, and three from the U.S. Auld Lang Syne has judges from Japan, Ireland, Serbia, Alberta and Ontario.”

The shows will also have several vendors selling mostly dog- and cat-related items, and things people may need for their pets such as cushions, blankets, gift items, and clothing.

A silent auction brings in money for Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health service provider for ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders and their families.

“The money gained from the silent auction for the Wounded Warriors goes completely towards a future purchase of an assistance/therapy dog,” Pinsker said. “Trained dogs such as these are very expensive and it will take some time to get enough money together for that purchase, so we have these silent auctions at every one of our shows.”

Admission is free and Pinsker encourages families and children to attend, and said it's a great way to get kids off their phones and away from computers. She is reminding children to ask first before touching a dog.

“Coming to the shows can be educational – learning about the different breeds, why they are purebreds, what they are like. We teach them empathy for dogs/cats, and responsibility,” she said. “We also show them that anyone can dream about having a ‘winning' dog and participate in the dog shows themselves. It takes an investment, good planning, and effort. It is not a sport just for the ultra rich, which is what the general public believes.”

But it's not just young families that come to the dog shows.

“We are also very happy to have visitors from the senior homes. Many of them had dogs when they were younger and miss them.”

Pinsker is collecting donations of non-perishable food items for the local food bank, as well.

The Renaissance Dog Association championship dog show runs Thursday, April 17 to Sunday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and the Auld Lang Syne Dog Association championship dog show is Thursday, May 22 to Sunday, May 25. Both are at Chilliwack Heritage Park.

For more, go to canuckdogs.com and click on “B.C. and Yukon.”