The Yakima Valley Kennel Club wrapped up its annual dog show this weekend, drawing hundreds of competitors and spectators to the Sozo Sports Complex for three days of canine competition, learning, and family fun.
The event, which ran from Friday through Sunday, featured a full slate of dog-centric activities, including conformation, obedience, rally, and junior showmanship competitions.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, visitors were treated to a showcase of over 150 dog breeds, along with plenty of wagging tails.
Whether attendees came to compete, learn more about specific breeds, or simply enjoy the day with family and pets, the event offered something for everyone, including the youngest dog lovers.
“What brought us out was to get our son exposed and in the ring, because we enjoy it so much,” said Kendall Gosser, a bulldog owner and regular show participant. “Coming into the ring, you’re trying to teach them not just about the standard, but also about having fun and enjoying time with your dog.”
Gosser’s son, Cohen, took part in the show by handling their bulldog, Gertie, continuing a family tradition they revisit every year.
Children as young as 5 years old had a chance to participate thanks to the club’s PeeWee program, a prize-filled event introduced last year that helps kids ages 5–9 get comfortable in the show ring.
“This year we also started something called the Best of the Best Junior Showman,” said Sarah Bicsak, chair of the Yakima Valley Kennel Club. “Junior showmen are between 9 and 18, and the winners of competitions from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday all compete to see who’s the best of the best.”
Since 1947, the Yakima Valley Kennel Club has hosted annual dog shows. While dogs must be purebred to compete in conformation—a beauty-style competition—other events such as obedience and rally are open to all dogs.
Obedience focuses on precision commands, while rally involves teamwork and navigating a course of cues and signs.
“In my younger years, I showed dogs and loved it,” Bicsak said. “It’s something the whole family can do, and now I see it as a way to give back to the sport. Being the show chair and doing all the work involved—that’s how I give back.”
One of the most familiar faces around the ring is photographer Elaine Rushton, who has been capturing show moments for more than 30 years.
Raised in the dog show world with basset hounds, Rushton started photographing dogs after finishing photography school at the request of her mother.
“I enjoy what I do. It’s not for the weak, trust me, because you have to be patient,” Rushton said. “People ask me what my favorite dog is to shoot—it’s the ones who stand still and do what they’re supposed to. My dad was a judge as well.”
From dogs in the spotlight to excited children learning the ropes, the Yakima Valley Kennel Club continues to celebrate and share a rich tradition—one paw at a time.
