Pitbull Dogs Impress Judge

(from left) Josh Rivers, Echo, Gideon and Dawn Rivers

by Deborah Parkhill Mullis

Pitbull dogs, Echo and Gideon, owned by Dawn and Josh Rivers of Lancaster, S.C., were the winners of five awards including Best in Show at a benefit dog show held Saturday afternoon at Why Not An American Ark in Monroe.

The dog show was emceed by professional dog trainer, Teresa Faucette of Mint Hill and judged by Dee Smith of Charlotte. About fifteen dogs representing a variety of breeds and breed mixes were entered in the "All Dogs FUN Show". There were eighteen entry classes including everything from Best Kisser and "Waggiest" tail to Least Obedient and Most Talented.

Echo placed first in Fastest Recall, a timed run across the arena to her owner. She also picked up a blue ribbon for Most Talented. Gideon received blue ribbons for Best Kisser and Most Obedient. She also won Best In Show.

"I think Pitbulls get such a bad rap. Everything about that dog was (best) all around. She was extremely well-trained," Smith said about her Best In Show pick.

This was the first dog show for three-year old Echo and four-year-old Gideon. According to Dawn, the dogs have had no special training other than what she has picked up while working in the pet grooming business for 14 years. Dawn is co-owner of The Furry Godmother, a combination pet grooming, pet care and unique gift shop in downtown Waxhaw. The shop celebrated its one year anniversary on April 15th.

Dawn and Josh raised Echo and Gideon from pups. There was absolutely no treat training," said Dawn of their winning dogs. They work solely to please their masters, she explained, noting that the two large dogs live harmoniously with their little guys at home: a Chihuahua, a Rat Terrier and two cats. Pitbulls are a likeable breed if they are raised right, she said.

The "All Dogs FUN Show" was part of the United States Equine Rescue League (USERL) - Central Piedmont Field Day. This is the second year the event which "brings together horses, dogs and the people who love them" was hosted by Jeff and Amy Wylie of Monroe.

Other rescue organizations represented that day included Operation C.A.R.E, Animal Adoption League, NC Schnauzer Rescue and Union County Animal Control. In addition to the dog show, other benefit events included a horse show, fishing derby, horse shoe contest and a silent auction. All proceeds went to the USERL to help care for rescued equines.

Deborah is a freelance writer living in Indian Trail, NC with her husband, two children, two dogs and one cat. This article was published by Union County Weekly,Volume 2, Number 18, * May 4-10, 2007. Send your dog-related news to dogreporter@hotmail.com or add your comments about the above story by clicking on the link below.