York County Kennel Club of Maine and Vacationland Dog Club will host the Fourth Annual Meet the Breeds Showcase on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at the Tractor Supply Co., on Rt 1 in Scarborough. The showcase runs from 10am to 4pm, admission is free and there is ample parking around the facility.

This is a relaxing and informative event to encourage responsible dog ownership in conjunction with the American Kennel Club’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day. Our goal is to offer the public an opportunity to learn about the various dog breeds, see them in the flesh and fur and speak with people who know them best. We’ve gathered together dog breeders, handlers, trainers as well as breed and rescue organizations and set them up in booths so visitors can easily find the dogs they want to learn more about. In addition to booth displays, we present a grooming demonstration by a professional groomer. There will also be information tables staffed by members of local dog clubs.

Returning this year will be a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test conducted by York County Kennel Club’s Karen Norteman. Bring your well-behaved dog to the Meet the Breed Showcase and for $15 see if Rover has what it takes to be a respectable member of society. The CGC test is a 10-step test designed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to reward good-mannered dogs. For more information and the requirements to pass the CGC visit the AKC website http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm.

Whether you’re looking for your first dog or maybe haven’t owned one in a while, Meet the Breeds is a good place to start your search. Many people choose dogs with their hearts, on a whim or worse, based on a dog they saw in a movie. Dog ownership is a 10 to 20 year commitment not to be taken lightly. Educating yourself on the different breeds available will help you find that compatible dog and prevent an incompatible dog from ending up in the local animal shelters or rescue organizations.

Exhibitors are there at their own expense to answer questions you have about their particular breeds. They may have one or more of their dogs present but no puppies or dogs are for sale at this event! This is an information only event, literature and contact information will be available for you to take so you may continue your search for the perfect canine family member.

For more information about Meet the Breeds Showcase contact Mr. Carroll Goodwin at dnsfarm@roadrunner.com or call (207) 324-5400. For the basic behaviors and requirements for CGC testing contact Karen Norteman at my3seadogs@yahoo.com or (207)324-9046. For information on York County Kennel Club and Vacationland Dog Club, please visit their respective websites http://yorkcountykennelclub.homestead.com/ and www.vacationlanddogclub.org.