2003 Year in Review

VenHuizen Wins Top Dog Award

Kayla VenHuizen and Annie

“It’s fun and a great place to make friends.” Kayla VenHuizen said about 4-H. But the best part is the Grand Champion Trophy she brought back from Illinois State Fair. Kayla competed in Novice Dog Obedience and was nominated at the Whiteside 4-H fair to represent the county at this years State Fair. Kayla said there were 150-200 dogs competing on August 9 in all classes.

The 13 year old won “Highest Scoring Dog of the Day” with 198-1/2 out of 200 points with her dog Annie. Kayla has had Annie for 4 years and has been taking obedience classes through 4-H since she became Annie’s owner. She gives credit to Laura Murray and Becky Blevins and the other members of 4-H dog committee for their support and dedication in teaching dog care. Classes are held weekly at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds from September or October until July when the 4-H show is held.

Kayla wasn’t the only county 4-H member represented at the State Fair. Samantha Nye, Jamie Murray, Laura Wetzel, Katie Zuidema, and Kayla Hoffman also competed in different classes.

Annie and Kayla also go to AKC shows where they have won CD (Champion Dog) and Kayla plans on moving higher in both 4-H and AKC.

There is more to showing than just competing. Kayla works hard all year with Annie. She brushes, walks, and feeds her daily; and washes her white dog at show time. Kayla also spent 15 minutes a day in training her for the first 2 years but Annie gets board easily with training so she doesn’t work her as hard now. Annie is definitely Kayla’s dog and best friend.

Little sister, Sara, has already started training her Sheltie at 7 years old and can not wait to become a 4-H member at 8 so she can show too.

by Barb Benson, theCity1.com
August 21, 2003