Care to join?

Mutts, unite!

For the first time in 125 years, mixed breeds will be allowed to compete along side purebreds in the American Kennel Club.

See the article by Monica Hesse in the Washington Post here.

Mutts will not be allowed to compete in the "conformation" events, the ones where judges decide how precisely a dog displays its breed's standards.

But the skill-based contests — Agility, Rally and Obedience — were officially opened to mixed breeds last month. This weekend, Mattaponi [Kennel Club in Manassas, Va.] held its first event in which mixed breeds, euphemistically referred to at the show as "All Americans," have been allowed.

The debate over the change goes back seven or eight years. At one point there was a proposal to have mixed breed dogs compete separately from purebred dogs, rather than directly against them. That was reconsidered.

"AKC has always been best known as an advocate for purebred dogs," says the AKC's Gina DiNardo, in discussing the change. "But [we're] concerned about the welfare of all dogs. ... We want you to become part of our fold."

Of course, I'm reminded of the Groucho Marx quip "I don’t care to belong to any club that will have me as a member."

High Falls pets have their day

HIGH FALLS — The annual High Falls Pet Show will be Saturday, May 15. There will be all pets of all kinds participating.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held in the Community Church of High Falls yard on Second Street off Route 213.

Here's a link to Google Maps.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. For pets who plan to compete in contests, there is a $4 fee. All proceeds will benefit the High Falls Civic Association.

General pet judging will takes place from 10 a.m to 11 a.m. All pets will be evaluated for good breeding, friendly behavior and photogenic qualities.

Special judging categories start at 11 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m.

Prizes will be given in several categories, including pet-owner look-alike, vocal talent, best all-American mutt, most unusual pet and mature and distinguished pets.

Vendors will be on hand selling pet-related toys and food. Animal rescue and adoption information will be available.

There is no admission fee to attend the show.

Owners are urged to bring adequate food and water for the safety and comfort of their animal companions.

Competitive cats duke it out Sunday

The Game Show Network — not Animal Planet or even ESPN — is showing the 19th Annual CFA International Cat Show Sunday at 7 p.m.

Called "Cat-Minster," the program features a behind-the-scenes look at competitive cat shows, followed by the championship event itself.

According to the GSN website, in addition to the "Best of Show" award, there will be a feline agility course. That should be worth the price of admission!

Watch and learn, Kate, watch and learn.

The event will spotlight 41 different breeds and over 700 cats from the U.S., Asia, Canada, Europe and South America.

Check out the cats and judges here.

My TiVo says the competition will be replayed April 7 at noon.