Greater Fort Myers Dog Club Spring Show in May

COURTESY PHOTO The Scottish Terrier will be one of the more than 150 at the Greater Fort Myers Dog Club's Spring Show in May.

For nearly 35 years, volunteers of the Greater Fort Myers Dog Club have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to promote the sport of showing purebred dogs. Their hard work will pay off this May, as exhibitors from throughout the southern United States will travel to Fort Myers for an official American Kennel Club event.

This year's event will draw more than 150 different breeds to Southwest Florida. The show will include conformation, obedience trials, junior handling and a puppy match. There will also be vendor booths that will be filled with treats, toys and trinkets targeting man's best friend. Show organizers are optimistic that the show will have approximately 1200 registered exhibitors.

"One of the main goals of the Greater Fort Myers Dog Club is to promote responsible ownership," said Connie Barata, show chairwoman for the GFMDC. The other priority of the club is to educate the public about the do's and don'ts of selecting the right family companion.

The show will be held at the Lee Civic Center in North Fort Myers on Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18, with judging beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.

There will be a $3 per car entry fee, a $5 per person admission fee, children under 12 are free. Due to AKC regulations, dogs not entered in the show will not be allowed into the building. Additionally no children's strollers are permitted in the buildings.

For breed specific information contact Charlene Kritinar at 634-5114, or for basic information call 945-2776.