Burlington--While Eastern States Exposition has concluded it run for the year, for Wolcott 4-H’er Amalie Pratt, the memories of competing as Vermont’s sole delegate in the 4-H dog show at the West Springfield, Massachusetts, fairgrounds will linger for months to come.

Amalie and her six-year-old Icelandic Sheepdog, Echo, took part in several events on September 27 to 29. This was her second year participating in the regional 4-H dog show and her fifth year in the 4-H dog project as a member of the Underdogs 4-H Club in Newport.

According to Amalie’s mother, Cindy Pratt, “The Big E 4-H dog show is a very busy weekend for dogs and handlers with team and individual events. Since Amalie was the only one from Vermont, she was rotated with other states to be able to participate in team events. She received ribbons awarded by the Danish system, judged on the quality of her work and, for some events, also got class placement ribbons. Other events were just plain fun.”

In the team events, Amalie's quiz bowl team captured third place with the Vermont 4-H’er scoring all but one of the points earned by her team. Her skill-a-thon team won that competition.

In the individual events, the fourteen-year-old took second place and earned a blue ribbon in the Fitting and Showmanship Open Division for ages 12 to 14. Exhibitors earned points for how well they prepped and fitted their dogs as well as their presentation in the show ring.

In the Obedience Novice class A, Amalie captured third place and received a red ribbon. For this class, the judges asked the exhibitors to have their dogs demonstrate their ability to heel on leash, sit, stay and perform other commands.

For the two dog general knowledge tests (open book and closed book), she won a white ribbon. The tests covered general dog care, the American Kennel Club toy breed group, first aid for dogs, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals Canine Health Information Center rules and requirements and other dog-related topics.

The exhibitors also had an opportunity to enter educational posters and photos. Amalie’s educational poster featured canine scent work, earning her a blue ribbon. She won a red ribbon for her photo for this year's contest theme, “Will I Fit?”

No ribbons were awarded for several other contests and activities although these helped participants earn points toward their final cumulative scores. These included assembling a first aid kit based on a list provided prior to the show and kennel area inspection three times a day. For the latter, tidiness and cleanliness of the kennel area, how well the dog is cared for and educational displays for the public were all factored into the score.

The Big E dog show also included agility demonstrations, a team scavenger hunt and other fun events such as a costume class. Amalie dressed up as the Grim Reaper with Echo as her skeletal dog.

“For Meet the Breeds, as crowds walked through the event barns at the Big E, many would stop at the stalls and ask questions of the handlers,” Cindy Pratt explains. “Amalie introduced them to Echo as well as educated people on 4-H, her dog's breed, various weekend events, her educational poster displays and more.”

To learn more about the 4-H dog project, contact the State 4-H Office at (802) 656-7630 or (800) 571-0668 (toll-free in Vermont).