The Lehigh Valley Kennel Club will host the Star of Bethlehem Cluster Dog Show and Match at the Allentown AgriPlex this week, with events scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
The show will highlight a partnership with Purina to support shelters that allow domestic violence victims to bring their pets.
The free events will feature obedience and rally competitions on Wednesday and Thursday with conformation events for all American Kennel Club-recognized breeds on Thursday and Saturday.
A competition for puppies aged 4-6 months will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by a free juniors seminar at lunchtime for young people interested in dog sports.
Purina will sponsor the event and promote the Purple Leash Project, an initiative that supports homeless shelters and domestic violence shelters that accept pets. Many shelters do not allow people to bring animals, which can prevent someone from leaving an abusive situation if they are unwilling to abandon their pet.
The Lehigh Valley Kennel Club donates annually to local shelters that accommodate people with dogs. Currently, one shelter in Lehigh County, Turning Point, and a network of shelters in Northampton County through Safe Harbor in Easton allow people to bring their dogs. Pets must be leashed and stay with their owners in a separate area from other shelter residents.
Purina will match 100% of donations made to RedRover in support of the Purple Leash Project through Dec. 31, 2025, up to $500,000. Information about the project will be available at a booth from 8 a.m. until the show concludes each day.
An all-breed match will take place after the Best in Show competition on Saturday for dogs needing additional practice. All events will be held at the Allentown AgriPlex, located at 302 N. 17th St., Allentown.
For more information, visit lehighvalleykennelclub.org or the Official Lehigh Valley Kennel Club Facebook page.