ALLENTOWN, Pa. – One of the most popular dog shows in the country is happening this weekend in Allentown.
It’s the “Stars of Bethlehem Show,” hosted by the Lehigh Valley and Delaware Water Gap Kennel Clubs.
In the moments before competition, Patrice readies 20-month old Sheena for judging. It is Patrice’s calling, but golden retriever Sheena is still learning the ropes.
“A lot of people are from out of town because there’s nowhere else to go. It’s here or Florida, we get people mostly not in our area,” said Patrice Loves of Middletown.
Sheena’s mother was a National Dog Show winner in 2023, and this weekend, the best are in Allentown. 1400 dogs, 500 breeds from American Eskimos, to Welsh Springers, all being coiffed, brushed, and fluffed.
The Lehigh Valley and Delaware Water Gap Kennel Clubs are partnering with Purina’s Purple Leash Project. The initiative supports homeless and domestic violence shelters that accept pets.
“And your dog is your companion forever, to have to lose a dog because you’re battered, and you can’t take the dog with you, or that someone’s chasing you, it’s an awful thought,” said Elaine Lessig, dog show coordinator.
“With helping out these domestic abuse shelters, it allows victims to take their pet and go, and they don’t feel obligated to stay,” said Kathy Guerrero, Purina Pro Plan spokesperson.
As for Patrice and Sheena, a fourth place finish. And a new beginning for this Golden Retriever.
“She’s going to hunt ducks. She’s going into the field,” said Patrice Loves of Middletown.
Fewer than 20% of domestic violence shelters accept pets.
As for the dog show, it runs until 6:00 p.m. through Sunday.