Submitted photos.

By Gazette staff

JANESVILLE/MIDDLETON – Members of the Portage County Dog Project took top honors at two recent state dog shows.

At the State 4-H Dog Obedience and Showmanship show, held Aug. 9-11 at the Rock County Fairgrounds in Janesville, Portage County youth competed in an arena that welcomed 200 kids representing 32 Wisconsin counties.

Clare Kluck, Rosholt, a member of Howling Huskies 4-H club, showed her Australian Shepherd, Rhea. The pair earned first place in Pre-Novice obedience and high score in Pre-Novice dog/handler. Kluck and Rhea racked up 198.5 of 200 possible points to achieve high score overall, out of 19 classes.

In the Intermediate division, Kluck placed first and grabbed the highest score in Rally Dog/Handler team class. This was Kluck’s first time competing at the state show.

Samantha Carlson, Amherst, a member of Nelsonville Zippy Zees 4-H club, showed her Australian Cattle Dog, Captain. The pair earned sixth place in Pre-Open obedience and second place in Masters Rally.

With her Australian Shepherd, Riggs, she earned fifth place in Graduate Novice obedience, fourth in Masters Rally, and eighth in Grade 10 showmanship.

Cassie Lehman, of the Almond Busy Bees 4-H club, competed with her Australian Shepherd, Hazel, earning participation awards in Pre-Novice obedience and Intermediate rally obedience classes.

Ayla Miller, Plainfield, a member of Almond Busy Bees 4-H club, showed her Miniature Poodle, Millie, earning first place in Pre-Novice obedience and a third place in Intermediate rally obedience.  With her Doberman, Nova, Miller took second place in her showmanship class.

Miller also participated in the State 4-H Agility show at Canine Sports Zone in Middleton, on Aug. 17, showing with Millie. Ayla earned second place in Tunnelers and first place in Jumps, Tables and Tunnels – eight-inch height class. Lehman also represented Portage County at the show.

The Portage County Dog Project members are led by Paula Kropidlowski, Tracy Perrine, and Wendy Carlson.