Dog days of summer return

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Kyle Townley of Rochester shows his dog “Pembroke” during Saturday’s dog show in Albion. About 600 dogs entered the Tonawanda Valley Kennel Club show at Bullard Park. Another TVKC show will be today at the park from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m.

Kyle Townley competes in the novice showmanship competition.

Lorinda Vasuta preps her Pomeranian, “Animation’s Marina,” for the dog show Saturday in Albion at Bullard Park. Her dog is currently in the top 20 of all Pomeranians in the country.

Vasuta is from Medina, Ohio, and has been showing dogs for 40 years.

“It’s very rewarding,” she said. “Producing something that aspires to her level does the heart good,” she said. “This is a sport. There aren’t many sports where old people can compete with the youngsters. Old people actually have an advantage because of our experience.”

Tim Terella of Edinboro, Pa. leads a Siberian Husky named “Gus” during the dog show on Saturday. Gus won best in breed.

Two handlers show these Siberian Huskies during the dog show on Saturday.

Trophies for the top dogs at the Tonawanda Valley Kennel Club dog show are lined up. The club has had its annual dog shows over Labor Day weekend in Albion for the past two decades.

Bullard Park has been taking over by the dogs this weekend with large tents and several show areas set up at the along the site on Route 31.