By HELEN PALMER

Contributing columnist

A reader, many years ago, suggested that I let my readers know when there are dog shows close by or when the big shows are being held even those out of state.

I have been getting emails from the National Dog Show each month since June. This is a big show covering a full week of activities. Those planning a vacation might want to include one or two of the events listed.

On Saturday, Nov. 9 is the National Dog Show Artwork Exhibit held at Willow Street Pictures, West Lawn, Pennsylvania beginning at 6 p.m. and admission is free. For more information email info@willowstreetpictures.com. or call (610) 375-3424.

On Nov. 14 – 24, “The Perfect Dog” a children’s musical will be held at Footlighters Theater in Berwyn, Pennsylvania with various showtimes. There was no contact information, but the person who sent me all the information on all events gave her email address as: sgriffith@viziongroup.net. She might have a contact address or phone number for this event.

On Nov. 15 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. the National Dog Show Gala at Valley Forge Casino, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania will be held. This is a red carpet fundraiser for Philadelphia Ronald McDonald’s House and includes Red Carpet cocktail hour; a four-course dinner and comedy entertainment. Don’t party too hard here – Nov. 16 starts the two-day dog show.

On Saturday, Nov. 16 is the National Dog Show presented by Purina and taped for telecast nationwide on Thanksgiving Day by NBC. It is the most widely viewed dog show in America.  This show is at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, The Saturday show times are: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are 2,000 dogs entered representing nearly 200 different breeds. There will be a “meet the breeds” scheduled, so you can talk to breeders of the dogs that interest you most. Besides the conformation shows, there will be various events such as agility with classes from beginners to very difficult; demonstrations of search and rescue dogs and therapy dogs. Here will also be Freestyle Flying Disc demonstrations.

The Sunday show times are: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The breed judging for the Kennel Club of Philadelphia starts at 8:30 a.m. with the Group judging (winners of the various breeds) starting at 2 p.m. At 5 p.m. the Best-in-Show judging begins.

On Tuesday, Nov. 19 there will be The National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium hosted by Rowan University in tandem with the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program. There is a registration fee of $35 which includes breakfast, any or all educational sessions and lunch.  

I hope someone will be taking vacation time and stop in Pennsylvania during that week and a half for some fun. However, mark your calendar to watch some of the events on Thanksgiving Day.