The temperature at 8 oclock on Thursday morning was already approaching 80 degrees, and the humidity was enough to stamp large, polymorphic patches of sweat onto the backs of the 4-H volunteers who hustled to and fro in their final preparations for the Allen County Fair.
As the sun beat down on the roof of the show arena, a group of young 4-Hers formed a semicircle inside, each member standing stock-still, with a leash in their hand and a well-trained show dog heeling at their side.
Among the group were James and Mary Brown, a sandy-blonde brother and sister duo from Savonburg, who at 14 and 12, respectively, are at the midway point in their 4-H journey, a cargo of county fair successes behind them and a golden road of experiences ahead.
James was flanked by Chewy, a 5-year-old black Lab-Border collie mix, with eyes the color of apple cider vinegar, who is making his doggy debut at the fair.
Marys dog is a gentle-spirited Norwegian Elkhound named Paddy, short for Padfoot, a plushly jacketed canine with a tightly curled tail, whose eyes communicate such intense intelligence that you wonder whether maybe she should be holding your leash.
Mary and Paddy are still feeling each other out. For her first four years in the 4-H dog show, Mary showed a thoroughly smart, preternaturally athletic Vizsla named Ida. Ida and Mary had progressed to the point where they were preparing to move off-leash the strata of achievement that qualifies a participant for the state competition. But then, just over a year ago, Ida died, suddenly and unexpectedly, as Marys mother described it. Mary and the family are still coping.
But if Padfoots looks and general carriage are anything to go by, Mary will be back in the top ranks in no time.
Paddy and Chewy are currently in their final hours of preparation before Sundays 4-H dog show. Mary and Paddy will be participating in the Obedience, Showmanship, and Rally (i.e., obstacle course) categories. James will attempt to make his mark in Obedience and Rally.
On Thursday, the childrens mother, Cynthia Martin, who has been instrumental in the care and upkeep of the dogs, took up a concealed position behind her SUV as she watched her children rehearse in the open-air arena. Shes learned by now that if either Chewy or Paddy catches a glimpse of her on the sidelines, it will spur in them a heedless beeline in her direction. It doesnt matter how powerful their training the force of the dogs affection is still more. Were sort of a dog family, said Martin, who also allowed that given their cows and rabbits and ducks and chickens, not to mention a large hee-hawing llama named Smoky they are also sort of an all-around animal family.
Given the diverse menagerie that stalks their Savonburg farm, it stands to reason that James and Mary are enrolled in a number of other 4-H projects at this years fair: rabbits, entomology, photography, poultry, wildlife, and others still.
But, for Mary, the dog competition remains her favorite. James, though, has a different view. He likes poultry best. Asked why poultry is his favorite event, James gives the only sensible answer that anyone could give: I like chickens.
