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Cape May Court House – The Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program announced the winners of the Pet Show held on July 20, 2024. This annual event, sponsored by Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies, is held each year during the 4-H Fair and is open to the public. The 2024 Grand Champion is Chrissy Couse and her 3-year-old male Plott Hound mix, Ruger, rescued from Riley Rescue. Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies will be providing Chrissy with free pet food for Ruger for an entire year. Ruger also won longest tail, most beautiful eyes, and Best in Show Adult Division.
The pet show is a fun event, with many classes in a variety of categories. There were ten different classes for children and their pets from dogs with the longest tail, the best trick, or most beautiful eyes, and, new this year, best Dr. Seuss Costume, in honor of the 4-H Fair theme, Oh, the Places We will Go with 4-H. There was also an adult category with fun classes as well.
Other winners at this year’s pet show included the Best in Show Dog Award to 4-year-old Hannah Baker and her dog “Bowie,” and the Best Trick, Adult Division to Karen and her terrapin “Rocky.” The Best in Show All Pets Award went to Hannah with “Charlie,” who also won for the Best Dr. Seuss Costume. Ribbons were awarded in all classes and Best in Show trophies went to each division winner.
4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator Linda Horner said, “We want to thank our judges, Cape May County Clerk Rita M. Rothberg and Commissioners Andrew Bulakowski and Melanie Collette for taking their valuable time to be a part of this fun event. Special thanks to our long-time sponsor Suzanne Smeltzer from Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies for their generous support of our 4-H Pet Show. The 4-H Youth Development Program is a success because of the support it receives from local businesses such as Smeltzer & Sons and our many volunteers.”
Besides being a great time and a favorite activity for our visitors, the purpose of the pet show is to provide an informal opportunity for people to get acquainted with 4-H. Learn more about the 4-H Youth Development Program at https://capemay.njaes.rutgers.edu/ or call 609-465-5115, ext. 3605.
The 4-H Youth Development program is part of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and Rutgers Cooperative Extension. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
Photo Caption: Suzanne Smeltzer, Pet Show Sponsor, Judges: Cape May County Clerk Rita M. Rothberg, Commissioner Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski, and Commissioner Melanie Collette with Chrissy Couse, Jacie Couse and their 3-year-old dog, “Ruger”, 4-H Pet Show Grand Champion. Ruger won a year’s supply of pet food from Smeltzer & Sons Feed & Pet Supplies, sponsors of the annual event.