Last year she was one of the bright stars in our Veteran’s Parade. This is Darla (Am/Can CH Kaja’s Little Rascal) who heard the call of the ring steward one more time. Now 13, last year Darla took that big open ring like she was still competing for Best in Show. You should’ve seen that girl move!

The Veterans Class at Fort St. Clair Kennel Club is a very special event. Open to any dog over the age of seven, the class is only competitive at the breed level, where after Best of Breed, the judge will pick a Best Veteran in Breed and a Best of Opposite Sex to Best Veteran in Breed. (The Best Veteran receives an orange rosette, best opposite an oversize lavender flat ribbon.)

On Sunday afternoon the winners of Best Veteran in Breed are invited to the group ring for exhibition. The applause is thunderous and there is hardly a dry eye in the house, watching these old campaigners take their victory laps.

The veterans class is open to dogs over seven years of age, and dogs may be spayed or neutered. Entry fee for this class is $10, and entries close this coming Wednesday, April 9. Even if you don’t have a veteran, you’ll want to make time to see the Parade of Veterans on Sunday afternoon, and all of the beautiful dogs like Darla.