Missoula dog show brings therapy dogs and 500-plus canines together

Missoula, Mont. — The Five Valley Kennel Club’s annual dog show brought more than 500 dogs to Missoula over four days, with entries coming from as far away as Florida.

Organizers said the community kept turning out through the weekend even with some rain. A Sunday therapy dog parade also put a spotlight on dogs and handlers who serve people in the community.

Jann Butler, the community outreach coordinator for the Five Valley Kennel Club, said the event reflected Missoula's reputation as a dog-friendly city.

“People are very energized by the dogs, the canine partnership. People want to come out and do something with their dog. I think it used to be that kennel clubs were only for, purebred dogs, and they're not anymore. It's really everything we do, we do for dogs,” Butler said.

Mary Cross’ dogs Caspian and Jubilee worked as crisis response dogs, helping people in places including schools and fire camps. Cross, a chaplain with Canines for Christ Therapy Dog Ministry, explained how those visits work.

“They know how to act professionally, and they know how to deploy on short notice. They go in and the dog just seems to go up to people that really need it the most, and the dog shares the love. And I'm just there to answer any questions,” Cross said.

Butler said the club has held the therapy dog parade for the last four years.

“In addition to their regular jobs in the community, just really giving back. They're a little bit of the unsung heroes. I think when you're in the hospital and maybe you're away from your own dog and you have a visit from a therapy dog, that's a very uplifting experience, very good for mental health,” Butler said.

People looking for more information on therapy dog training or other club events could check the Five Valley Kennel Club’s website or its Facebook page.