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2014 Home Show goes big on dogs

Event May 2-4 at Albion fair grounds will show the best

The Ridge Meadows Home Show has gone to the dogs.

This year, at the 40th annual Ridge Meadows Home Show – May 2, 3, and 4 at Planet Ice, Albion Fairgrounds – you can learn anything you’ve ever wanted to know about dogs, including grooming, obedience, wellness, even what your dog is trying to tell you through its body language.

The ‘For the Love of Dogs Show’ will be part of Family Fest and feature demonstrations and shows every day about agility, protection and nose work.

You can also find out how to get your dog involved in therapy work, the movies and agility.

On Saturday, the Canadian Kennel Club will showcase its top dogs.

A Meet the Breed Dog Show will take place at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and allow visitors to mingle with top breeders and learn about the various breeds.

The 10 most popular dogs in Canada will be on display, along with a selection of the more unusual breeds.

And prospective dog owners will learn the importance of choosing a breed that suits their lifestyle and commitment level and how to choose a breeder.

At noon that day, there will also be a special appearance by Tracy Bullinger’s German Shepherd team –  undefeated as Canada’s top breeding kennel at the national championships.

Werner and Janet Hader of Whonnock will be hosting a demonstration series on dog obedience during all three days of the Home Show.  The Haders have 30 years of experience training working dogs and teaching courses in personal protection, handling and detection.

As well, certified professional dog trainers Jaime Kinna and Heather Patz, owners of Gooddog Wellness, will be teaching dog owners what their pets are trying to tell them when they are stressed or uncomfortable in addition to friendly body language and dog etiquette.

Tera Teng, owner of Dog-Gone Grooming Salon will be teaching showgoers about dog grooming.

Visitors are being asked to keep their own dogs at home. The only dogs that will be permitted on the Fairgrounds will be those involved with the show.

In addition to all the dogs, the home show will feature a BMX stunt performance, put on by event director Travis Franklin and pro rider Nate Birkheimer of Maple Ridge Cycle and the Ridge Meadows BMX Association.

Visitors can also get in on the action by trying out moderate jumps with expert instruction. A scooter track and off-road section will be available for children and their parents.

If that doesn’t catch your fancy, there will be plenty of other activities for young and old – a petting zoo, Yuen’s ninjas obstacle course, giant bubble making, crafts, face painting and performances by Norden the Magician.

The Outdoor Lifestyle and Leisure Show will showcase backyard renovating and decorating ideas, outdoor recreation and activities.

Enter to win a West Coast inspired table fire pit from Rocky Mountain Hot Springs at the Bishop’s Casual Living booth.

The Body, Mind and Spirit Psychic Fair will be running all weekend upstairs in the Golden Ears Winter Club with free demonstrations of Tarot, Intuitive Readings, Mediumship and Healing.

Over 375 exhibitor booths will fill Planet Ice including the Home Makeover Showcase with Ronnie Vanstone and food sampling at the entrance.

West Coast Amusements will have rides and a carnival on site.

The Ridge Meadows Home Show runs May 2, 3, and 4, at Planet Ice on the Albion Fairgrounds.  It is open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Saturday from 10 to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 to 4 p.m. and admission is $4 per person or $7 per family.

Family Fest, located on the Fairgrounds, will be open 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday 10 to 4 p.m. and admission is free.

The Body, Mind and Spirit Spiritual Psychic Fair runs Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 to 4 p.m. and is free with nominal fees for readings.