Snohomish teen, dog garner prize

SNOHOMISH — Laura Pearson not only made it to the big show.

She helped win a prize.

Pearson flew to Long Beach, Calif., in early December to participate in the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, one of the most prestigious dog shows in the country.

She guided an Australian shepherd named Oh! Zana to the title of reserve winner’s bitch — basically, runner-up to the category’s winner.

The experience was a thrill for Pearson, 16, who wants to work with dogs after she graduates from Snohomish High School.

“It’s one of those things you’ll never forget,” she said.

The show drew nearly 5,000 dogs from among 133 breeds this year and will be televised on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel on Feb. 6.

Laura was asked to go to the show by Linda Reau, a Renton dog owner. Laura works for Reau as an unpaid junior handler.

“She seems to have an innate ability to understand each dog she’s working with,” Reau said. “She’s just polished.”

Reau paid for airfare and a hotel. The two traveled to California together and did a little sightseeing before the competition.

The night before the show, Laura bathed and groomed the dog. She used a towel and a blow dryer to prepare Oh! Zana’s coat.

The next morning, Laura got up about 6 a.m., nearly five hours before she needed to be in front of a judge.

She walked around with Reau and the dog, killing time. She didn’t feel nervous, which surprised her, she said.

The competition itself was easy. About 65 dogs were in her category, she said.

She let the judge inspect Oh! Zana. She ran with the dog to particular corners so the judge could see its movement from the back, front and side.

Then she won the runner-up prize.

She said the dog’s classic look may have helped it catch the judge’s eye.

She hopes to use what she learned at the show soon. She has five dogs of her own and wants to compete again at AKC/Eukanuba.

“I hope to be back at that show next year,” she said.

Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.