Dozens of 4-H youth showed their love of animals and demonstrated their pet care skills during 4-H shows this summer — and there’s a lot more to come this week at the Kane County Fair.

Dogs and small pets are just a few of the many 4-H projects youth may enroll in.

“There are hundreds of 4-H project areas, ranging from science and robotics to animals and livestock to arts and humanities, to name just a few,” said Doris Braddock, 4-H Youth Development Program coordinator. “While you are at the Kane County Fair this year, we welcome you to visit the 4-H project exhibits and animal shows to see more of the wonderful work of our 4-H youth.”

The 4-H Youth Development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery. For more information on the 4-H program in Kane County, contact Program Coordinator Doris Braddock at dbraddoc@illinois.edu or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.

University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs and research-based information to help Illinois residents improve their quality of life, develop skills and solve problems.

But the fair is just one of the pet-related 4-H activities that have gone on throughout the summer.

“4-H members care for their animals and develop their project skills year-round,” Braddock said. “A lot of time and effort goes into each companion animal project, which includes small pets and dogs. Youth learn to care for another living thing, which is an important life experience for them and promotes responsibility and respect for life.”

Small Pets Show

The annual Small Pets Show on July 12 showcased a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish and mammals, as Kane County 4-H youth discussed small pet choices and demonstrated animal care skills to judges.

Grand Champion honors were claimed by Dana Connell of St. Charles with her bird in the junior division and Erica Johnson of Maple Park with her rabbit in the senior division. Latham Weibel of Wayne and his tropical fish, and Madelyn Kramer of St. Charles and her hamster, each took home Reserve Champion ribbons in the junior and senior groups, respectively.

Each had earned a class champion ribbon to make it to the finals. Other Class Champions included: Keira King of South Elgin with her ferret and Chloe Daufenbach of Elgin with her hedgehog.

Dog Show

Last month, Kane County 4-H youth also demonstrated new skills with another animal species, dogs. The annual Kane County 4-H Dog Show was conducted on Wednesday, June 23, at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.

“Twenty 4-H members and their pets participated in various classes, including dog care, obedience and showmanship,” said Braddock. “In Dog Care judging, the 4-H’ers shared knowledge about their dogs and showcased skills in caring for the animal. In Obedience and Showmanship classes, 4-H members demonstrate handling skills with their dogs, as well as commands, leash work, and off-leash work.”

Two Grand Champions were named in the Dog Care project area. They are: Shianne Votava of St. Charles, for ages 14 to 18, and Annika Copper of St. Charles, for ages 8 to 13. Reserve Champion honors went to Rachel Jarka of Maple Park in the senior division and to both Shelby Jensen of St. Charles and Charlie Kingren of Sycamore, who tied in the junior division.

In the Obedience category, Grand Champion honors went to the following youth in four classes: Teaghan Hardy of Maple Park, Beginner Novice I; Emily Thompson of St. Charles, Beginner Novice II; Samantha Lind of Maple Park, Pre-Novice; and Rachel Jarka, Novice.

Reserve Grand Champions in obedience classes were awarded to: Sydney Taylor of St. Charles in Beginner Novice II and Jackie Acosta of St. Charles in Pre-Novice.

Jarka and Lind also took home Grand Champion Showmanship honors in the senior and junior classes, respectively. The Reserve Champion ribbons went to Thompson for seniors and Hardy for juniors.

In addition, several 4-H members earned the right to show at the Illinois State Fair Dog Show in August. They are: Hardy for Beginner Novice I; Jensen, Taylor, Thompson, and Votava for Beginner Novice II; Acosta and Zach King of South Elgin for Pre-Novice; Lind for Pre-Novice and Junior Showmanship, and Jarka for Novice and Senior Showmanship.

SOURCE: 4-H news release