Live. Love. Bark.

— Written by Coleman Killinger | October 24, 2024 (Updated: Oct. 23, 2024, 5:48 a.m.)

When referring to the close relationship between dog owner and dog, you've probably heard "A dog is a man's best friend," but in this case, "man" is a 4-H youth participating in the Carteret County 4-H Dog Show.

Attendees had the opportunity to see just how strong the bonds are between youth and their canine companion at the 3rd Annual Carteret County 4-H Canine Club's recent Dog Show held on Saturday, October 19. Youth dog lovers and their canine companions came out to show off their best costumes and tricks at Sound Dog Training Center located in Newport. The event was held to bring attention to the Carteret County 4-H Canine Club that meets monthly at the facility, as well as the local 4-H program.

Bethany Copeland, a Carteret County 4-H'er, started the Dog Show as part of her 4-H project in 2021. Since then, the event has grown to include a costume contest, trick contest and demonstrations of the dog sports of Agility and Rally. Additionally, Bethany now leads the Canine 4-H Club held at Sound Dog Training Center.

Sound Dog's trainers, Terry Murphy, Dollie Currier and Brenda Wallace, changed roles from mentors and trainers to judges on Saturday. They chose a tiny princess in the dog only costume category to take 1st and a scuba diver and shark duo as the best team costume. A Labrador Retriever took first place honors in the trick category when she played dead on command.

The event was a huge success and the judges complimented the youth on the obvious amount of time they had been spending building relationships of trust with their dogs.

Congratulations to the winners!

Costume Contest - Dog Only