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Grand Island draws competitors from across the world for Australian Shepherd Club of America Dog Specialty Show
Cheri Preciado isn't your typical grandma.
GRAND ISLAND, Neb.— Cheri Preciado isn't your typical grandma.
She drove from California with her two dogs for the Australian Shepherd Club of America Dog Specialty Show taking place at Fonner Park in Grand Island.
“I might be a great grandma but I don’t sit in a rocking chair. I’m a little busy.”
And busy she is. She has over 30 years of experience in dog shows. This time, she brought Australian shepherds Faith and Mercy for the competitions.
“Exercise and the dogs love it. But I’m 70 years old. I have my third great grandchild on the way and it’s a sport I can do, because I don’t have to be perfect if I’m limping or whatever, I can still participate and there’s no points off if I do silly things.”
People from all over the country and the world have come to Grand Island to compete. Over 900 dogs are at the event that runs until Saturday.
Specialty chairman Denise Creelman says much of her life is dedicated to the dog show circuit.
“I’ve been doing this for 50 years and so I haven’t been to every one of the nationals, but I’ve been to many of them and sometimes that’s the only time we ever see each other is at the nationals competition. So, it’s like a family reunion for a lot of us.”
Preciado also considers the competitions an important part of her life. Next, she’s heading to New Mexico for another competition.
“I come to the events to socialize because this is where I see my friends and I’ve seen people here today that I haven’t seen in years."