142 • Quintessential Barrington | QBarrington.com The Fox River Valley Hound Puppy Show Delights Open Spaces BY LISA STAMOS • PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA M. BARRETT T he 2019 Fox River Valley Hound Puppy Show and Family Dog Competition was an aſternoon in the countryside for families, friends, and their beloved dogs. is heartwarming annual event is open to the public each year. Guests bring their tables, chairs, food, and beverages and set up a small tent or tailgate. Co-chairs Deb Nestrud Gallagher and Deb Cunning- ham Kramer were wonderful hostesses, pulling together all the details for the day. Host Barrington Hills Farm welcomed guests on July 28 to their property for a full day of contests, tailgating, food, fun, and awards. e Presenting Sponsor was Fox River Valley Hound Heritage Foundation. Raffle items including a Picnic in the Country, Classic Tailgate Col- lection, and a Master of the Grill Collection were spon- sored by Amy and Kevin Murphy. is year’s emcees, Robert McGinley and Kurt Anderson, kept the exciting contests and competitions moving throughout the aſternoon. e Tailgate Com- petition has become a favorite highlight at the Puppy Show, with this year’s judges Emily McHugh and Patti Meroni on the job. Congratulations to Mill Creek Hunt for their success in taking home top awards, including Best Tailgate Pre- sentation and Best in Show Family Dog Competition. A special thanks goes to Keith Grey, MFH, for judging the Fox Hound pups, and Dr. Kirstin Wojcik, Kelcey Roberts, Leslie Coolidge, and Kevin Ward for their help in judging the Family Dog Show Competitions. Kennel Huntsman Aran McManus brought the Fox Hound puppies for the 2019 season, though they hardly seem like puppies as they are so full of energy and already a good size. Many more awards were given to families and their children who brought their dogs for a variety of contests that included Best Small, Medium, and Large Breed Sizes, Best Rescue Dog, Best Dog Trick, Best Puppy, and the Best Owner/Dog Lookalike. ere is something for everyone on this special aſternoon in the country. Participants in the Large Dog Competition. Sponsored By Barrington Hills Farm