Aussies in town – shepherds that is

The ASCA Nationals come to Albany, Oregon

Herding dog fans have reason to rejoice this coming September. The Willamette Australian Shepherd Club is hosting the National Specialty Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA) Show at the Linn County Expo Center from Sept. 10th – Sept. 17th.

“Aussie” Shepherd breeders and 1300 dogs from across the US will participate in the weeklong event. From stockdog trials and agility courses to breeder conformation and obedience categories, the event will draw in visitors from far and wide.

The ASCA National’s Chairperson and Senior Breeder Conformation Judge Rhonda Silveira, is enthusiastic about the event being held in Albany this year.

“The Expo Center facilities are perfect for our dogs to be showcased,” said Silveira. “We feel very welcomed by the city, and it just seems as though everyone in town opens their doors to us.”

Local small and large businesses are sponsoring the event, which will bring several hundred new customers to Albany for shopping, restaurant and brewery or winery visits, and lodging accommodations.

As part of the Albany Visitors Association’s (AVA) mission to encourage visitors to the city, the ASCA event is one of many that help support local economic enhancement.

“We feel honored that Rhonda and the ASCA have chosen Albany as the site for this year’s show,” said AVA Executive Director Jimmie Lucht. “It’s not easy to manage a large scale event like this, and if we can open our doors to help, everyone will benefit.”

Lucht will act as a guest judge for the event’s stall decoration contest. AVA Board member Christy Leuhring is also on the guest judging panel. Cattle vendor John Growney, of Growney Brothers Rodeo Company, will provide livestock for the stockdog finals, while Silveira and another ASCA member raised 550 ducks for the dogs to showoff their herding talents.

“We really hope to see the public at the ‘Tough Enough to Wear Pink’ event on Tuesday, September 13th,” said Silveira. “Raffle-ticket sales will help support efforts to combat a specific type of cancer. Oregon State University will receive part of the proceeds to continue their research on hemangiosarcoma—the main type of cancer that affects Australian Shepherds,” added Silveira. Hemangiosarcoma afflicts humans as well.

Major event sponsors are Coastal Farm & Ranch and NutriSource Dog Food. Local sponsors include Costco, The Rainshed, Heritage Mall, Best Western Prairie Inn, Oregon Freeze Dry, Sizzler, Zoup!, Calapooia Brewing Co., Bo-Mack’s BBQ, Hospitality Vision, Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant, the Albany Downtown Association, and the Albany Visitors Association.