From North Canaan to Westminster: One giant leap for four paws

NORTH CANAAN — Last week a resident of the Northwest Corner had an opportunity to be in the spotlight on a national stage. His name is Roger and he’s a three-year-old Parson Russell terrier owned by Brenda and Gary Koepell of North Canaan. 

This was Roger’s second year at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New York City, but Gary has been showing dogs for more than 20 years. He has three older terriers who are retired champions and beloved pets, and currently shows Roger in about 20 dog shows per year. The Westminster Dog Show took place on Feb. 11 and 12.

Roger didn’t win anything at Westminster this year, but just to be there is an honor and accomplishment. Begun in 1877, Westminster is the second-longest continually held sporting event in the country, second only to the Kentucky Derby. Roger was among the top show dogs in the country, and he fit right in.

Gary (and Roger) belong to the Northwestern Connecticut Dog Club, a member club of the American Kennel Club. The club was founded in 1938 and has grown and thrived here in Litchfield County, where there happen to be many dogs and lots of interest in showing. 

“Some of the best dogs in the country are around here” Gary remarked. He also said he’s made lifelong friends through the club and that there’s “very much a local, social element to it.” 

The club meets once a month and has a yearly show at the Goshen Agricultural Fair Grounds in Goshen, which will take place in September.

Gary and Brenda are owner-handlers, meaning they train and show their own dogs, and sometimes compete against professional dog handlers who are paid to show other people’s dogs. Like any sport, dog showing requires time and dedication. Roger started showing in puppy classes and has since earned quite a few awards, including the champion title from the American Kennel Club. He also finished 2018 ranked as No. 2 in the country for owner-handled Parson tserriers.

It’s not all about competition though. Roger is a pet first and foremost, and when he’s not being shown he enjoys his life in North Canaan. He accompanies Gary on errands and has many local fans because of his natural charisma and personality. Roger’s next big event will be the Parson Russell Terrier National Specialty in San Francisco this June. Gary says that although he always hopes Roger wins, that’s not what’s most important. Regardless of the outcome, “At the end of the day I get to go home with the best dog.”