There were no grand or reserve champions this year. All 4-H exhibitors received a blue ribbon for showing their pets.

Judge Sarah Nosbush said the show went well and all youth exhibitors were knowledgeable about their animals. The 4-H pet show does not judge the animals, but rather the animal owners on knowledge of their specific pet.

The Coverbuds conducted private interviews with Nosbush about their animals. The older exhibitors were interviewed live in front of the fair audience.

University of Minnesota Extension representative Janessa Palmer also interviewed the exhibitors about their pets, seeking fun facts.

Fifth-grader Grace Jacobs showed her dog Yeller at the 4-H Pet Show and brought a presentation on the reasons for spaying or neutering your dog. Judge Sarah Nosbush stressed the importance of have pets spaying or neuteuring throughout the show.

Most of the pets this year were either dogs or cats, with one exception. Jaxson Rustman showed his pet rabbit “Agent Jonesy.” Rustman had experience with several pet rabbits. He said one of the challenges was making sure the rabbit does not overeat.

Kindergartener Coraline Mathiowetz showed her cat “Big Boy” who weighed in at 17 lbs. Mathiowetz explained that Big Boy was an outside cat who liked to catch mice. Based on his size, he is a very successful mouser.

Ninth Grader Winsten Neinhaus’s pet was also a mouser, but of the canine species. His rat terrier “Cooper” is a guard dog, protecting the family chickens from vermin. Nienhaus said Cooper was good at catching rats, but also wise enough to not attack the chickens.

Judge Nosbush asked several of the exhibitors if their animals were spayed or neutered. All exhibitors were asked to confirm their animals were spayed or neutered for health or safety reasons. This was the answer Nosbush wanted to hear. Animal vaccinations were another common question. All pets needed to be vaccinated against common illnesses to enter the show, but Nosbush wanted to make sure the exhibitors understood the importance.

The 4-H and FFA animal shows will continue Thursday with goat, sheep, rabbit and beef shows.