Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Everything to do with dogs under one ruff!

35th Annual Dog Show Brings Array of Events for the Entire Family.


HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 10, 2012) The Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows, one of the finest indoor dog shows in America, is celebrating its 35th year at Reliant Center, July 18-22, 2012. This canine extravaganza brings together dog lovers from across the nation and provides an array of events and exhibitions for the whole family to enjoy.

Beginning Wednesday, visitors can catch the Houston Working Dog and All-Terrier shows and chat with owners/handlers as they prepare their show dogs in the Crating and Grooming area. Thursday offers an all-specialty group of shows, as well as the Working Dog and All-Terrier show, with only Conformation (Breed Judging) competitions that end with “Best of Breed” awards. Friday through Sunday each show culminates with a “Best of Show” winner, chosen from finalists among the seven variety groups with more than 150 different breeds represented. Besides Breed Judging, spectators can watch agility dogs race though obstacles, soaring dogs catching Frisbees, flyball teams hurdle to beat the clock, impressive dancing dogs and more throughout this multi-faceted series of dog shows.

The five-day event incorporates events like Meet the Breed. Meet the Breed, a valuable opportunity for potential pet-owners, offers a hands-on experience with more than 110 breeds and an opportunity to discuss their advantages and disadvantages with breed experts.

The McScotty Market is a dog lover’s dream. In the McScotty Market, you can find booths selling every dog necessity imaginable and major canine welfare organizations presenting helpful information. After shopping, browse through some impressive amateur artwork from Houston-area students at the Mari Jon Filla Student Art Exhibit. The exhibit displays creative artwork from kids, grades K through 12, expressing their unconditional love for the family pet.

Dog show visitors can also support animal welfare at CAP’s “Best Little Doghouse” Designer Doghouse Competition. Here, spectators can vote for and bid on their favorite custom-made doghouse. Auction proceeds benefit Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter and other valuable services to Houston’s dogs in need.

The Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows, sanctioned by the American Kennel Club, supervised by Onofrio Dog Shows and sponsored by Purina, is Houston’s must-see dog event! This premier canine event attracts more than 40,000 spectators, participants and vendors. Adult admission is $10 per day at the door or via Ticketmaster. Tickets for senior citizens are $5 and children 12 or younger are $1 with adult. Visit www.reliantdogshows.com or follow us on Twitter (@Reliantdogshows) for the latest information.

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Houston Dynamo, Chicago Fire Fight to Scoreless Draw


Action was interse between the Dynamo and
the Fire. Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loco
Photography, Copyright 2012, All Rights Reserved.
By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2012 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (July 3, 2012) In a match that both teams desperately wanted to win, the Houston Dynamo and the Chicago Fire battled to a scoreless draw at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

Both teams had opportunities to put the goal in the net, but either superb defense or miscues on offense kept the ball from finding home between the goal posts.

In the fourth minute, midfielder Brad Davis got a shot of from 35-yards out, but it went wide.

Forward Macoumba Kandji tried to rip one off after some aggressive action in the Fire penalty box, but it went into the side netting.

Chicago had a shot in the 32th minute when midfielder Chris Rolfe got the ball behind the Dynamo defense.

He fed the ball to forward Dominic Oduro and he drilled it towards the goal.

Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall made a diving save to keep Chicago scoreless.

The Dynamo definitely had the edge with attempts on goal with a 5-2 advantage and they also shut down the Fire in total passes (275-223) and possession (55 %-44%).

Forward Will Bruin had two of the five shots with Davis, Kandji, and Adam Moffat each contributing one.

Midfielder Marco Pappa took both of the shots for the Fire.

Corey Ashe received a yellow card in the 39th minute when he was called for an off the ball foul.

That was the only infraction in the game.

The Fire’ current streak of three straight wins ended with the tie, with the Dynamo extending its undefeated streak at BBVA Compass Stadium to seven (4-0-3).

In the second half, the shots either were wide, high or blocked by someone who was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.

The tie earned both teams a single point, but did not move either one up in the standings.

The Fire and the Dynamo remain in fourth and fifth respectively in the Eastern Conference.

The Dynamo will have the 4th of July off but will be back on the practice field on Thursday to prepare for their road game against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, July 7.