Kennel Club’s dog show brings Penny back to Lawrence

The Lawrence Jayhawk Kennel Club’s three-day dog show brought hundreds of dogs, owners and spectators to the Douglas County Fairgrounds over the weekend. Though more than 600 dogs representing 150 breeds competed, there was still room left in the spotlight for a skittish mixed-breed dog whose story is known to many in Lawrence.

Penny, the 2-year-old Labrador retriever mix who inspired a local social media movement after running away while pregnant in February, was presented with a special “VIP dog” award Sunday.

Ginger Barr pets her foster dog Penny, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever mix, while receiving a special VIP dog award Sunday afternoon at the Community Arena at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Now living with a new foster family in Auburn, Penny has been attending obedience classes free of charge from the Lawrence Jayhawk Kennel Club for the past couple of weeks, said Ginger Barr, Penny’s foster mom. Barr, an animal activist and former Kansas state representative, said the classes have given Penny more opportunity to interact with people and other dogs.

“She’s very shy, timid and fearful, but she has been less so,” Barr said. “The exposure that she’s had — even though she may not be at the top of her obedience class — has definitely helped her improve.”

The Kennel Club’s annual dog show, now in its 60th year, includes breed shows, obedience trials, a puppy show and a junior handling event for youth ages 9 through 18, said John Cramer, show chairman and club president.

Cramer presented Penny with the “VIP dog” award that included a gift of a new leash, dog toy and collar with a tag reading, “Rescued is the best breed.”

Penny is available for adoption, and applications can be submitted to the Second Chance Animal Refuge Society in Auburn. Penny has escaped about six times since February from various shelters and foster homes, Barr said, so a perfect home and owner would take that into account. But Barr said Penny’s story illustrates a bigger issue.

“I think that what Penny represents is that there are so many dogs in Kansas that don’t have love and care, and she was one of the lucky ones that got out,” Barr said. “It shows what love and support can do for animals.”