HMS student continues to impress at dog shows

By KYLIE PORTZ
Kalyn Erickson is only 12 years old, and she is already a superstar in the ultra-competitive world of dog shows.
Erickson was born into a family of dog lovers and handlers. Her grandmother, Michelle Erickson owns 4 Paws Inn Grooming and Boarding near Hardy. Her mother Erica Dunlavey is an experienced handler herself, showing dogs off and on since she was a child.
With the guidance and support of her family K. Erickson has quickly risen in the ranks. Erickson and her current bitch (that is the term for female canines in dog shows) an American Staffordshire Terrier named Athena, are ranked number one for the American Kennel Club’s Juniors Breed Top 20. The pair also have claimed the number one spot for the AKC National Owner Handled Series ranking for the American Staffordshire Terrier breed.
Erickson is also currently ranked number 16 in Junior’s top 20 overall and number four in Juniors Group Top 20 for the terrier group.
Erickson and Athena will attend this weekend’s Fort Dodge Kennel Club’s Dog Show at the Webster County Agriculture Center located on the Webster County Fairgrounds. The show hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can watch Erickson and Athena when they take the ring on Saturday at 8:30 a.m. and again at 10:45 a.m., or on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Read more about Kalyn in this weeks issue of The Humboldt Independent, you're source of local news.