About 3,000 top show dogs and 25,000 spectators were in California for a nationally televised dog show, but only about 150 had big enough wins to appear in the broadcast. One of the big winners was a bearded collie that lives in Peters and frequently goes to work with owner Kathy Harrington, principal of Pine-Richland Middle School.

Champion Dunhill Inspiration, called Tobie by her owners, was seen on the Animal Planet channel last Sunday night in the American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship.

Bob Donaldson, Post-Gazette Pine-Richland Middle School Principal Kathy Harrington's bearded collie, Tobie, greets sixth-grader Luke Bodner, right, in Laurie Jones' science class Wednesday as Mrs. Harrington shows off the ribbons and trophy Tobie won at the American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship dog show in California. Tobie, a frequent visitor to the school, won the bearded collie and herding group divisions. Mrs. Harrington and her husband, Ray, breed the dogs. Click photo for larger image.

Tobie was the top herding dog in the Bred By Exhibitor competition. Dogs in that category have to be owned and bred by the person who is handling them in the show ring. She was handled by husband, Ray Harrington, last Sunday night.

In the show ring with them were top dogs in each of the other groups: sporting, hounds, terriers, toys, nonsporting and working. All of the dogs were trotted together around a large ring. Then they did it one at a time. The names of the dogs and their handlers were announced.

Mrs. Harrington wasn't able to attend the show in Long Beach because she was home taking care of the family's six other bearded collies, four newborn puppies and a Border terrier. She watched her husband and Tobie on television.

"I was crying. It was such a thrill," Mrs. Harrington said. "Winning in the Bred by Exhibitor category is such a huge honor. It recognizes your breeding program."

About 40 percent of the dog and handler teams at the show were eligible to compete in Bred by Exhibitor, Mr. Harrington said.

The competition included many of the top breeders in the country representing more than 150 breeds.

The Harringtons have been breeding and showing bearded collies for 20 years. It's an expensive hobby, not a way to make money, Mrs. Harrington said. Top dogs such as Tobie go to dog shows every weekend, and transportation and motel fees will run thousands of dollars a year.

The Harringtons have had many top dogs over the years,. They don't win money, but points toward titles and rankings as well as trophies, bowls and tea services.

"We've got cupboards full of silver and pewter," Mrs. Harrington joked. Tobie's wins this year make her the number two bearded collie in AKC conformation competition.

Two days after she returned from California, Tobie and her newest trophy went to school to visit with pupils.

"All of the pupils were aware of the show and they were watching on television," Mrs. Harrington said. They already know Tobie, 3, who frequently accompanies her mistress to school.

In addition to sitting quietly in the principal's office, Tobie accompanies Mrs. Harrington on her rounds. She participates in assemblies and demonstrations, teaching pupils proper care of dogs as well as how to be safe around dogs.

All of the Harrington collies have made regular visits to the school. Sometimes, the well-trained, beautifully behaved dogs have helped pupils who are afraid of dogs.

Pupils can always opt out of participating in dog programs, but it's not unusual for a fearful one to ask to approach the dog after seeing others petting and playing with them.