By Katherine Waters

Sun Staff Intern

NORWICH – Twelve young 4-H participants took pride in showing their pets Tuesday as the 4-H Pet Show got underway in the Follett Show Ring at the Chenango County Fair.

Several young members competed to win in four categories: beginner pet care, advanced pet care, costume class and performance class. The animals and their caretakers were judged by SPCA Executive Director Carol Hedlund.

“I think this is a good experience for kids,” said Hedlund after the competition. “They learn a lot about their animals.”

For many of the competitors, this was one of several shows they will participate in this week. Andrea Cruz has participated in 4-H for 10 years. This year she brought her cat Nueva to the competition. Cruz participated in the costume competition by dressing Nueva as an elf.

“The costume part is just for fun,” she said.