Columbus Pet Expo Contest & Event Review
Nash Academy, the International Judges Association for Dog Grooming Competitions and the Universal Canine Certification System returned to the Columbus Pet Expo to start the competition year off in a big way.
The new Universal Canine Certification by Coat Type was introduced and competitors loved it!. The new certification is more than just a weekend of testing out on different trim styles, it is a system to create continuing education during the lifetime of a bather's, groomer's and stylist's career.
We are proud to announce Nash and IJA have partnered with HydroDog and the Bathe to Save Tour in the USA to help find homes for sheltered pets with our Rescue Me Competitions and to raise funds for local shelters with their Bathe to Save Tour. It is truly the perfect match because we all have one thing in common.. We Love Dogs and We Show It!
Rescue Me Competition Results
We are excited to announce our IJA Rescue Me Competitions will travel to more cities in the USA with our new partnership with HydroDog and their Bathe to Save Tour. Our competitions are unique because we take all coat types to offer classes for bathers, groomers and stylists. No dog left behind and a place in the ring for everyone!
Our rescue competitors and sheltered dogs always steal the show! Competitors keep striving to do their best in their quest to find homes for sheltered pets . Their outstanding handling skills and compassion for the pet along with Canine Calm magic mist provided by Earth Heart and the famous Happy Hoodie create a great place and space for our competitions.
safe and secure environment in finding pets for our rescue competition by donating fabulous prizes to the rescue groups and to our competitors. Together we are great and make a difference. From all of us to all of you, thanks for your continued support.
Our Best in Show Rescue Me Rodeo Trophy was awarded to Somer Harmon for her outstanding achievements in bathing, grooming and styling a rescue dog. Our Special John Nash Outstanding Safe and Gentle Handling Award went to Elizabeth Hale. Congrats competitors! Your love and passion for dogs shows as your talent and expertise grows. Keep striving to be the best in all facets of taking care of man’s best friend.
Best in Show Rescue Me Competition - Somer Harmon
John Nash Most Safe and Gentle Handling Award - Elizabeth Hale
Saturday Best in Class and Finalist for Best in Show Rescue Me Competition Somer Harmon
Saturday Short & Sassy
1st Richard James
2nd Mandolin Hunt
3rd Laura Bunnell
Saturday Furry & Fabulous
1st Elizabeth Ifft
2nd Alycia Marek
3rd Melissa Melvin
Saturday Stacked & Styled
1st Somer Harmon
2nd Kathie Henschen
3rd Elizabeth Hale
Sunday Best in Class and Finalist for Best in Show Rescue Me Competition Breann Grzegorek
Sunday Short & Sassy
1st Ashley Legree
Sunday Furry & Fabulous
1st Breann Grzegorek
2nd Catherine Callahan
3rd Elizabeth Hale
Sunday Stacked & Styled
1st Carol Basso
Pure Breed and Free Style Competition Results
Pure breed and free style competitors performed with precision and determination to qualify for their state team to compete at the first National Championship in 2018 at the Pittsburgh Pet Expo. To find out more about state, regional and nation competitions go to IJAonline.com.
One competitor, Misty Nuss, who stood out from the rest was awarded the Best in Show and presented with a beautiful trophy and amazing prizes from our sponsors. Jackie Bean walked away with the John Nash Most Professional Image Trophy and Most Improved Competitor award went to Cristyn Zloza with Best First Time Competitor Trophy going to Angela Diez. For more info about the show go to .
Best in Show Pure Breed and Free Style Competition - Misty Nuss
John Nash Memorial Most Professional Image - Jackie Bean
Most Improved Competitor - Cristyn Zloza
Best First Time Competitor - Angela Diez
Saturday Best in Class and Best in Show Finalist Pure Breed and Free Style Competition Lis De Souza
Saturday Level 1 and Level 2
1st Caitlyn Reed
2nd Jacquelyn Beam
3rd Melissa Siedenstrang
Saturday Level 3
1st Lis De Souza
2nd Sharon Walls
3rd Misty Nuss
Sunday Best in Class and Best in Show Finalist Pure Breed and Free Style Competition Misty Nuss
Sunday Level 1 and Level 2
1st Caitlyn Reed
2nd Angela Dietz
3rd Jacquelyn Beem
Sunday Level 3
1st Mist Nuss
2nd Cristyn Zloza
3rd Lis DeSouza
Creative Competition Classes
In the Ring and Out of the Ring creative competition classes are growing and showing many competitors love the art of creative styling. With our In the Ring and Out of the Ring entries we provided a place for everyone in our contest arena. Our Best in Show in the Creative Styling Competition was awarded to the very talented and creative specialist Jolene Siebeneck. Congrats on your very colorful, creative creations!
Best in Show Jolene Siebeneck
Best in Class and Finalist for Best in Show Creative Competition Jolene Siebeneck
Sunday In the Ring
1st Jolene Siebeneck
Sunday Out of Ring
1st Cheryl VanGundy
2nd Sara Angstadt
3rd Carol Basso
IJA Competition Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors who supported the show with so many fantastic prizes. Your great gifts motivate our competitors to continue their education in their chosen profession. I hope you know we cannot do what we do without You!
Mobile Van Sponsor
We recognize Smoochie Pooch for providing their van to make the rescue me competition possible and also a place for our purebreed and free style competitors to bathe their dogs before the competition. Thanks so much for your contribution to making our show a success!
Rescue Groups
Rescue groups work 24/7 to find homes for pets and we recognize your love of dogs and dedication to their well being. We are honored you participated in our event to help us make a difference. Thanks for being a part of our show!
Great Indy Pet Expo Team
Great show and great people to work with at the Great Indy Pet Expo. We admire your dedication to man’s best friend at your shows, especially for the rescue dogs. Together we make a difference… all for the love of dogs. If you are a rescue group or would like to secure a booth to sell your pet products, equipment and tools, please contact:
Great Midwest Pet Expos
Pet Expo Event Planner
Tessa Fenimore
(515) 777-8801
Show Promoter Nash Academy and IJA President Vivian Nash
Your innovative ideas and dedication to conduct the most organized and fair competitions in the world is recognized and appreciated by all.
IJA Registration, Event Planner and Marketing Team
We thank Tanya Slater, Christina Cheak and Denika Cluett for your long hours and hard work to make this event a success.
Photographer
Big time shout out to our show photographer and handy man who helps us in all facets of preparing and conducting our event. Darryl VanArsdale. your help is so appreciated and we hope we show it.
IJA Rescue Coordinator
Tedra Edwards, we recognize this is one of the most important jobs at the show and nobody does it better at a rescue event.
IJA Team Director
Thank to Trudy VanArsdale for leading our judging team for another successful and organized competition.
IJA INTERNATIONAL Judging Panel
Thank you for your expertise and determination to conduct the most fair competitions in the industry using a panel system of judging. Thank you Kristine for traveling from Germany to participate in our IJA Sanctioned Event.
Tammy Colbert - USA
Lisa Leady - USA
Tedra Edwards - USA
Trudy VanArsdale - USA
Kristine Schirmer - Germany