May 15 is the deadline to identify your animal at the county Extension office if you intend to show it. Kids and dogs make a great combination for a 4-H project. Some members learn to train and care for their own dogs, while others raise puppies to become leader dogs or companions for persons with disabilities. You'll develop into a confident and responsible dog owner. Dogs may be leased or owned to be eligible to show in obedience or showmanship classes.
Many counties have agility programs.
In the Spotlight Traverse County Something Soft to Hang Onto Children taken from their homes during an emergency desperately need some security, but often their special blanket or stuffed animal is left behind. The Busy Bees decorate the faces of the dolls without buttons and bows, which could be pulled off by small children, and make all their bears out of recycled clothing. Members of the police department, fire department, and ambulance service have all told the Busy Bees that their hand-crafted teddy bears have given comfort to children who need it most. Owning or caring for a horse or pony gives you a sense of pride and develops valuable social and physical skills. You can participate in show, trail, or endurance riding, quiz bowls, or judging teams, or you can study horse science.