Tracy Sengupta’s border collie Joe clears a hurdle during an agility competition. Amy Johnson/Submitted photo

All of my life, I’ve grown up with dogs. I don’t think my husband and I have gone for more than a year without having one of these furry family members. And while I’ve loved all of mine, I’ve never had a dog quite like the one we’ve just adopted. Her name’s Roxy, and she’s one of the most intelligent creatures I’ve ever had the good fortune to know.

As a matter of fact, she’s so incredibly smart and responsive, I’ve started thinking about training her to compete in dog shows. Realizing that all I really knew about them was the name of the Super Bowl of dog shows — the Westminster Kennel Club’s — I set out to learn what I could about these competitions. » Read More

Kelly Pickler performs at 7 p.m. Thursday.

TWIN LAKES — The Country Thunder music festival kicks off Wednesday and runs through Saturday at Shadow Hill Ranch, 2305 Lance Drive, Twin Lakes.

This year, the festival will be featured on the Great American Country television network.

Great American Country festival hostess Suzanne Alexander will be filming from the festival grounds and visiting with country music stars and their fans. » Read More

Town of Delavan
July 3: Fireworks, music and food at Community Park, Highway 50 and South Shore Drive, (262) 740-2335.

Delavan
July 4: Daylong celebration with music, food, games. Parade at 3 p.m., fireworks at dusk. Most activities at Veterans Park.

Sixth annual Let Freedom Ring Canoe and Kayak Regatta, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Lake Comus, (262) 949-1182. » Read More