As if you needed another excuse to dote on man’s best friend, here’s another one! Head over to the Northeastern Indiana Kennel Club’s(NEIKC)Old Fort Cluster Dog Show at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Wednesday, Oct. 31 thru  Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012. The organizers promise this event will be one of the largest dog shows in the Midwest, with more than 150 registered breeds. This five-day dog show is an opportunity for the public to see some of the most popular breeds in the country firsthand, as well as speak to owners, breeders, and handlers about these breeds. This dog show is hosted by the NEIKC, along with LaPorte County Kennel Club, Sturgis Kennel Club, and Marion Kennel Club.  Show hours are from 8 am to 4 pm each day, with Best in Show awarded at the end of each day’s judging.

New this year is Family Day Nov. 3, which will include dog show tours, a costume contest, photo booth and a pet photo contest. A Puppy Match, which will be held following Best in Show on Saturday will end Family Day activities. While there check out the vendor area, which offers dog related items such as jewelry, collectibles, clothing, grooming and training supplies, custom leads, leashes, and collars, dog toys, vitamins and much more.  (Hey, Fido deserves some pampering, too!) Admission is free, but a donation of a pet food item is encouraged, to be donated to the Community Harvest Food Bank. Insider's Tip: Admission to the Memorial Coliseum is $4.00, so be sure to have cash on hand. For more information, visit neikc.org