Hannah Hamilton and her kitten, Belle, pose with their blue ribbon and trophy after winning 4-H Grand Champion Kitten at the 2009 LaPorte County Fair. The Hamilton family adopted Belle from the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter in March.

Hannah Hamilton and her kitten, Belle, pose with their blue ribbon and trophy after winning 4-H Grand Champion Kitten at the 2009 LaPorte County Fair. The Hamilton family adopted Belle from the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter in March.

   We are always so proud of the animals that get adopted. But this week, we are all smiles! Hannah Hamilton and her kitten, “Belle,” won Grand Champion Kitten at the LaPorte County Fair.

   Hannah and her mom Angela came to the shelter this past March and picked out a very adorable female kitten that we had named Jill. Jill (aka Belle) came into our shelter as a stray, 3 to 5 months old. Hannah chose the new name “Belle,” and what a treasure she turned out to be.

   I must admit, I am really not sure what makes a Grand Champion. Oh, I know there are standards that must come into play when animals are judged, but really, I have no clue. Is it how cute they are? Because if I were the judge, they would all have to win!

   I know Hannah and all the rest of the kids participating in 4-H this year put in lots of hours getting ready to show their animals. As you walk through all the animal barns, think about all the time that is invested preparing these animals. I never get tired of seeing all the animals (my husband feels a little differently and reminds me daily). It is my highlight of the fair.

  This is not the first year that a shelter pet has been in the spotlight. In 2005, a German shepherd named “France” won Grand Champion in Agility. The Gagaleski family adopted France, and what a great dog he is.

   Just goes to show, lots of great animals come from shelters.

   Great job, Hannah, and all 4-Hers!

   Paws till next time – Jane

IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN adopting a pet to become Grand Champion of your heart, visit the LaPorte County Small Animal Shelter at 2855 W. Ind. 2 (hours are Monday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), call 326-1637, or visit http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IN89.html. The shelter is just west of the LaPorte County Fairgrounds entrance off West Ind. 2.