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Washington Evening Journal
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Fair show features dogs, camels, giant pig
WASHINGTON — It takes a lot for a pig to impress fairgoers in Washington County, one of the top pork-producers in the state and the nation. But one animal this year, a 700-pound pig named Shelton, is drawing a lot of attention.
Shelton isn’t in town for the ag exhbitions, he’s part of Hog Diggity Dog & More, a new performance at this year’s fair. The animal show has a variety of acts, featuring several dogs, camels, and of course, Shelton.
“We’re boyfriend and girlfriend, we’ve been animal training our entire lives,” Hog Diggity Dog & More Performer Colleen Pages said. “I came more from an exotic camel, lion and tiger atmosphere, and he’s always had a dog and then he got pigs, and we just thought, ‘Hey, let’s put all of this together and see what happens’ … I will say, there’s nothing that comes from the same side of the equation.”
Pages said the animals underwent training 3-4 days a week, a regimen that comes with a string of summertime tours and holiday shows. The group traveled from Webster County at the start of the week, finishing setup in Washington around 4 a.m. Monday.
“We probably do three shows a day for 5-10 days,” she said. “We’ve probably had 16 fairs this year, it’s quite a lot. It’s a little tedious sometimes, but you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
Shelton the pig sings along to a rendition of Old MacDonald, chiming in with an "oink oink" here and there, as Master of Ceremonies Hans Klose holds the mic up. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Extensively trained dogs jump through a hoop during the Hog Diggity Dog performance at the Washington County Fair. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
Hog Diggity Dog & More Performer Colleen Pages with one of the show's camels at the Washington County Fair. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
A volunteer from the audience feeds a small cookie to Shelton the giant pig. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
A daredevilish dog crosses a tightrope at the Washington County Fair, one of several rapid fire acts performed by Hog Diggity Dog. & More. (Kalen McCain/The Union)
