Go West, young dog

Danette Goulet

FAIRGROUNDS -- In three mighty leaps, Pistol Peanuts the plump

Chihuahua soared over hurdles that towered above his head.

His co-star Paco, a black-and-white rat terrier, climbed a 10-foot

ladder and leaped into the waiting arms of his master, Marshal Rowdy Yo,

known to his parents as Gary Noel.

Children’s squeals of delight joined the familiar strands of “The

Magnificent Seven” at the Doggies of the Wild West show at the Orange

County Fair on Sunday.

The rapt audience watched as an tiny toy Chihuahua by the name of Miss

Prissy balanced on one paw on Noel’s thumb. They giggled uncontrollably

at the vaudeville antics of Noel and his sidekick, Calamity Jo.

“I like him,” snickered 6-year-old Justin Richards. “He was here last

year. I like the part where the guy is dancing around.”

The slapstick comedy and adorable animal tricks appealed to more than

just the children, however. Adults were waiting in line after the show to

have their pictures taken with the courageous canines.

“We try to catch them everywhere we see them,” said Al Tetreault and

his wife, Pam. “What they do, how they get the dogs, where they donate

money, and plus you see how he treats the dogs -- that’s what makes it

great.”

Noel has been doing his western dog show for 18 years, he said, but he

was born and raised in the business by his father and grandfather. He did

the show solo until he met his fiancee, Giovanna Cardella, two years ago.

She has been his faithful sidekick ever since.

Proceeds from the sale of postcards of the duo and their dogs go to

shelters for rescued and unwanted dogs across the country.

As for the performing pets, Noel said, “They get the best of

everything.”