Congratulations to local dog, its owners on Best of Breed award

Congratulations to Irish Terrier Ch. Kalaney's Friendly Persuasion that took Best of Breed at the International Kennel Club's recent show at McCormick Place. Also to the owners and handlers, Paul and Mary Lee Srodes of Arlington Heights.

Pet Expo: This is your weekend to enjoy the 16th Family Pet Expo being held at Arlington Park Racecourse.

Last week I mentioned the booth numbers of a few local groups. Add to that list Almost Home Foundation, a dedicated group of volunteers who help homeless and abandoned dogs find new homes. Booth numbers are 242-3. For more information, call Claire at (847) 885-0019.

In case you miss the Meet and Greets for Greyhounds Only, they are represented at 14 local Petco and Pet Smart locations. At the one on Route 132 and Hunt Club Road in Gurnee, Chris, the leader of the group, joins the Greyhounds on board between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. the first Saturday of the month. For more information about these retired racers looking for new homes, visit the Web site greyhoundsonly.com.

New classes: Leash and Collar Dog Training will offer new classes starting March 26 at 238 Saunders Road, Riverwoods. A puppy class will be at 6:30 p.m. and basic obedience at 7:45 p.m. For details, call (847) 945-4544.

• The German Shepherd Dog Training Club of Chicago will offer new classes starting April 11 in the clubhouse, 4925 County Farm Road, Hanover Park. To find out the right class for you and your dog, send an e-mail to Arlene at lucinc@comcast.net or call (630) 852-6129.

Animal Whispering: There will be an introductory one-session class at 7 p.m. April 10 on animal whispering as a part of District 214's Community Education programs. The class will be held in Room 130 of Prospect High School, 801 W. Kensington Road, Mount Prospect. For more information and/or to register, visit the Web site lasso.d214.org/ce or call (847) 718-7700. The class number is 5400.

Poker benefit: Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin will hold a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament April 4 at St. Charles Country Club, 1250 Country Club Road, St. Charles. The donation of $125 includes a deluxe food buffet and a seat in the tournament. Spectator tickets, which include the buffet, are available for $35. The event will benefit the shelter's housing of homeless and abandoned companion animals as they await permanent homes. To register or for more information, contact Kathy at (847)677-2880, ext. 33 or by e-mail at kmelone@andersonanimalshelter.org.