Norah Buksbaum and her Bernadoodle, Freddie, practiced walking and doing simple tricks for days before the Milford Fair Dog Show. Each wearing a cowboy hat, they did their routine as Cowgirl and Cowpup.

Freddie is a handsome Bernadoodle, a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a miniature poodle.

Weighing just 33 pounds, he entered the show as one of the smallest in the Large Dog category.  “Freddie loves chasing squirrels and protecting the household from intruders like visiting friends, and the mailperson,” notes Norah’s mother, Eliza Parkinson. “He’s also quite refined; his biggest pleasure is joining the family for morning coffee, licking up all of the leftover coffee foam.”

Everyone was nervous on the big day. There were about 25 other contestants. “After Freddie and Norah made their appearance in the Large Dog contest,” notes Ms. Parkinson, “first, second, and third prize ribbons were awarded.” Norah and Freddie were not among the winners.   

“They watched the Small Dog competition which followed, thinking ‘we’re the cutest and he’s the best and we’re both wearing cowboy outfits…but we’ll have to wait until next year to have a chance at a prize’.” Again, a whole series of ribbons went out.

But then the show runners wheeled out a beautiful, large trophy and announced that it was time for the John Lammes Memorial Trophy Award for Best in Show.

“The rest is history. Norah could not believe it. She was crying happy tears as she accepted the trophy.   She said it was the best thing that ever happened to her since she graduated.” 

Norah completed the Community Integration through Collective Education (CICE) program at St. Lawrence College, where she specialized, of course, in veterinary assistance.  

“One of the judges, Miranda Miller, told Norah and Freddie that their enthusiasm and showmanship won the day. She appreciated how much they wanted to win, how much they tried, and what a fine job they did.”

Each year, trophy winners’ names are engraved on the base. Winners keep the trophy for one year, until the next Milford Fair Dog Show. “Norah says that the trophy will stay in her bedroom and that she’ll be buying Freddie his favourite treats with the $10 that came with the award.”

The John Lammes’ Trophy was established by John Lammes (1935- 2025), creator of the Milford Fair Dog Show. Mr. Lammes was known to all in Milford and the County for generously supporting the local library, helping anyone who asked, his skills as a handyman, and coaching sports. It is the very last award presented at the show.

Born in Montreal and a huge Habs fan, Norah loves being an Ontarian now — but you won’t find her rooting for the Leafs. Her family lives in Cressy.

Complete Results of the Fair Dog Show

Large Dog

1^st – Paul Mathieson and Ruskin 

2nd – Richard Copple and Maya 

3^rd – Jenny Chapman and Chance 

Small Dog 

1^st – Jon and Ali Crossley with Spaghetti 

2^nd -Halle Lammes with Loki 

3^rd – Sasha Bell with her pair of pup sisters, Roxy and Poppy 

The People’s Choice (Canine Idol)

– Kita Plaskos and her puppy, Diesel