By Scott D. Johnston

For GH Newspaper Group

Ocean Shores will be overrun with bloodhounds this coming week.

The Bloodhound Beach Bash will take place from Monday through Saturday at the Convention Center and beyond. This is an American Bloodhound Club National Specialty dog show, plus a Regional Specialty show and several other event elements.

Monday and Tuesday will involve outdoor exercises in what bloodhounds are famous for: trailing. The week will culminate in formal dog shows Friday and Saturday, which will be open to the public.

The event is produced by the Pacific Rim Bloodhound Club (PRBC), which has members in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, British Columbia and Alberta. Show chairwoman Cindy Wolfrom of Olympia said she expects 80 or more dogs and about twice as many humans to participate in the event.

A dozen or so bloodhounds, plus their human handlers, are expected for the trailing events. “People in Ocean Shores will definitely notice some bloodhounds around town those days,” Wolfrom said.

Among the participants are Deb Thomas-Blake of South Aberdeen and her bloodhound, Hitchcock (“Hitch” to his friends). They also help with area search and rescue activities, and she operates the local nonprofit Harbor Rescue, which provides animal rescue, care and fostering for about 150 animals in the area each year.

Wednesday will see a futurity event for breeders and an invitational “Top 20” event and catered banquet. Thursday will feature “veterans” events for dogs ages seven and older, several puppy events, and a PRBC birthday party.

The “National Specialty” — a national level, once-a-year set of events specifically for bloodhounds — will take place Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event categories include Juniors, Veteran Classes, Dog &Bitch Classes, Best of Breed and Non-Regular Classes. A Regional Specialty show with similar content is set for Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. These two days are open to the public, with admission by donation. A private, catered banquet will take place Friday evening.

Wolfrom said the selection of Ocean Shores was based on the Convention Center being large enough to host the event and having available dates, and her personal knowledge of the area as being very dog-friendly. And she knew there is some logistical and prep help available here, since her stepfather is local artist and bloodhound lover Larry Walden.

PRBC donations will be requested for admission to the Friday and Saturday dog shows.

For more information on the event, visit www.pacificrimbloodhoundclub.com.

Scott D. Johnston | For GH Newspaper Group Deb Thomas-Blake of South Aberdeen is participating in next week’s events with her bloodhound, Hitch.