Griffin, 9, possibly a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen mix - but probably "not" - walks in the "March of the Dogs" with his owners Matilda Baker-Smith, 4, and Ulya Kholodar-Smith, 7, at the start of the 14th annual "March Forth with Your Dog: Not Your Typical Dog Show", a benefit for Volunteers in Northampton Schools, held at the high school in March 2019.
Griffin, 9, possibly a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen mix - but probably "not" - walks in the "March of the Dogs" with his owners Matilda Baker-Smith, 4, and Ulya Kholodar-Smith, 7, at the start of the 14th annual "March Forth with Your Dog: Not Your Typical Dog Show", a benefit for Volunteers in Northampton Schools, held at the high school in March 2019. Credit: STAFF PHOTO / KEVIN GUTTING

NORTHAMPTON — In February, the Westminster Kennel Dog Club hosted its famed annual dog show in New York City. In March, the city is hosting its own annual show organized the Volunteers in Northampton Schools, Inc. (VINS). As judge Jane Fleishman said last year, “It’s our own Westminster.”

The event raises funds for VINS, a nonprofit that provides and supports volunteers in Northampton’s public schools.

The competition — “not your typical dog show,” as the event pitches itself — will take place on March 7 at noon in the Northampton High School gym. Dogs will compete for titles including “best fetcher” and “best hair.” Those who want to enter their dog in the festivities can find registration forms on the VINS website.

Greta Jochem can be reached at gjochem@gazettenet.com.