11/27/09 Yakima People

Dog, owner to compete at Dec. 12-13 nationals

Talk about a breed apart.

Rossmore Ruanard -- affectionately called "Runnie" -- and his owners -- Harvey and Barbara Hazen -- will compete Dec. 12-13 at the prestigious AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

The 2009 competition, in Long Beach, Calif., features thousands of top show dogs from around the country and marks the American Kennel Club's 125th anniversary.

More than 125 breeds -- one for each year of the club's history -- will hold specialty or supported entries in honor of the milestone.

Cash prizes totaling more than $225,000 are at stake.

Runnie is an Irish red and white setter. Harvey Hazen is the vice president of the Yakima Valley Kennel Club.

Tough times made Student of Month stronger

Hard times and several layoffs were needed before Johnny Sanchez realized he needed to return to school.

Now, after two months in the Computer Applications & Office Administration Program at Perry Technical Institute, Sanchez was named November's Student of the Month.

Sanchez dropped out of high school and worked off and on in local warehouses. Tired of living paycheck to paycheck, he inquired about Perry's training programs. The Office Administration Program appealed to him because it was only 12 months long and it covered both job skills and information on starting a business.

"I liked the idea that I could get a job right out of school and have the skills I would need to eventually start my own business," he said.

Sanchez said he is happy he chose to come back to school.

"I am here because I want to be here. That's why I am so motivated," he said.