BLOOMINGTON - Kellan Marvin considers her dog, Murphy, sort of a little brother. | Photo gallery

The 13-year-old daughter of David and Shelley Marvin of Bloomington always wanted a younger brother but hasn't been blessed with the human kind.

Kellan took best of show honors in the 4-H dog care competition Friday at the McLean County Fair. She also garnered best of class in the 11 to 12 age group of contestants.

Murphy, a West Highland terrier, is "very energetic and likes to play." Kellan said the indoor dog often looks out the window for rabbits.

LeRoy resident Andrew Larson views his dog, Peyton, as his best friend. "I'm an only child, so I play with him," said Andrew, who won best of class in the 8 to 10 age group. Peyton, a yellow Labrador retriever, is named after Indianapolis Colts football player Peyton Manning.

Claire Brownstone of Bloomington took best of class in the 13-plus age group. Her dog, Bailey, is a Papillon and her best friend. The dog's breed means "butterfly" in French and refers to the appearance of the breed's ears.

Claire, 15, daughter of Debra and Daniel Brownstone, said she and Bailey walk and watch television together. She volunteers at the Humane Society of Central Illinois and wants to be a veterinarian. "It's so fun to care for animals. They are so grateful and they give you love no matter," she said.

There was plenty of good spirit as contestants sat patiently and awaited their time with judges and parents taking photos.

As judges chatted with the children, they considered the general appearance of the dogs and how they interacted with the children as well as feeding and grooming techniques.

Jean Schmidt, a superintendent of the dog care competition, said it "teaches kids responsibility and helps them learn skills that they can use the rest of their lives."

Claire agreed.

"I feed him twice a day and do my own grooming. It teaches me responsibility," she said.