It is always thrilling to watch Best in Show at Madison Square Garden. The crowd was even larger than the night before and it was a bit rowdy as well. I think there may have been alcohol involved. There was some yelling and even a wave going on. The dogs all looked beautiful. The handlers showed up with bait in hand and brushes in their pockets. The last three groups were Sporting, Working and Terrier. The Terriers have done quite well at Westminster in … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The 138th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Begins
February 10, 2014 by
I did not sleep very well and woke up at 5AM. I was concerned about getting to the piers because last year the traffic was terrible and it took an hour to get there. It was also a little disorganized and no one seemed to know where to go. So I wanted to leave plenty of time, we rallied and off we went at 6:30AM. This year it was a breeze and we were inside and at our bench at 7AM. Traffic was light and we went in the correct entrance, it was easy and … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York Show (Day 2)
February 9, 2014 by
One more show before Westminster. Rocky and I were both tired and I think Rocky would have preferred to stay in bed. Margaret and I went to the show together. Jim got to stay in bed. It was very crowded at the specialty show. I was hardly paying attention by this time. Rocky showed beautifully as always but we did not do anything. It was nice to see some friends but as soon as we finished up and we went to lunch at the hotel. The rest of the day was spent … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York Show (Day 1)
February 8, 2014 by
On Saturday and Sunday, The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York held its shows. The entries were big, over forty dogs. Same people, same winners.One of the top winning Chihuahuas of all time was entered as a veteran; GCH Arywen’s Star Kissed Delight. I guess she’s still got it because she managed to win breed. Rocky did make the first cut on Saturday which was exciting. There were some dogs there I have never seen before. The mezzanine floor was very … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Progressive Dog Show
February 7, 2014 by
The Penn Plaza Pavilion at New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania is where the specialty shows are held prior to Westminster. We arrived around 9:30AM for the show. The lobby was already loaded with dogs and bellmen pushing carts overflowing with suitcases and dog supplies. Most people choose to stay at this hotel because the rooms are large and cheap. The hotel is a dump but it is convenient if you are going to the shows there. The Progressive Dog Club is for … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : Pre-Westminster Activities
February 6, 2014 by
Packing for the dog shows is a nightmare. I can really understand why professional handlers get paid so well. I usually only go to one show at a time. On Westminster weekend, I do four shows in a row. I packed five suits, four pairs of shoes, three pairs of boots, all the other clothes I needed for six nights in the city, dog food, crate, show leads, grooming aids, etc. It goes on and on, and I only have one tiny dog. Most of the high end handlers are … [Read more...]