The Westminster Dog Show 2003
By Michelle Park
So many dogs, so many proud dog owners, handlers, and people who just
love dogs. SO MANY. It really was an amazing event. I was at the
Westminster Dog Show volunteering with the ASPCA. They were hosting an information
table, passing out important information about caring for dogs and what
the ASPCA does. Even though I was there because of the organization, my
REAL reason for going was to see the dogs.
The dogs were immaculate. They were well-groomed, with their toes
clipped, hairs cut, anal glands expressed (if you don't know what this is, you
don't want to know). They were also incredibly well-behaved. You know they
are just supposed to be, but these dogs are INCREDIBLY well-behaved. If it
wasn't for the fact that there were dogs and people wearing dog
paraphernalia, you would never know that it was a dog show. The dogs
never said a word. The people on the other hand were very loud.
The dogs who were being judged that day had to be there all day. So
each dog had a bench, where their crate and other important items stayed.
The other important items not only included grooming care, bedding, toys,
etc., but also scrapbooks of photos from previous shows, paperwork certifying
their championship status, and even theme banners. Some crates even
had little fans attached or heating blankets (although, they weren't
necessary as the entire place was overheated).
And the types of dogs! I only showed up for the second day as I was
still feeling under the weather on the first. Therefore I missed the judging
for Working, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting Groups. But I was there for
the Sporting, Hound and Herding Groups. The dogs from these groups are
quite large. Lots of spaniels, hounds and collies. And so many different
breeds. Personally, I can't tell the difference between a Curly-coated
retriever and a Chesapeake Bay retriever, but there were LOTS of people who could
tell the difference. However, regardless of the breed, I loved them all.
Now for the people. If you have seen Best in Show, then you know the
parodies of the dog people in the Dog Show business (If you haven't
seen the movie, then rent it - one of the best films out there). Well, I can
tell you now that those parodies are not that far off from reality. There
were the uptight, well-dressed types who were super anal and VERY snobbish
about their dogs to the 300 dog pins wearing large ladies who really
shouldn't be wearing their American Flag leggings. And I don't know about you but I
have always wondered who bought the shirts with air-brushed art of dogs.
Well wonder no more. It's these people.
What I also noticed about the people hanging about the crates, chatting
like it was a cocktail party or a hoe-down, was that they all seem to know
each other. This is a tight band of people. They know that their love of
dogs is at a level that most people would consider insane or obsessed - but
here, they are accepted.
All in all - it was a dog love fest. A dog orgy of sorts. I had a
great time. I didn't stay for the evening judging of Best in Group and Best
in Show (the tickets we got through the ASPCA were free, which also meant
bad seats), but I enjoyed hanging out, meeting the people, petting the
dogs, and overall having a good time.
PHOTOS: If you are interested in seeing pictures, please email me at
mpark@popcouncil.org. I have them in a PowerPoint format, which not
everyone can see.
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This week's horoscopes are dedicated to:
>> Jen Brown, Happy Birthday!
>> Carey, Happy Birthday!
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