Rick's Roadshow in New York concludes with the height of excitement in the second day of judging and finale of The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Having spent the past few days with the top breeders, handlers and show dog owners I now had the inside scoop on the odds-on favorites. I was also up to speed with the politics of a dog show of this magnitude, and felt a connection to some of the top dogs I had personally met. I had my favorites and was pulling for a few in particular. I kept track of the scoring with the official Westminster Kennel Club 2008 show book (see left). At first I had no idea what I was doing, but the wife of a former top judge schooled me on how to keep up with the proceedings. I was quite fortunate to have great seats. This evening I was a guest of Purina Pro Plan brand dog food, I was sitting right behind the judges, on the floor of the judging ring. I had a birdseye view of it all, and was on TV a few times when the cameras panned the judges table.
above left: the line up of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Black Russian Terriers. above right: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Bernese and Black Russians.
above left: From the Toy group: Pugs, Toy Poodle, & Pomeranians. above right: Toy dogs: Toy Fox Terrier, Silky Terrier, Shih Tzu
above left: The Pug awaits a decision by the judge, but she would eventually be passed over. above right, the judges confer for the Best in Show decision.
above: "Uno" the Beagle, who won "Best In Show". He was smiling and happy as can be as he sat next to his trophy. It was the first time in 100 years that a Beagle has won the competition.
above left: The board at Madison Square Garden announces the Beagle as Best In Show, which was a popular favorite. above right: the handler places Uno into the sterling silver bowl with all the ribbons and trophies.
above left: the handler shows photographers the key traits of a perfect Beagle. above right: Uno takes a moment to enjoy his time in the spotlight. It was a great evening to celebrate the sport of dogs and appreciate the beauty of mans best friend. I had a great time in New York but am ready to head home to California. If nothing else, but to escape the snow and cold temperatures!
note: "Wisdom Wednesday" featuring Dr Sidney Wang will return next week.
-Rick Rockhill
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