Woof … Bark … Arf … or, if you do not speak dog - Welcome to the 132nd annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Madison Square Garden - where, if you are dog people as we are, you will have a howl of a good time.
This is the Super Bowl; the World Series; the Grand Prix and the “American Idol” of dogdom. Here, every February, after two hectic days of primping, prancing and preening, one of the “Best of Breed” winners (of which there are many) will be rewarded with a blue ribbon, certifying him or her with the prestigious title of “Best in Show.”
As this is the premier dog show in the country, it’s where the best of the best compete nose to nose - or muzzle to muzzle as the case may be.
For instance, in last year’s show, a toy Poodle made it to the finals, a privilege shared with an Akita. A Dandie Dinmont, one of last year’s favorites, was edged out by an English Springer Spaniel.
This year’s approximately 2,500 candidates for instant stardom include four newly recognized American Kennel Club breeds: the Plott, Tibetan Mastiff, Beauceron and Swedish Vallhund.
As David Frie, director of communications for the Westminster club puts it, “Every contestant has their two minutes to impress the judge. As for us, we’re impressed by them all.”
So - armed with our trusty “Sharpie” and tape recorder, lots of blank paper and a pocket full of dog biscuits - we set about to interview a few of the celebrity contestants.
Actually, we did our best to have their owners, groomers and handlers translate our four-legged friend’s feelings into people-speak, which will make it easier for Queens Courier readers who may not know what “Grrr” means, or understand how it feels to be a star.
One of the special four-legged friends we encountered was “Lacey,” who along with her owner and best friend Jean McCaffrey, came all the way from Jackson Heights in the beautiful borough of Queens.
As we watched the parade of beautiful canines, we couldn’t help but pay tribute to a few of the most important friends we’ve had the pleasure of knowing… friends with names like: Schnitzel, Dandie, Willie, Cleo, Jack, Dakota, Max, Buster, Sheba, Paddington, Leo and Ella.
Not a Blue Ribbon in the bunch. Nevertheless, to us they are ALL bluebloods and thoroughbreds who have left their mark in our hearts - and on a few trees and sidewalks in Jackson Heights - and we are sure in your neighborhood as well.
Editor’s note: The Best in Show winner was Beagle named Uno.
