What would get me out of bed that early on a weekend to drive to the middle of nowhere?
Call it plain old curiosity. More specifically, I am registered with a marketing company and I occasionally do promotions on their behalf (think more "brand ambassador" and less "shot girl"). My most recent assignment had me working The National Dog Show. Yes, the very same one you might enjoy as you savor your turkey and cranberry after the parade on Thanksgiving Day. All I wondered as I signed up for it was, what is that kind of thing really like? And just what am I getting myself into?
To be fair, I don't know much about dogs. All I do know is that I've always wanted one and I was never allowed to have one. Something about my Dad wanting to protect us from that kind of loss. The irony? We were allowed to have bunnies. And a hamster. But both of our bunnies died of brain tumors. And the hamster escaped its cage one night and fell asleep under the heater and, well, you can kind of deduce the rest. So, yeah. Anyway, I love dogs. I mean, they are like four-legged people with fur. They just want to play and give love and I think those are wonderful qualities to possess, no matter what species you are.
Once I learned I would be working this show (specifically selling the, I soon learned, much-sought-after National Dog Show merchandise) I knew I had to do it: watch Best in Show for prep. I mean, the movie is based on this very show, the dogs and, most of all, their quirky owners. The verdict? Parkey Posey in braces is comedic genius. More, the owners were even more animated than their pets. They were the Best in Show.
So when I got there and saw the lay of the land, it felt slightly familiar. There they were, row after row after row of doggies and their owners and all arranged so that attendees could walk up and down the aisles and visit each dog, all while wondering who might come in with the coveted "Best in Show" title. I learned that this is what it means to be a "benched" show: the dogs are benched, or on display, in between showing so you can take a look at them close-up. Some of the owners seemed to bask in the glow of being able to show off their dog, proudly brushing their animal's coat over and over again and answering any and all questions, a parental gleam in their eye. Others kept their dogs on lock down and it was hard to get even a peek of their special pup.
But was it just like the movie?
In some ways, yes. As in the case of the wife and husband who bragged about their dog like it was their child, love and pride oozing from their smiling lips. The husband actually wore a bright red suit to complement his white hair and beard and when he revealed the type of dog he had (some breed with the word "Mountain" in it) winked and said, "I mean, what kind of dog do you expect Santa to have?" Or with the owner who, when I asked if I could take a picture of her dog said, "Well, yes, but we are about to show so no flash." Others jogged their prized pooches past our booth with seemingly no regard for the rest of the world, they were so enthralled with their animal and the task at hand: winning big.
But in some ways, it was a bit better than the movie. A woman whose dog was participating stopped by the booth to busy herself as the dog handler (there were A LOT of them there) did her magic with the dog away from us in the big ring. The woman was so nervous she was shopping to distract herself. Here she was, finally at a big show after having devoted so much time and energy and money on her dog. She purchased one of the coveted fleece jackets. Upon ringing her up I sensed her nerves and said, "I hope this jacket brings you and your dog a lot of luck." "Maybe it will," she replied, hopefully. Later she popped back over. "We placed," she revealed excitedly, flashing her bright ribbon. "That is all we wanted to do," she continued. "So thank you for the luck!" I'm not sure I have ever seen a bigger smile.
Or with the case of the many dog owners who weren't showing at all but who just walked around with their own dogs and enjoyed the attention people lavished upon their four-legged children. The camaraderie was contagious: everyone was in awe of these special little furry "people" and the furry little people returned the love in fold, basking in the attention. There was an overall spirit of friendliness throughout the expo center. I have to say, it was pretty nice to be in such happy and kind company.
Overall, it was much like what I expected but even more fun. I mean, seeing John O'Hurley in person and walking into the actual big ring area (by the way, the big ring is actually pretty tiny) are not your typical everyday experiences. And witnessing the Purina Pro puppies fly through the air as they caught frisbees was just plain fascinating. But the best part was seeing every kind of dog imaginable and knowing they were so loved and well-cared for. When I watch the actual show on Thanksgiving Day, I look forward to seeing some of my new "friends" strut their stuff. Because to me, they all were the best...no matter the show.
PS--What would a post about doggies be like without pics? Meet some of my new friends below...enjoy!
I mean...that face. This is why bulldogs are my favorite.
When I say this dog was the size of a small horse, I am not kidding. See full size table to the right for reference. And notice how is head is higher than the table...! Sweetest disposition ever. His bib said, "I'm Sexy and I Know It."
Isn't this what you think of when you think of a show dog?
Or this?
Kind of reminded me of Snoopy.
His owner called him "Cedrick Diggery" and when he said his name he turned his head and posed on cue for my picture, eyes wide.
Now THIS is what I call a poodle!
Free kisses! Feeling the love...
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