pet connection

Westminster smells like sawdust and hotdogs. You might think it would be noisy, but the primary sounds are the murmur of spectators, a scream of excitement from one of the terrier rings, polite clapping and occasionally raucous woo-wooing. The only bark I hear is an importunate French Bulldog who wants out of his crate in the benching area. His wish is granted.

The breeds showing today belong to the Hound, Terrier and Herding Groups. I’m fortunate to know some of the people showing in those breeds. One of them is Kate Eldredge, a junior who’s showing her Belgian Tervuren, Queezle, in the breed. I missed her in the ring while I was waiting for Bloodhounds to go in, but last I heard she took Best Opposite Sex. That’s great news, considering that her mother, Deb, was concerned that Q was out of coat.

As I cruise the benching area, where the dogs are on display unless they’re in the ring, I come upon Arco, a Beauceron, whose owner is being interviewed by a television crew. Beaucerons are at Westminster for the first time this year, new members of the Herding Group, along with Swedish Vallhunds. When I come back, Arco’s owner has stepped out for a few minutes, but Rhydonia Ring of Orinda, California, also there with a Beauceron, says the six dogs entered are coping just fine with all the attention. It’s her first trip to Westminster–and her first benched show. “It’s been an experience,” she says.

The other new breeds are the Plott Hound, a bear-hunting dog from the southern United States, and–I think–the Tibetan Mastiff. I haven’t had a chance to go look at the Plotts yet, but I’m interested in seeing them in the flesh. They’re very handsome dogs.

Moose, a 12-year-old Swedish Vallhund, is the oldest dog at Westminster. He just turned 12 last week and in his spare time is a therapy dog. There are always dogs here with interesting stories or achievements that go beyond those of the typical show dog. One is Border Collie Triple Champion Gymbaroo Tried and True (Smasher to his friends). Imported from Australia, Smasher became a conformation champion with four Best-in-Show wins and earned his obedience trial championship. His owners decided to see if he could earn a herding championship as well. No problem. He didn’t win the breed today, but his owners are happy with his record as they retire the almost-9-year-old dog.

I’m off to see what happened in Bloodhounds. My friend Susan Hamil is here with her bitch Ch. Quiet Creek’s Mi Amor, and I have my fingers crossed for them.

[Update from Gina: Young Kate Eldredge did indeed go Best of Opposite with her Tervuren, and Kim's friend Susan went Best of Breed with her Bloodhound. Guess Kim's a bit of a good-luck charm!]