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| Print | By | February 8, 2008 8:40 PM

Photos courtesy Laura McManus

Picture this…the world’s most famous arena packed with 2,500 of the finest specimens of America’s show dogs, with only one taking home the grand prize on Tuesday night. Stand back American Idol, it’s time for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden, and petside.com will be working the room.

Hounds, Terriers, Herders and Toys…if you can’t make it yourself to New York City this weekend, no worries, the Petside Team has got you covered. (We thought we’d take this opportunity to give Victoria a weekend vacation and keep you posted with street talk from the Show).

If you think it’s just about Monday and Tuesday in the ring with judges, think again! First there’s the travel from towns all across America. Sounds simple if you own a toy breed, but does Jet Blue accommodate English Mastiffs? We found out today.

Rufus, English Mastiff

Jerry Hooks loads up his cooler with beef and loads his 215 lb, 5-year-old English Mastiff, Rufus, into the truck for a twelve-hour drive from North Carolina.

Although Slick the Saluki comes from show dog royalty, his owner Sara chose 1,600 miles worth of gas over airline cargo after a previous dog she owned went missing at a connecting Dallas airport from Oklahoma!

Slick.small.jpg
Slick, Saluki

Then there’s the socializing. These show dogs may look like they’re perfect all the time, but they know how to let their hair down. The Show has already got all bases covered, with EMS and special veterinarian’s standing by with Pup-tobismol. This shot of Ch. Rocky Top Sundance aka Rufus the Colored Bull Terrier, took on champagne accolades as winner of the ’06 Best in Show award.

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Rufus, Bull Terrier

But if you think you can just become a show dog and live the glam life overnight, remember little Moose. His owner Marilyn Thell is credited as the first person to ever import a Swedish Vallhund to America, and therefore started the process of breeding. It took little Moose his entire 12 years to finally have his breed recognized by the AKC, and just as he gets to represent at the Garden, he will simultaneously announce his official retirement.

Moose, Swedish Vallhund

Hey, dry your eyes for Moose and Marilyn, the rest of the year he is busy making the rounds as a therapy and service dog! Yay, Moose.

So many beauties and only ONE gets the prize. I’ve got my eyes on a stunner named Loka. She has a gaze that melts you – a combination of elegance, strength, and a darn good cuddle.

Waddayathink? Isn't she sweet?

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Loka, Tibetan Mastiff

I’m going to try my luck at crashing a few parties. Tomorrow, it’s back to the hotel for a lunchtime piano concerto soiree in the lobby – dog-friendly music performed by a virtuoso.

Owners, handlers, judges, groomers, dog walkers, and dog oglers see you tomorrow.

Oh, and if it’s just a timing issue but you can get to New York before March 1, the Empire State Building will house a special WKC window display through Febuary. Saks Fifth Avenue has also got a must-see WKC window display.

If you're visiting the show or just want to talk about it, go to our chat boards at my.petside.com

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