On Saturday, November 16, The Kennel Club of Philadelphia hosts the annual National Dog Show. There are over 200 AKC Breeds showcased, in the seven group rings, filmed by NBC, to be seen on Thanksgiving Day.
I would like to recognize the amazing dogs and their talented Handlers (Owners & Professionals) who present and promote their beloved breeds.
Now that I have experienced it firsthand, I understand the enormity of the work in the production that goes into a show of this magnitude. If you have not seen it or experienced it, I want to share a bit about it.
It’s all very exciting…. and it is completely not the normal experience most dogs/show dogs will ever have had prior.
From the moment you arrive in the backstage holding area, there is lots of electrifying energy. Camera people are everywhere, with huge rolling cameras videotaping the dogs. There are booming voices in the arena over the loudspeakers. The crowd is cheering enthusiastically. Every Handler’s focus is on their dog, in the most loving of ways. Each person seems to understand that this is not a normal environment, even for dog shows. Every Handler’s attention is on the well-being of their dog. Every Handler is also making sure their energy is one of calmness and leadership, so that their dog has the best possible experience and performance.
It really heats up when they call the Groups into the big arena. The announcement is loud, the music is pounding and the full house of the crowd inside is going wild. It’s go time! It is incredibly invigorating & surprising all at once.
Each dog trusts their person! This is what moved me the most…the absolute, unequivocal bond and loyalty between Handler and dog. The dogs felt confident and supported, in a completely unnatural environment, because of their faith in the protection of their Handlers. This is truly what defines Dog Shows! The ongoing commitment of Handlers to make every experience, even different and unusual ones, the top priority for their dogs.
Once inside it quiets down a bit. Each dog gets their opportunity to be presented. The judges are steady and consistent in their approach and manner. The Groups are huge and there is a lot of time to wait. Again, the Handlers are making sure their dogs are relaxed and comfortable. The ongoing commentary is still quite loud, the crowd is cheering and the cameras are floating above, back and forth, following the dogs. But no one seems to notice. The dogs are all enjoying the one-to-one attention they are receiving from their human. It was really beautiful and relaxing.
All 200+ breeds have been purposely bred. Each dog exhibited has been raised from birth in a way that will prepare them for moments like this. It truly was a magnificent, collective experience to take part in. I am honored to have had the opportunity to be there. Love my Lacey❤️
GCHB Sáregresi Pure White Lace JH
This Show is run like finely tuned machine. I commend Frank DePaulo, Show Chairman, and his entire National Dog Show Team for all their hard work and dedication to making us all shine brightly for the public at the show and on Thanksgiving Day.
Bravo to The Sport of Purebred Dogs, Bravo to the Dog Handlers and God Bless the dogs we all love so deeply. I am so proud to participate in this Sport with my fellow Breeders, Owners & Handlers. I am grateful for all those who came before me to keep this Sport alive, inspiring and progressing.
Our dogs are truly the most magnificent and delightful beings that we have been given the honor to share our lives with. To be witness and present of their kindness, deep affection and devotion, is truly one of life’s greatest blessings we can experience.