Andrew Ridgway is a junior at Immaculata University studying Communications. In the classroom and the workplace, he focuses on a wide range of writing styles, including media, digital and narrative work. He is currently a public relations intern with Vizion Group PR, where he works on projects for the National Dog Show and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. In his free time, Andrew enjoys outings with family, cycling for cardio, playing on the Nintendo Switch and hiking in the great outdoors.
Even though I’ve never had a dog, it only took two weeks for me to discover how many life lessons canines can bring into our lives.
I have always been a bit shy around dogs since they can sometimes seem a bit intimidating when you’re a kid. So, I was apprehensive when our neighbors were leaving to go on vacation and asked my family if we could walk their dog for a few days while they were away.
The canine in question was a little Beagle named Smeagle, and I remember watching them walk him outside. His paws would tap happily across the street, and his tongue always stuck out in pure joy.
Knowing that Smeagle was small and not super energetic made me feel a lot more comfortable. So, I decided to help and I couldn’t have been happier that I made that decision.
The first time I ever walked Smeagle really stands out to me. When I first entered their house, Smeagle slowly walked up to me and let me pet him. He seemed comfortable with us being there. As I attached the leash to his collar, he immediately went to the door, very eager to get outside, and it was an experience that I will remember forever.
As we stepped into brisk fall air together, it was heartwarming to watch Smeagle lead the way and guide me across the lawn and into the neighborhood streets. One thing I remember well about walking Smeagle is that he would always stop every so often to smell around the area and it was fun to watch his curiosity and wonder what exactly he discovered or what had caught his attention.
Walking Smeagle also helped me realize just how wonderful it is to spend quality time with family. This experience allowed me to grow closer to not only Smeagle, but my dad and brother as well, since we made a pact to care for Smeagle together. Sharing those walks will always stick with me and remind me of how even the simple things in life can have a huge, lasting impact on you forever.
Spending time with Smeagle truly showed me how dogs have a unique way of bringing people together and that feeling is very much like the vibe that the National Dog Show generates every Thanksgiving.
All the dogs at the show are not just there to compete for Best in Show or to perform and demonstrate their physical skills. Their true happiness is the connection and bond they share with their people. And the dogs love all people.
The National Dog Show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia will take place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15. Tickets are wonderfully inexpensive – adult tickets are $20, children’s tickets are $10 (ages 4 – 11) and admission is free for children three and under. You can purchase tickets by visiting the official website atwww.nds.nationaldogshow.com. And if you can’t make it in person, there is no need to worry! You can still watch the National Dog Show Presented by Purina on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy all the excitement right from home! The show will air on NBC from noon – 2 p.m., in all time zones.
Just like my special time with Smeagle, the National Dog Show enables people to marvel at the species and celebrate the simple moments with dogs that stay in our hearts long after they happen.