Shannon McDonough is a rising junior at Penn State University in the Schreyer Honors College studying Communications with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations with a minor in Digital Media Trends and Analytics. Along with her studies in Advertising and Public Relations, Shannon has interest in Marketing. She is a Marketing & Partnerships staff member for the Her Campus Penn State Division and served as Strategy & Insights Director for Penn State’s Prime Practicum. In her free time, she likes to take Belle on walks, go to concerts to with her friends, and enjoys reading. She is the National Dog Show liaison to the Dog Writers Association of America in addition to handling writing and editing projects for the National Dog Show and the American Century Championship as part of her internship with Vizion Group PR.
You never really understand the power of a pup until you experience it.
Growing up, being a young girl, I was automatically captivated by anything cute and fluffy. So, inevitably, when I discovered the goofy, friendly furballs others referred to as “dogs,” I was immediately on board. I was overjoyed each time I showed up to a playdate and realized that my friend had acquired one of these fuzzy friends as their “pet.” Although I cherished each one of these moments, these infrequent engagements were simply not enough for me. I knew I had a special connection to dogs and sought their companionship daily.
After discovering my obsession, my grandparents decided to take me to the National Dog Show in Oaks, PA, so I could meet the dogs, even if I couldn’t have one of my own. It was such a joyous event and so cool to see thousands of people coming together to celebrate this smart, strong and diverse group of canines.
As I sat in the stands watching the show, discovering pups like nothing I had ever seen before, I gained a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
Although I had asked my parents countless times, I spent my early childhood without a pet. Unfortunately, whenever my brother and father went near anything with the ability to shed, they’d erupt into a sneezing fit and walk away rubbing their nose, eyes watering. Due to their allergies, I saw no future in myself admiring a beautiful Golden Retriever prancing across the yard or cuddling up next to the thick coat of a Siberian Husky. Those dreams were not practical, nor was running away from home ;). However, one day, after a lot of pestering, countless desperate promises and a visit to a friend’s house, my dream no longer felt completely out of reach.
Now an undaunted sixth grader, I went over to my friend Izzy’s house to visit her new puppy and discovered something called a “Goldendoodle.” Izzy explained to me that, like my dad, her dad was allergic to dogs; so, they adopted a crossbred dog that did not shed. This changed the game for me and, luckily, it convinced my family as well. Soon after, we started our online search and decided to look to adopt a Labradoodle. A few weeks later, we went to visit a new litter of these pups and fell in love with the only blondie, who soon became our Belle.
When we got Belle, we thought we were getting a pet. Little did we know Belle quickly became another member of the family. She is not only considered a family member because she is loved, but for the deep connection she fosters with each of us. She truly loves her family and easily connects with all of the human species. Having Belle, I discovered that although we do not share a language, dogs can be incredibly in tune with our feelings and emotions. Whenever I am upset, she comes over to me, somehow knowing that her cuddles and soft coat are just what I need to calm me down. Her loyalty is the most reliable I’ve ever known.
In high school, she would sit by the window every day waiting to welcome me home. Even now as a college student, after being away for months, she does not hesitate to welcome me home with a wagging tail and many slobbery kisses. She brightens even the most mundane of days by following me around the house, keeping me company as I complete every task. She even goes as far as to protect us from the big, bad Amazon truck driver! All jokes aside, a dog is truly a man’s, or (in my case) woman’s, best friend. I am so grateful to have Belle as mine.
Every year, I check out The National Dog Show on NBC after Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as part of the audience of 20 million, reminding myself of my visit to the show as a nine-year-old. I am always amazed by how athletic, disciplined and strikingly beautiful these canines can be. Every time, I discover something new and find myself captivated by the character and charm of a different breed.
This fall, on November 14, I will return to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks to see 2,000 of the best canines in the world and continue this beloved tradition that built such a passion in my heart for dogs. Join me the weekend of November 14 and 15 for an unforgettable experience. [www.nds.nationaldogshow.com]
Get ready for the most memorable weekend, as you experience the same joy and excitement that led me to my best friend.