Episode 12: Live from the Westminster Dog Show

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00:00:00:02 - 00:00:17:15
Chris
Pets Add Life. Your guide to the latest in pet trends, products and the joy of the human animal bond with Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati powered by the American Pet Products Association and Dog TV.  Hey there Kristen. I see you've got a friend there with you.

00:00:17:16 - 00:00:22:17
Kristen
Yeah, this is my little girl, Tulip. She decided to join me for the show today.

00:00:22:19 - 00:00:27:15
Chris
She is so, so cute. And why? Why is that? Why is she joining you today of all days?

00:00:27:15 - 00:00:35:06
Kristen
Well, because it's a big day. It is. Today is the Westminster Kennel Club best in show. And you're actually going to be there tonight?

00:00:35:06 - 00:00:50:06
Chris
Yeah. We're bringing you a special episode of the Power podcast. This time, we're forgoing our usual, constructed format, to bring you some, live action from the show itself. But, Christine, it looks like you're having your own little personal dog show there.

00:00:50:09 - 00:01:05:00
Kristen
I am having a dog show. This is one breed you will not see at Westminster. She is a miniature pinscher Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Maltese, and probably about six other breeds. We did her doggy DNA, so we know that for a fact.

00:01:05:00 - 00:01:07:16
Chris
Also known as a cutie pie.

00:01:07:18 - 00:01:09:09
Kristen
A cutie pie. Yes, she.

00:01:09:09 - 00:01:28:11
Chris
Is absolutely a cutie pie. but thanks everybody for listening. It's the Pal podcast. I think we're still going to do some of our usual stuff. despite Kristen not being able to join me at the Westminster Dog Show this year. but for now, I think we're going to go ahead and bring you our two stories as usual.

00:01:28:11 - 00:01:36:06
Chris
So let's go ahead and get right into that. Oh, Kristen and Chris present story time.

00:01:36:08 - 00:02:00:07
Kristen
All right, so, Chris, I got a story for you. And this is kind of in line with, you know, fun summertime with your dog. I know you've been talking about that in previous shows. everybody's got summer on the brain now, and, this is if you're if you're a baseball fan, I just read that the Phillies Philadelphia Phillies fans were able to bring their dogs to the ballpark.

00:02:00:09 - 00:02:10:11
Kristen
and there are also adoptable dogs there for the bark at the Park event. And this is something that MLB does, every year. I don't know if every team participates. Do you know.

00:02:10:13 - 00:02:27:03
Chris
It's not every team. It's it is select teams. obviously, having dogs at the stadium is, is an undertaking. but I am familiar with bark. Bark. I've actually went one year when they had it at Citi Field for the Mets. it's so fun.

00:02:27:05 - 00:02:28:12
Susan
Oh, I bet.

00:02:28:14 - 00:02:48:00
Kristen
I bet. Yeah, it's a great way, you know, to just not only spend spend the day at the ballpark with your own dog, but also, like I said, they always have adoptable dogs there, too. So, you know, you might find one that you fall in love with and want to adopt. And, props to MLB for supporting, you know, such a great event during the summertime.

00:02:48:02 - 00:03:06:11
Chris
Yeah. It's great. And I mean, what can be more American than a family outing with the family dog to a baseball baseball game? You get a hot dog. The dog gets a hot dog. Even though the dog shouldn't be eating hot dogs. When you're at a baseball game, the calories actually don't count. So this is true. This is true.

00:03:06:15 - 00:03:27:01
Chris
it might be true for dogs as well. I'm going to call up Steve Feldman and have Harry look into this with the scientists to see if, if, if the same is true for dogs because it's a scientific fact that you cannot, you cannot gain any weight while you're at a baseball game. So you can have as many hot dogs, beers, milkshakes as you want.

00:03:27:01 - 00:03:33:04
Chris
So, what a great opportunity. Nothing. Nothing spells summertime like, in America quite like that.

00:03:33:06 - 00:03:35:21
Kristen
That's true. What's your story this week, Chris?

00:03:35:23 - 00:04:03:10
Chris
Yeah. So I've been I want to prep our, listeners and our viewers for some fun summer activities with their animals. So, and some previous shows and some upcoming shows, I'm going to be talking a lot about summer stories. Some are products to help pet owners feel really well prepared for the summer. and this was kind of actually based out of a question that got asked and we didn't answer, revolving around ticks and and dogs.

00:04:03:10 - 00:04:30:18
Chris
So this is this is just more of an important PSA. from an article published as as research continues to be developed around ticks and Lyme disease that dogs can actually contract Lyme disease, that is something that is often misconstrued that dogs can't catch the disease, but they can. And it is from the common deer tick, which is I mean, if most people aren't tick experts, the tick you're thinking in your head right now is a deer tick.

00:04:30:20 - 00:04:50:16
Chris
very common. Dogs get them all the time, but with proper care. Tick collars, the, once a month treatment on the back of the neck, the liquid, there's all sorts of stuff. So it's important to note that, you know, a lot of people I've, I've know, you say, oh, I just take the ticks off, you know, after a long walk, I'll just, you know, I'll just remove them.

00:04:50:18 - 00:05:12:23
Chris
That's not necessarily the best practice. It's best to be preventative because Lyme disease can affect your dog. And I know that's not something that anybody wants to happen. So it's an important PSA if you're going to be spending some time in the woods going on long hikes, long walks, bringing your, dog outside, just make sure that you are prepared with any of the great products that are offered.

00:05:13:01 - 00:05:34:17
Chris
If you're confused as to what might be the best offering to protect your dog, this is definitely a question for your pet. Some dogs tend to be allergic to some of the products where they can get irritated. Skin around the affected areas, so if you have questions about the product, that's best. I'm not going to recommend one. Even though we do recommend products on the show, I'm not going to recommend a tick preventive, product.

00:05:34:17 - 00:05:36:18
Chris
That is something that your vet should do.

00:05:36:20 - 00:05:39:20
Kristen
Yes, tulip is on a tick preventative, so she is in good shape.

00:05:39:22 - 00:05:43:10
Chris
Yay! You get to go for big walkies. Tulip in.

00:05:43:10 - 00:05:43:18
Susan
In the.

00:05:43:21 - 00:05:44:20
Chris
Tall grass.

00:05:44:20 - 00:05:52:19
Kristen
Yeah, yeah. If if you were watching the podcast on dog TV, you would have noticed that tulip fell asleep about halfway through your tick tips.

00:05:52:21 - 00:05:57:01
Chris
Yeah. I'm sorry to get educational, everybody. I'll. I'll do a fun one next time.

00:05:57:02 - 00:05:59:00
Kristen
No one is important, though. It's very important.

00:05:59:00 - 00:06:09:06
Chris
It's. Yeah, it's important stuff. Sorry, tulip, for making this news. Tulip. Tulip must have not done well in college. All the late night parties probably slept through their 8 a.m. accounting classes.

00:06:09:07 - 00:06:10:15
Susan
Probably did. Yeah.

00:06:10:17 - 00:06:30:07
Chris
I could relate. well, anyway, so this is where we diverge from our normal programing. I gotta get on the road and get to it. Took us over. Over to the Bronx, to the Arthur Ashe, complex. I think it's a complex. It's not a single stadium. The place is amazing. If you've ever been to the US open, it's where they.

00:06:30:08 - 00:06:40:11
Chris
They've had the Westminster dog show the last couple of years. So I got jet. I got to get on over there and give our listeners an amazing experience. I'm so sad you won't be able to join us.

00:06:40:16 - 00:06:46:07
Kristen
I know, maybe next year. I'm really envious. So have a wonderful time. I know you'll come back with some great stories.

00:06:46:09 - 00:07:11:00
Chris
Yes. And, if you are listening, stick around because I'm going to be giving you some great content straight from the Westminster Dog show. So stick around. Let's. And I'm here at the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The energy's absolutely amazing here in flushing, Queens. I'm surrounded by so many amazing trainers, breeders, showers, veterinarians, judges, groomers.

00:07:11:05 - 00:07:30:18
Chris
It's like the entire pet industry is here under one roof. We're going to be hearing from a lot of eccentric and exciting characters today, so stay tuned for some of those interviews. Day three of the Westminster Dog Show here. Day one for myself. It's my first day here. And of course I roll up to the venue looking like a slob.

00:07:30:22 - 00:07:46:21
Chris
Hair's a mess. I had to park half a mile away, walking through that humid Queens, New York air. luckily, I find myself now in the grooming center of the Westminster Dog Show amongst all these wonderful people, including my new friend Nacho here. He's promised me a makeover.

00:07:46:23 - 00:07:51:00
Nacho
we will try our best. Okay. I don't promise anything, but, you will be safe.

00:07:51:03 - 00:08:03:21
Chris
There we go. That's that's that's what I like to hear. So I think I'm going to sit down in this chair. We're going to see what he could do for me. So not how many, How many? How many years have you been a dog groomer for? I mean, a dog. Can I weather you a lot? Okay.

00:08:04:00 - 00:08:10:18
Chris
Yeah. Go ahead. Let it. Let it soak. Let it soak? Yeah, let it rain. I go to a barber sometimes.

00:08:10:20 - 00:08:28:03
Nacho
so I'm doing this. I'm third generation handler. Okay. the breed of my family is beagles. Okay? He grew up doing, Belgian sheepdog. so I moved to the States six years ago. there's my lovely wife. She might not want.

00:08:28:05 - 00:08:33:02
Chris
She she's she's grinning, gobbling this up, you know?

00:08:33:02 - 00:08:33:22
Nacho
He's okay. We go.

00:08:33:22 - 00:08:39:08
Nacho
With that. so when I started my. That was.

00:08:39:09 - 00:09:01:04
Nacho
I had to go to college. You do this? And since I know how to do it, I just did it, and I love it. It's great. I know a lot of people. I go to a lot of places. I enjoy a lot of food. I a lot of countries, and I love this state. So being here and I will say that's basically why we do great.

00:09:01:06 - 00:09:05:08
Chris
In particular, why do you love coming to Westminster? What makes it different from all the other dogs? Yes.

00:09:05:11 - 00:09:24:00
Nacho
Well, I think it's the best dog show in the walk. It's unique. It used to be in the city. Yes. It's part of the city. Still. It's still technically. The bridges are still there, believe me. So it might take you two hours to get here, but it's okay. People enjoys that. You know, a lot of noises. what is unique?

00:09:24:03 - 00:09:34:03
Nacho
Winning here is unique. We didn't have the chance to. We missing show yet? Maybe one day. We don't know. but everybody loves it. Everybody wants to be here. Everybody wants to be a winner here.

00:09:34:09 - 00:09:48:21
Chris
And so the role of the groomer, clearly important when you're trying to be best in show, winning these awards for how the dog looks, does it ever do you ever feel like you're under pressure to do it a certain way? Do you feel like you have artistic style? Is there a right way to do it? A wrong way to do it.

00:09:48:23 - 00:10:08:05
Nacho
Is both ways to do it. You can do it right now. You can do it wrong. That's true. I think is more basic than one people things you will find. I know a lot of a lot of other breeds that there require a lot of hours. Right. and is more specific. You mean like car or,

00:10:08:07 - 00:10:25:14
Nacho
cold or long? Cold? hours is pretty easy for us, at least that we are used to do it. Maybe for new people, it will be a little harder. but it's just, you know, like, is something that we love and we love to do. And when you love something, you just doing the best way that you can.

00:10:25:14 - 00:10:29:17
Nacho
And sometimes it goes wrong, sometimes it goes wrong. But that's how you learn.

00:10:29:17 - 00:10:30:13
Chris
That's how you learn, right?

00:10:30:16 - 00:10:32:22
Nacho
You learn like that. You if you want that, you.

00:10:32:22 - 00:10:47:04
Chris
There you go. Well, wrong. Well, I could confidently say the one thing everybody shares in common here is that passion, right? You really you really have to have that passion to make it in this, in this universe. It's absolutely incredible. The second I walked in this tent, it's palpable. You can absolutely feel it.

00:10:47:05 - 00:11:04:05
Nacho
We are here about the dogs. We celebrate the dogs. and we love it. We love it. We do this 24 seven. It's a passion. Passion. I don't know how to say it in English. You can put subtitles there. It's okay. it's something that we love. That's great. And it's like we didn't kill life to that.

00:11:04:10 - 00:11:16:04
Chris
Well, thanks for speaking with me, Nacho. I'm going to go ahead and get a makeover. so maybe the next to the next shot, you'll see me, I'll be looking mighty fresh.

00:11:16:06 - 00:11:19:15
Music
No matter where we go.

00:11:19:15 - 00:11:31:22
Music
We know that I love me. If I.

00:11:32:00 - 00:12:02:10
Susan
My name is Susan Nagel. I'm from Fargo, North Dakota, and this is Pete. Pete's eight. his name is a Polish word meaning it spelled pity. It means brightening in the mind and is one of the signs of enlightenment. So when I got him, his first name was Peter. And I wasn't so keen on Peter. So I was actually on a meditation retreat, and they talked about the signs of enlightenment, and one was called Pete, which was a frightened mind.

00:12:02:10 - 00:12:20:02
Susan
And I said, that's it. I got a call. So I was a little bright mind, and he was about four months old when I got him. This is my first obedience dog. He's is a he has just taken me on this trip. He has made it so that we had to build a house. So we had a training area.

00:12:20:04 - 00:12:46:04
Susan
yeah. It's just been this is why I spent all my money and how I spend all my money and wherever I travel to, or what vacations I go on, it's usually because of this guy Pete. Papias and Papias are kind of known to be, like, sort of delicate. So he looks kind of dainty, right? So they usually have a dainty little lock and it's just a little notch and and the nose right in here.

00:12:46:06 - 00:13:18:08
Susan
He has the butterfly ears, but there's another kind of Papillon with the drop ears, and that's a Pauline a drop here. So this is a butterfly ear and the other is called. It's more like a moth ear. They were around in the 15, 1600s. They were the dogs of royalty and they were the dogs. If you see paintings of royalty from France in particular, that they are the dogs that are sitting on their laps, and usually it's the common ear that you see.

00:13:18:10 - 00:13:53:17
Susan
So they been around for hundreds of years as little lap dogs and raiders, Peterson and agility. But and I started to focus more on obedience. So he's just made his way up from the novice title to the open title utility. would you, he's got three options on him. No. Right. he's got, that means obedience trail championship, where they earn points for, mostly for, placing.

00:13:53:19 - 00:14:12:08
Susan
Well, he did really well today. It's a very hard venue because normally in a dog show, there are. It's called a stanchion. And then gating, which is like a cross mark. So they kind of learn where to where their mark is for the goals, for the jumping. And he just couldn't really figure that out because it's all white.

00:14:12:10 - 00:14:18:08
Susan
So he veered off and got a few points off. But he did qualify. I'm really, really proud of him for being in.

00:14:18:08 - 00:14:23:20
Susan
That venue and with all the people around. But yeah, you could see in my lap, oh.

00:14:23:22 - 00:14:38:15
Susan
You know, it's been really fun. It's been really a great environment and very unique to me. And, yeah, super exciting because, I mean, who doesn't know about Westminster? It's been super fun.

00:14:38:17 - 00:15:02:04
Chris
To dog, we've recently launched some historical footage from the Westminster Dog Show. It goes all the way back to when TV was still in black and white. It was absolutely a pleasure to watch some of it myself. but for some more recent history, I sat down with last year's champion, last year's Best in Show for the 147th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

00:15:02:05 - 00:15:27:17
Chris
the dog's name is buddy Holly. The handler is Janice Hayes. I sat with them, so let's hear that interview now. Beyond the Leash exploring the untold stories of pet passion and professionalism. Welcome, everybody. We're here live at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the 148th annual show. I'm joined by Janice Hayes and the lovely buddy Holly, who is last year's best in Show winner.

00:15:27:17 - 00:15:45:11
Chris
Thank you so much for joining us today. so I want to start with your background. There's a lot of people at home who may be looking at their dog and thinking, my dog is perfect. It is so beautiful and I really want to start showing my dog. So how did you get into the sport and how do you sort of arrive, at becoming such a wonderful dog show?

00:15:45:14 - 00:15:47:20
Janice
Well, for me, I started when I was nine.

00:15:47:22 - 00:15:48:04
Chris
Wow.

00:15:48:05 - 00:15:51:03
Janice
So, yeah, there's 30 plus years.

00:15:51:03 - 00:15:52:21
Chris
So it's been, what, 12 years?

00:15:52:23 - 00:16:13:20
Janice
You know, a little over 30 years now. I just fell in love with watching Westminster, so that's kind of how I saw dog shows. And then we ended up getting a puppy that needed to be shown. finding a good breeder is the best place to start. It truly is. Just do your homework, find the breeds. This breed is not for everyone.

00:16:13:22 - 00:16:32:13
Janice
They're headstrong. If you want a golden retriever, this is not for you. Yeah, they. They are hard headed. And he's going to be like, excuse me, but they are hard headed. Like they're a hound. They follow their nose, they do not listen, but they will make you laugh every day. But it's not a breed for everyone. So really figuring out what breed it might be for you.

00:16:32:18 - 00:16:51:08
Janice
AKC has a great site that you can actually look up breeds and find out what temperament might be for you. but I think finding the home of what look, you like what coat do you want to deal with as far as how much they shed, how much they don't? What do you want to live with? A dog that's active and out running every day, or dog that's just going to learn and catch them?

00:16:51:10 - 00:16:56:06
Janice
So you kind of have to get an idea of what you want and then start doing your home.

00:16:56:08 - 00:17:01:18
Chris
Yeah, it's very similar to if you're looking for a pet after this, this dog, regardless, is going to be here.

00:17:01:18 - 00:17:02:06
Janice
No matter what.

00:17:02:08 - 00:17:20:13
Chris
Life. Yeah. So you got to make sure that the personalities match up. And I noticed buddy has been sniffing the couch where many dogs have already sat for interviews. So that hound is definitely coming through strong. Definitely coming through. So, I mean, we all know that Westminster is the big show. This is the big one, right? But, there had to be a lot of events that led up to it.

00:17:20:13 - 00:17:25:09
Chris
So how does one qualify for the big event? where else has buddy been and where has he been shown?

00:17:25:09 - 00:17:47:22
Janice
Yeah, he's been shown around the world, so he's kind of a world traveler. He is. Was born in England. He's been to Ireland, he's been to Australia, and he's been here. So he is definitely world traveler. But we start with shows locally. All right. That's our main start as you started the show locally. And then you kind of it depends on the points to get invited here you have to be the top five of your breed.

00:17:48:01 - 00:18:08:00
Janice
Wow. So that's something he wasn't invited because he hadn't shown here yet. So we had to enter him on the lottery system, which means you just take a chance and enter and hope they get it. It's. I might have had a few panic attacks, try and get him in or didn't and praying and Kevin, everything crossed. But he did get entered.

00:18:08:00 - 00:18:11:05
Janice
But it's really a lottery system for this dog show. It's a hard one.

00:18:11:05 - 00:18:17:18
Chris
To get it. It's tough. So. So you do. You have to be a winner and make the lottery system or just tough just to survive.

00:18:17:18 - 00:18:22:07
Janice
You're in. So that's that's the goal is to at least get a. But when you have a new dog.

00:18:22:07 - 00:18:22:15
Chris
Right.

00:18:22:15 - 00:18:23:14
Janice
And just got there.

00:18:23:14 - 00:18:24:04
Chris
There you go.

00:18:24:05 - 00:18:28:12
Janice
Four months before you got to work a little harder because they have to be a champion as well.

00:18:28:12 - 00:18:34:16
Chris
So but is a bit of a Cinderella story, right? He has pretty, pretty steep odds for being a winner.

00:18:34:18 - 00:18:35:06
Janice
Very much.

00:18:35:06 - 00:18:47:19
Chris
So. That's absolutely amazing. So, obviously there's many stages to the Westminster, there's the breeds, the groups and then the final. So let's let's jump forward and look at that. That group phase, you know you made it through breeds you're arriving at the.

00:18:47:19 - 00:19:05:17
Janice
Breed is the most important okay. Like that is the that is the ultimate. You know it starts at the breed level because you don't get anything else unless you get that breed. And that's where you have the best of the best in your breed. So it's a huge honor to win at the breed level. I always say everything after that is icing on the cake, right?

00:19:05:17 - 00:19:19:18
Janice
Because to me, it's just like if you get out of the breed is already showcasing the best of the breed that year. So for me, it's a huge honor just to win the breed. you get to the group level and then you just have all the competition of.

00:19:19:19 - 00:19:20:02
Susan
All the.

00:19:20:02 - 00:19:21:05
Chris
Best breeds. Yeah.

00:19:21:09 - 00:19:39:18
Janice
So it's it's like it's it's nerve wracking. But to me that's the fun part. It's like, okay, we get to go out there and we show off what a pig we feel represents the best of the breed. So that's to me, the fun part is just getting like him out there, him out on that green carpet. He was like, here we go.

00:19:39:22 - 00:19:41:00
Janice
Hold on lady.

00:19:41:02 - 00:19:56:08
Chris
Like I'm about to show. I'm about to show him. My buddy Holly does that. Yeah. And he I mean, he's got an absolute Hollywood name. Yeah. So that's that's helpful. but let's go back to that moment right before the the award ceremony when they're making that announcement to you. Do you think you even had a shot where you counting?

00:19:56:08 - 00:20:00:08
Chris
Were you sort of counting down? Where you holding your breath? What was that like for you?

00:20:00:10 - 00:20:21:19
Janice
Deep down in the group, I knew the judge was going to appreciate him. I didn't know if we could win it, but I was like, I think I can definitely get it in there with something. And then he just showed he was a little wild and he did a little hops and, you know, but he got it under control and it was just one of those.

00:20:21:21 - 00:20:37:03
Janice
It just felt like magic. And it was just when he pulled me up, he kind of he pulled us out first, like he had the whole cut and pulled us up first. But then he kind of was like, like, we're not done yet. Kind of like calmed. Every now. I was like, oh, he's going to put somebody in front of me.

00:20:37:05 - 00:20:40:16
Janice
like that's what I had in my head. It's like, okay, so we're going to go second.

00:20:40:16 - 00:20:41:17
Chris
We'll just go like he's still.

00:20:41:17 - 00:20:57:20
Janice
Amazing, amazing. And and then he was like stepped back and he's like, that's it. And then I died a little. So he's got so but yeah, it was really exciting because he just it was one of those like, oh we're just going to do it that way. Yeah. So it was really fun.

00:20:57:20 - 00:20:58:03
Chris
And most.

00:20:58:04 - 00:20:59:03
Janice
Beautiful group.

00:20:59:04 - 00:21:08:00
Chris
So it was really that must be an amazing moment. And I feel like it was part of his personality. Helped him kind of cross the finish line there. Yeah, yeah. Sometimes being a little different is helpful.

00:21:08:00 - 00:21:13:18
Janice
It is, it is. And he's he's spunky and he just he can do it all day long. Yeah. He loves it.

00:21:13:18 - 00:21:15:19
Chris
I mean he's rambunctious right now and he's looking around at.

00:21:15:19 - 00:21:27:07
Janice
All the cameras. He looks like he's counting. I can grab those notes and those and he can run and have a good time. That's it. It's like, yeah, sitting on a couch. That's not his way of life. Yeah.

00:21:27:09 - 00:21:34:09
Chris
So now afterwards, buddy, the life of a celebrity. How has life changed a bit now that you're a Best in Show winner this past year?

00:21:34:09 - 00:21:53:00
Janice
Yeah. After Best in Show was a world in, like, we got our photos on the floor, and then I don't think I saw my phone for like, four more hours. It was it was a wild ride. And then we did all the PR and then the next day it was so fun. And then we got home and, it was really fun.

00:21:53:00 - 00:21:58:23
Janice
Our town in Palm Springs just really embraced it. And they made him the canine mayor of Palm Springs.

00:21:59:02 - 00:22:02:10
Chris
Oh, Mr. Mayor, yeah, I didn't, I didn't realize. Hello.

00:22:02:10 - 00:22:28:03
Janice
Kind of a big deal. but yeah, they just really embraced him all the way, and it's just we did the Christmas parade, we did tree lighting, we did some breast cancer walks, and it's just really fun. So people could actually learn what the breed is. Yeah. And their name is not exactly easy to say. So he's been really fun for people to actually recognize the breed and be like, my friend had one of those and I thought they were crazy.

00:22:28:03 - 00:22:29:00
Chris
Yeah. You know.

00:22:29:06 - 00:22:31:16
Janice
Yeah, I was like, that's really what they are.

00:22:31:17 - 00:22:32:07
Chris
That's great.

00:22:32:07 - 00:22:33:08
Janice
Yeah. It's been really.

00:22:33:08 - 00:22:49:19
Chris
So he's sort of become a de facto dog for his own breed, which is, which is absolutely amazing. I think it's super interesting when an unknown breed wins, because it shed so much awareness on the variety and the, the unique universe that is that is Dog World and.

00:22:49:19 - 00:23:06:09
Janice
And they're just dogs. I think that's what a lot of people get confused about is that, yes, we show them and we primp them and make them pretty and they go out and do their thing. But he rolls on the bed and he buries his head and pillows, and he does all the goofy things that everybody's pet does.

00:23:06:09 - 00:23:26:18
Janice
Right? So it's like there are pets, but they're just all so pretty and do all the fun things and structurally correct. But they're just our pets and they're so loved and we, like, spoil them rotten, like nothing happens for me until he's taken care of. Like, it's just that's that's kind of they run our lives, kind of us living a life.

00:23:26:18 - 00:23:41:11
Chris
Absolutely. I think that's a that's a great point. I've had the chance to talk to a lot of celebrities and a lot of dog celebrities and the celebrities. Not always, you know, not always one of us. Yeah, but the dogs, they're always a pet first. Always a pet first. Yes. Which is absolutely.

00:23:41:13 - 00:23:48:01
Janice
And our days just revolve around them. It's just truly our our job is just them is just to make them happy.

00:23:48:01 - 00:23:59:23
Chris
Yeah. And they make us happy too, right. Exactly. And that's that's a good point. So if you're out there listening, watching, if you want your, journey as a dog show or to start, you said the American Kennel Club has.

00:24:00:00 - 00:24:13:14
Janice
Some great resources. Yep. And reach out to anyone. If you go to a show locally, just kind of talk to people. They'll talk to you and give you some places to start. And there's really great resources out there. But definitely, definitely go. You can check.

00:24:13:14 - 00:24:27:20
Chris
Out a show. You never know. Your next dog could be the next buddy Holly, who knows? Well, thank you so much for joining us, Janice. I know you got to get going. Buddy is quite popular, so you gotta you got to go make all your appointments. You're busy, so we're going to let you go. thanks for joining us.

00:24:27:20 - 00:24:35:01
Chris
And, we'll have more from the Westminster Kennel Club dog show soon. Stay tuned.

00:24:35:03 - 00:24:55:08
Theresa
Hi, I am Theresa Belinsky, and, this is my Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, Angela. And we are here from Indianapolis, Indiana. We came to participate in the Masters obedience class. So we just finished up our second class and we're all done for the day. this morning we had a little bit of trouble, so we didn't qualify this morning, but this afternoon we did.

00:24:55:08 - 00:25:18:04
Theresa
We did great. So it's a difficult venue for a young dog. It's very loud and the agility is right next to us and they're very loud. So you start with the basics of sit down, stay, all the things that most people teach their pet dogs. But then you go on and do a lot of other things, like teaching them to heal, which is walk beside you in a very specific position.

00:25:18:06 - 00:25:52:20
Theresa
different paces, different turns. They have to watch you very closely. and then they have to do retrieving of various different things in the different classes. They have to jump, they have to do some scent detection where there's several different things on the floor, and they have to pick up the last one that you touched. in all this, they have to do nearly perfectly with perfect front suits and finishes and, it just it's it's probably the, I will say it is the most precise sport in, AKC competition.

00:25:52:22 - 00:26:13:14
Theresa
Angela is, will continue. We compete in a couple of different obedience trials every month. So about every other weekend, we're at an obedience trial, earning points for various things. And our next big event will be the national obedience championship in July in Wilmington, Ohio. So, Angela is the number one obedience toddler in the country right now.

00:26:13:15 - 00:26:44:05
Theresa
So she got invited to compete there. So we will be there in July. we also do conformation. So probably the first things that her daughter will do, her daughter's name is Jenny. she will start in conformation and start working towards becoming a breed champion also. So hi, I'm Teresa Zielinski and we are here at the 148th Westminster Dog Show.

00:26:44:07 - 00:27:00:10
Chris
We're filming here live from the competition floor. I'm joined by Jesse and Chewbacca, who have just won Best Opposite Sex. Yep, for the Russian. 20th February. Guess so. How's that feel, Jesse? It feels good. This is her first show. Big show? we finished her really, really quick.

00:27:00:10 - 00:27:01:17
Jesse
She's the only Russian toy.

00:27:01:21 - 00:27:05:02
Chris
In the history of the breed to get one out of classes and.

00:27:05:02 - 00:27:09:21
Jesse
Beat three of the top toys in the country to finish, our should have Laurie. And we've won quite.

00:27:09:21 - 00:27:11:20
Chris
A bit with her, but we had to take a break.

00:27:11:22 - 00:27:13:06
Jesse
Because this breed is very.

00:27:13:06 - 00:27:28:17
Chris
Emotional. And while she was in heat, she was starting to nibble on the judges, as they would approach her. So she had to go home for a little bit. Oh that's amazing. And what was the road like to get here? How many competitions did it take before you wound up at Westminster? Shown her about 15 to 20 weeks.

00:27:28:19 - 00:27:31:07
Chris
Is this your first show dog, or is this been a career for you?

00:27:31:07 - 00:27:33:15
Jesse
I started in dogs when I was 15, amazing.

00:27:33:15 - 00:27:43:23
Chris
And I've handled some of the top dogs in the country. Most of them are best in show dogs and number one dogs. That's amazing. Yeah, we hear from a lot of people that they start really, really young with that. So hairstyles for people you are.

00:27:43:23 - 00:27:46:10
Jesse
Which is why I have no hair because high maintenance clients.

00:27:46:12 - 00:27:49:21
Chris
Make me lose my hair. That's great. I could have used you this morning. Yes. that's.

00:27:49:21 - 00:27:50:06
Jesse
Not too.

00:27:50:06 - 00:28:10:22
Chris
Bad. Yeah, it's been humid outside. so you you come all the way. All this way. Where are you from? we live in Weatherford, Texas. Weatherford, Texas. So it's quite the trip. And now you're here. Best opposite sex. what's what's next for Chewbacca and Jesse? We are going to. Where are we going next weekend? We're going to the National Library, and then we'll have a.

00:28:10:22 - 00:28:11:10
Jesse
Show at the end.

00:28:11:10 - 00:28:26:08
Chris
Of the month in Missouri for home. And that's amazing. So big breath of fresh air. Deep breaths. You guys did amazing. Congratulations. Your jacket is fabulous. Everybody wants to know where I got on I don't remember. There we go. You heard it here first. People. You can't get anything like this. This is not off the rack. This is from Houston.

00:28:26:08 - 00:28:46:08
Chris
Somewhere, and it's not off the rack. That's a custom job, obviously. Well, you look amazing. The dog looks amazing. Congratulations so much. Thank you. And, we'll see you back here next year, right? Right. Yeah, absolutely. Thanks. That's at the fun fact about the Westminster Dog Show. They don't just give awards out to dogs. They also rest some laurels upon people.

00:28:46:13 - 00:28:51:01
Chris
I had the opportunity to sit down with this year's veterinarian of the year. Let's check it out.

00:28:51:03 - 00:29:08:05
Treyton
All right, so my name is, treyton. Everyone calls me GI Joe. Is my middle name Diggs. from New Orleans, Louisiana. That's where I have my practice. I'm not a specialist, but I do a lot of reproductive medicine. We call it theory of technology. I also do a lot of orthopedics. I'm not a board certified surgeon, but I do do a lot of orthopedics.

00:29:08:10 - 00:29:29:01
Treyton
So, actually, I was selected as veterinarian of the year by the Western Westminster Kennel Club, for 2024. Well, if we have events like doc diving and agility, there's dogs that could get hurt in those types of things. Unfortunately, whenever there's athletic athletics, there's potential for injury. So veterinarians on staff, veterinarians are on staff for any type of illness that could actually happen.

00:29:29:01 - 00:29:49:11
Treyton
Some dogs can even get simple things like motion sickness from traveling. So far, nutrition is key. knowing how to feed your dog and feeding your dog appropriately. a lot of times we often want to. We see every dog in a dog food commercial. but a lot of times those dogs are overweight, so body condition is key.

00:29:49:13 - 00:30:10:22
Treyton
and also knowing your dog and knowing the breed, and knowing what, type of environmental elements, could be life threatening to them. Like when South where I'm from, heatstroke is really common, especially in the breaking of falling breeds like your French Bulldogs and your Bulldogs, because it gets hot here. Our. When we left Louisiana, yesterday, it was 92 degrees.

00:30:11:00 - 00:30:36:07
Treyton
so we're seeing a lot of, environmental factors already playing into the, like, feeding. Good quality dies. weight management is key. just like obesity in dogs, with obesity in humans, obesity in dogs can cause a lot of, joint issues. the more weight you're bearing on those joints, the more they're jumping up and down in their heavy, heavy, heavier breeds.

00:30:36:09 - 00:31:00:13
Treyton
They can have, they can be predisposed to joint injury from that. So feeding diets that are really good and feeding guys that are rich and host me and join omega six omega three fatty acids, all of those things are important, especially at, when you're working with dog or have working dogs and, athletic dogs. If your dog is a working dog, they should have an appropriate amount of muscle.

00:31:00:15 - 00:31:28:20
Treyton
the right, function of or function of that, that breed. when we're looking for a working dog, you want a dog that's muscled? Good bone. They're strong. their body conformation meets that purpose for that dog. That's what. You know, it's funny. I had no clue that I was actually selected, as was it even nominated for veterinarian of the year until I got a phone call.

00:31:28:22 - 00:31:52:01
Treyton
One day. and a young lady named Anna said, hey, you. Congratulations. You've been selected as a candidate for veterinarian of the year. My clients nominated me. It was not a popularity contest. It was not like we said, hey, if you think we're doing a good job, vote or hit our Instagram is nothing like that. It's totally nominated by clients.

00:31:52:03 - 00:32:10:06
Treyton
and, you know, I'm just really fortunate to have a really good clientele, that thinks highly of me. I guess they see that the work I do doesn't go unnoticed. because I know, honestly, that sometimes I feel like I'm in the trenches because we dedicate a lot of time and energy to do what we do.

00:32:10:06 - 00:32:13:07
Treyton
So I'm just a representative of what all veterinarians.

00:32:13:09 - 00:32:16:20
Chris
Pets and life.

00:32:16:22 - 00:32:45:14
Voice Over
Okay. Introducing a tail wagging trip through time, dog TV proudly presents the Westminster Archive channel dive into a vault of possum programs spanning from the Roaring 20s to today. Every leap, every bark, every triumph now available on dog TV. Join us for endless hours of the greatest shows on Fox only on dog TV. Subscribe today and dog tv.com. Unleash the joy.

00:32:45:16 - 00:32:57:05
Chris
All right, everybody, we're back at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. I'm joined by my new friend Joel, who's a first time judge for this year's competition. Joel, how are you doing today?

00:32:57:06 - 00:32:58:19
Joao
I'm doing well. Thank you for having me.

00:32:58:19 - 00:33:15:07
Chris
Absolutely. Thanks for coming on the show. So, first, I just want to ask a bit about how you became a judge. I'm sure there's plenty of people listening at home wondering. Wow, you must be so lucky to be able to go and look at all these dogs at this level. so how did you get started in judging dogs.

00:33:15:09 - 00:33:39:12
Joao
Then? First, it's really an honor to be in the show. This, this size and this tradition and honor that the will. No, you don't carry forever. Right. But, you know, it all started as being a dog lover. So I always had dogs in my house, grew up with dogs, and, I joined the local kennel club, when I was a teenager.

00:33:39:14 - 00:34:18:09
Joao
and then I got my first pedigree dog and starting understanding about, bloodlines, pedigrees. How do they select for breeding? the importance of being a preservation breeder so those breeds could be preserved for generations to come. That was pretty much the, my calling for for judge. And so I start breeding. I brought some champions. We are, which is some, which are some requirements, for you to become a judge and being the ring evaluating breeding stock is just, privilege.

00:34:18:11 - 00:34:30:20
Joao
And, something that I take very seriously. I like to study standers. the function that this breeds were bred for, and it's just, you know, passion. Big passion. Yeah.

00:34:30:20 - 00:34:39:12
Chris
It sounds like you're, incredibly qualified. So is this is this something that you had some type of of program or education, or is it mostly self-taught?

00:34:39:14 - 00:35:00:21
Joao
So, in, in one moment when you breed so you have your mentors, so you learn a lot from your mentors. It's good. one of the things that I would recommend first, when you start breeding is to have a mentor, someone that would help you, will guide you and will teach you. Then you read, then you seek, you know, you look, you go to dog show.

00:35:00:21 - 00:35:35:23
Joao
So you look what, you know, the the breed that you have chosen to breed. you can see the different types. You can see what you like, what you dislike. And, that's in that increment your experience and make that, I would say a guide line for, for your breeding. And then knowing that when judging, for example, the American Kennel Club will provide you many, possibilities, like, having a mentor going kennel visit, breed seminars that are in many different parts of the country.

00:35:36:04 - 00:35:41:08
Joao
And you take advantage of that and learn and, expand your knowledge.

00:35:41:11 - 00:35:56:16
Chris
That's amazing. And before we sat down for the interview, you were telling me that you're originally from Brazil. That's right. And you were the first, Brazilian judge at Westminster, is that correct? Yes. That's correct. Congratulations. That's amazing. What's it like for you, in this moment to sort of represent your country?

00:35:56:18 - 00:36:36:07
Joao
Westminster? I, I am beyond, honored and happy to be, like the marketing team said the first Brazilian to be in this, platform. And, to be able to have been living here in the U.S because I moved to here from my job a few years now. and being selected, to be here, you couldn't imagine how, I cried when I got my ladder, you know, had, invited me to to come and, and represent Brazil, which is also, a big pet market in the world, today.

00:36:36:13 - 00:36:41:13
Joao
And, it's just an honor to be here and, and be able to represent my country.

00:36:41:15 - 00:36:44:13
Chris
That's amazing. So, which, category will you be judging today?

00:36:44:13 - 00:37:05:06
Joao
So, I've been here as a toy. Okay. Judge a specialist. I and my assignment is, to judge Chihuahuas, both varieties, which is the breed that I breed. There you go. Okay. Miniature pinchers. Russian toys, Italian greyhounds and Pomeranians. Amazing.

00:37:05:06 - 00:37:14:18
Chris
And so you said you bred Chihuahuas. You're here specifically to judge them. What are some qualities in a prize? champion, Chihuahua that you that you look for when you're judging?

00:37:14:18 - 00:37:38:22
Joao
So we look, we would say that we have a point system, so the two hours should have, you know, that apple domed had, you know, nice ride around eyes, large ears. They should be compact because it's the small but smallest breed, right? Not compared with other Chihuahuas, but compared to other breeds. they should have. Temperament. The terrier like qualities of temperament.

00:37:39:04 - 00:38:05:19
Joao
A Chihuahua should be in the ring. Interested? What's going around them? interested in people? Interested in other dogs as well? they should be off square. No. So not long. Not rectangular. Not square, but off square in proportion. They should be kind of a little working dogs in terms of movement with a nice reach and drive. And today, what was the first part of my assignment?

00:38:05:19 - 00:38:13:07
Joao
I have had the luck, you know, being the luckiest judge to to have a very nice entry of top quality Chihuahuas.

00:38:13:07 - 00:38:33:17
Chris
That's amazing. So if you are interested in, breeding, if you're interested in getting involved in dog showing, this is our second guest to the American Kennel Club as a resource, so check that out. Find yourself a mentor, visit some of the shows, see some of these prize dogs. And who knows, maybe you'll end up in Joe's chair yourself one day as a judge.

00:38:33:19 - 00:38:36:18
Chris
so thank you so much for joining us. Good luck judging the competition.

00:38:36:18 - 00:38:37:22
Joao
Thank you so much.

00:38:38:00 - 00:38:39:07
Chris
it was great having you on the show today.

00:38:39:08 - 00:38:44:00
Joao
It was. I wanted to be here. Thank you so much. All right.

00:38:44:02 - 00:39:10:02
Christine
My name is Christine Longnecker. This is Miles, my dog, and we are from Erie, Pennsylvania. He is an All American, Miles, an All American, which means. Well, he's actually a rescue mutt. That means he's a mixed breed, but he's a rescue overnight. It's been absolutely incredible. the New York Times came out, to spend a day with us early last week.

00:39:10:04 - 00:39:32:13
Christine
and they wrote this absolutely wonderful piece about him and took some absolutely amazing photos. and it blew up a little bit because I think, I think everybody likes a good story of, of a dog that was supposed to be an adoptable, that he managed to make his way to Westminster on top of just having a completely normal life and being super active.

00:39:32:13 - 00:39:55:07
Christine
It's just been it. It's been quite the ride this week. I have never seen him on Adoptable Day in his life, but the shelter tells me that before, before I came, he would jump at the front of his kennel. He was never quiet and they had adopted him out a few times. He'd been brought back. They said he wasn't allowed to be around children, other dogs, cats, people.

00:39:55:09 - 00:40:26:12
Christine
Your husband, anybody. and he had grabbed the Carhartt jacket, apparently, of one of the volunteers ripped it. But the day I went to the the shelter, it was actually I, I do I have an animal communication business. and he was the first animal I ever talked to. he he quietly came up to the front of the kennel, sat down and looked at me with those liquid brown eyes, and I heard, clear as day, I just want to be a good boy.

00:40:26:14 - 00:40:54:13
Christine
And I felt this incredible sadness in him as like, he just he just wanted to do the right thing. and and I just my heart shattered into a million pieces and I took him home that day. I have had him since April of 2018. So a little over six years he was in because he's mutts. He you know, he can't compete against those purebreds on Monday and Tuesday.

00:40:54:15 - 00:41:18:11
Christine
so he was here for the agility competition. This is actually his second year here. He came last year and he's back this year to qualify for the Westminster agility competition. You have to have a mark which is your master agility championship. and so he actually has two marks and he's working towards his third, and so that's, that's all you need to qualify.

00:41:18:11 - 00:41:39:04
Christine
And then you have to get super lucky with overnighting your entry and getting in before everybody else. and thankfully, we've been lucky two years in a row. Hi, my name is Christine Longnecker. This is Miles, and we are here at the 148th Westminster Dog Show. Service.

00:41:39:06 - 00:41:55:10
Chris
Walking around the Westminster Dog Show, the energy is absolutely palpable. People come from all over the world to either spectate or show their dogs, or even judges. Here's another one of those interesting characters now, Beyond the Leash exploring the untold stories of pet passion and professionalism.

00:41:55:12 - 00:42:17:03
Alyssa
Hi, my name is Alyssa Fenton. and this is Aria and the copilot, and we are from Richmond, Virginia. So these are Shetland sheep dogs. They're also known as shelters. and they're in the herding group. Aria will be 12 in a month and copilot is just shy of eight. Today they competed in agility, the Masters agility championship here in Westminster.

00:42:17:05 - 00:42:41:21
Alyssa
We did great. Are you got second in jumpers today and copilot double cute. Oh, they are so excited. Every time we go out. Whether it's training competition. Aria especially has done a lot of agility. She has been to, world team tryouts and a bunch of big competitions, and she can feel the energy in the air. so competition especially really jazzes her up.

00:42:41:23 - 00:43:09:00
Alyssa
copilot loves it. He just, has a great time with my husband. copilot is working on Mach two. Aria is working on her pack three, which is her preferred agility championship. she has 11 marks and a grand championship, and, is working on her third preferred championship. So, regular trialing for now. and then we'll look into AKC National agility championships next year.

00:43:09:02 - 00:43:28:15
Alyssa
The experience has been wonderful. We'll enjoy coming back. the energy is so much fun and these guys have had a great time. We would love to have a couple of our other dogs join us as well next year. Hopefully we'll get in. we have 11 shelters and one Australian shepherd. I am a veterinarian breeder owner handler.

00:43:28:15 - 00:43:55:03
Alyssa
So, copilot is actually a breed grand champion as well as, we keep them in top health with nutrition. conditioning is really important for these guys. I also am lucky enough to be a veterinary chiropractor. So, these guys stay in top shape because they get adjusted regularly, enjoy it, enjoy every run, enjoy every minute because these guys love it.

00:43:55:03 - 00:44:02:02
Alyssa
And you need to love it too. Don't ever let the stress get to you. It's always about fun with your dog. these.

00:44:02:02 - 00:44:05:00
Alyssa
Guys are only with us for a short time, and so it's super.

00:44:05:00 - 00:44:14:13
Alyssa
Special through all of the seasons with them.

00:44:14:15 - 00:44:35:16
Chris
So finally getting a little bit of a break here amongst the excitement, finding a little quiet space as they, swap between categories here at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. There's over 1300 dogs here at the event today. It's absolutely amazing. As a cat owner myself, I can't help but to think, why can't my can't come? Which should be intimidated by all these animals.

00:44:35:16 - 00:44:54:16
Chris
Would she be able to compete? I mean, I think she's a perfect princess, but I'm not so sure the judges would agree. Maybe next year I'll bring her along and see if we could get some ratings and reviews from these professionals. But until then, I'm just going to have to give her my own personal accolade of the best cat in the world.

00:44:54:18 - 00:44:59:17
Chris


00:44:59:18 - 00:45:22:05
Eric
My name is Eric. Sorry, pet. this is my dog, Liz Lemon. And, we live in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. right. Downtown, with my wife and, my son, which I just had a month ago. So. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. So I was lucky enough to be able to still come to Westminster. She competed in both agility and, jumpers, and we came in clean in both.

00:45:22:05 - 00:45:42:04
Eric
We have a double Q ribbon here to prove it. So. Yeah, she did very well today. Yeah. I'm I'm excited about it. We just wanted to make sure we were getting off on the right foot. She's a rescue. So we took her to an obedience class and we just saw her just after the information. So she kind of developed this trick for treats relationship.

00:45:42:04 - 00:45:58:15
Eric
And I always tell people, I say I only see her as much as Shirley and she keeps eating. So we just kept we kept figuring out new things. She did the obedience, in a few classes, and we start a couple more classes, like, what's this agility thing all about? So we started doing that, and that's when I got hooked.

00:45:58:17 - 00:46:16:16
Eric
And, and working with her, you develop this connection that you can't mimic in really any other sport. you know, it's amazing to do a blind cross and just know you're not. They call blind for a reason. You're your eyes are off your dog, and you know that your dog's going to be right where you look next.

00:46:16:16 - 00:46:46:06
Eric
And it's this connection that doesn't happen, you know, with anything else. So it's a lot of fun. but yeah, so that would be about 5 to 6 years of training. And then, so yeah, probably 20 2017, 2018 is when we kind of started and we got to Westminster in 2022. So yeah, four to 4 or 5 years to get to the competing level.

00:46:46:08 - 00:47:05:08
Eric
but I'm sure with the next dog it'll probably go a little faster. You know, there's growing pains in my novice dog since my first dog that I've ever trained. And so you learn some tricks and next time it'll be a little short for us. class and training is actually the most fun because we can treat her immediately, right when she does the correct thing.

00:47:05:10 - 00:47:27:18
Eric
So she loves being correct. And so at trials, it's a little more difficult because there's a lot of, outside influences that happen, whether it's other dogs, other people, or tons of noise. and so she can't get that instant gratification. So if something stresses her out, we can't tell her it's okay until the runs over. So things can start to break down.

00:47:27:18 - 00:47:46:00
Eric
And so you need to, basically make trialing as fine as class. And so that's kind of the whole trick to, to getting into competitive agility. But yeah, Liz lets me know when she's doing her refills in class. It's the only time she drools because she knows she's getting the biggest jackpot when she gets down in the weeds.

00:47:46:00 - 00:47:53:01
Eric
So she'll look up at me and a whole pile of drool and go flying by. Which is a it's an amazing feeling.

00:47:53:03 - 00:48:17:02
Chris
The product of the week. This week's product of the week. The pup pup pup pup product of the week is not really a product. It's not a tangible asset, but we keep on hearing it. While we're here at Westminster, it's the American Kennel Club. If you or a loved one or somebody you know wants to get involved in dog showing, dog breeding, it's a one stop resource for you to get started.

00:48:17:06 - 00:48:36:19
Chris
I've heard a lot of great advice about resources that could help you select the breed, help you connect with breeders, even find yourself a mentor and start going to some local shows. So if you'd like to get started in the dog show world and it's a crazy world, believe me, that's your best resource. So check out the AKC online.

00:48:36:21 - 00:49:05:08
Valerie
my name is Doctor Valerie Beale, and this is Piper. Her full name is, East Coast Peace. Like a piece of my heart. And, you're from Vero Beach, Florida. Well, this is my first trip to Westminster. Agility. And I'm honored to be here. But it's been a dream since six years ago, when Kip, as mom and I only handled one of ribbon, at Westminster in conformation.

00:49:05:10 - 00:49:36:18
Valerie
And when I saw agility, I dreamed of doing that as well, and made that dream come true today because we not only qualified, but she got fourth place ribbons and jumpers. So that was fabulous. Even though I had a solo veterinary practice almost every morning at, oh, dark 30. I, I've a very tiny backyard near the beach, but we go and practice our contacts and we call and we do at least 1 or 2, but she does many other sports as well, so.

00:49:36:18 - 00:49:58:23
Valerie
And I keep her fit. She actually does, I call it grapefruit interval training. I ride my horse and I say brake, and she runs with my horse, which helps keep her in really good condition and other that each of my dogs are brand champions, and her mother is ten and a half years old and very healthy and active.

00:49:59:01 - 00:50:24:12
Valerie
so, you know, I think first and foremost you need good structure. so, you know, Pip is it's shocking because she's a grand champion, which means she needs to breed standard, but yet she can do the work that the breed was intended to do, like she has advanced titles in sheep herding, in karting. It's called draft. Told her cart.

00:50:24:14 - 00:50:53:07
Valerie
and a lot of other sports. Well, our our dream goal. She she got her agility championship. But I really want an agility grand championship. Yep. And, that's, I don't know if that's ever been done with a breakout that before. So that's our main goal and longevity. And puppies, these next year, maybe.

00:50:53:09 - 00:51:11:23
Chris
It's been an absolute blessing being able to stay here at the Westminster Dog Show today. The atmosphere is been absolutely electric here. You can see behind me the calm before the storm. They are counting down as we speak to that Best in Show award. I'm going to be going back to Stamford before then. Unfortunately, I got to beat the traffic and that announcement is not coming till later.

00:51:11:23 - 00:51:26:06
Chris
So that's going to be it for me. We'll see you next week. Pets at life your guide to the latest in pet trends, products and the joy of the human animal bond with Christine Levine and Chris Bonafide. Powered by the American Pet Products Association and Dog TV.