Dog Days and Valentine's Day
February in the City means two things: the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, and Valentine's Day. If this were New Jersey, I'd add in the Big Apple Sporting Society and GSA Specialty dog shows as well, but it's Manhattan so I'll keep from "straying" too far.
In addition to being a former Long Islander, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show (WKC or "the Garden show") means a lot to me. I competed in this champions-only show five times in a row - well, my dog competed; I was just along to translate the judge's commands. Just getting in to the show means your dog is a Champion (unless you're a Junior Handler, and I'm far from a junior anything). Now that my dog is gone and Zoot the wonder-cat is my companion, I still satisfy my dog-show jones in two ways. One is my club's show on Long Island, and the other is by attending the Big Show at The Garden.
This year was cold and the snow started during Day Two's events, but I wouldn't miss it. The gorgeous Akita from the Working Group was my hope, and the Dandie Dinmont from Terriers was the favorite but it turned out that the judge picked a nice English Springer Spaniel, though I've not always found that dog's handler to always be nice when in competition against her. Oh well - can't hold the handler against the dog, or the dog against the handler.
As far as the Day After the Dog Show, it was Valentine's Day. Jay had selected a gift for delivery on the day of hearts, but the snow-and-ice event caused whatever that was to not appear. Jay spent days trying to reach the company by phone, growing more frustrated as they charged his credit card without actually delivering anything. Today, President's Day, two dozen roses arrived thanks to Jay's giving up on The Item and calling a florist. They are gorgeous, even if the story behind them is uncomfortable yet interesting....
In addition to being a former Long Islander, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show (WKC or "the Garden show") means a lot to me. I competed in this champions-only show five times in a row - well, my dog competed; I was just along to translate the judge's commands. Just getting in to the show means your dog is a Champion (unless you're a Junior Handler, and I'm far from a junior anything). Now that my dog is gone and Zoot the wonder-cat is my companion, I still satisfy my dog-show jones in two ways. One is my club's show on Long Island, and the other is by attending the Big Show at The Garden.
This year was cold and the snow started during Day Two's events, but I wouldn't miss it. The gorgeous Akita from the Working Group was my hope, and the Dandie Dinmont from Terriers was the favorite but it turned out that the judge picked a nice English Springer Spaniel, though I've not always found that dog's handler to always be nice when in competition against her. Oh well - can't hold the handler against the dog, or the dog against the handler.
As far as the Day After the Dog Show, it was Valentine's Day. Jay had selected a gift for delivery on the day of hearts, but the snow-and-ice event caused whatever that was to not appear. Jay spent days trying to reach the company by phone, growing more frustrated as they charged his credit card without actually delivering anything. Today, President's Day, two dozen roses arrived thanks to Jay's giving up on The Item and calling a florist. They are gorgeous, even if the story behind them is uncomfortable yet interesting....
posted by Val Smith at
1:17 PM
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