2011 marks the 10th Anniversary of the National Dog Show.  This is one of the few remaining “benched” shows in the country.  A benched show requires that the dogs remain in their assigned benching area when not being shown in the ring.  This gives the spectators attending the show an opportunity to meet the dogs and learn about the breeds and responsible pet ownership.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to see dogs in person that you may have only ever seen on TV or in pictures…and you might just get a few kisses along the way!  On Saturday the show opened at 8:30 AM with the loud speakers playing “Who Let the Dogs Out?” followed by our National Anthem.  Of course, there was a good bit of barking and howling during both!  By mid-morning, the Greater Philadelphia Convention Center was filled with folks who were ooohing and ahhhhing over the fabulous dogs in the show!  In this image a little girl gets to know an Irish Wolfhound.  Be there for all the action from The National Dog Show on NBC at noon on Thanksgiving Day! 

All this week I’ll be posting behind the scenes images from The National Dog Show in Philadelphia on November 19th.  The show was taped and will be shown at noon on NBC immediately following the Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving Day, 11/24.  Seeing the show in person is a blast!  I especially love to watch how the show evolves and what goes into making the TV production.  In this image you see Ernesto Laura and his Tibetan Spaniel being filmed by the “Steady Cam”.  When you watch the show on Thanksgiving, you’ll see close-ups of each dog as they begin Group competition.  Some of the dogs really ham it up in front of the Steady Cam and others are afraid of the camera.  The audience in the arena has fun watching the TV monitors to see the dogs’ faces up close and personal as they are being filmed!  When the dogs react to the camera, the audience reacts as well!  Be sure and watch for your favorite breed’s close up on Thanksgiving Day!

As we settle into the cold, gray days of winter, I thought that a splash of color was in order!   Ahhh….the warm, sunny and bright days of summer are absolutely depicted in this dog handler’s clothing…..pink and white dress, bright pink jacket, pink ribbon around her hat and even a pink watch!  Doesn’t her Bullmastiff look content in this image?  He almost looks like he’s dozing off……time to strut your stuff for the judge big guy —
look alert!  🙂

Gary Veach is an excellent all-breed judge for the Cat Fanciers’ Association.  When I attend a cat show – whether to photograph or just as a spectator – I evaluate each judge to see which I feel will do the best job of educating me about the cats I’m about to see that day.  Gary Veach is one of the best I’ve seen.  Not only does he spend extra time interacting with each cat that he judges, but he is also sensitive to the fact that not every person watching is an owner/handler with a cat entered in the show.  Gary takes time to talk about the breed characteristics and explain the basics for those of us who are just learning about cat shows and what it takes to be a champion.  In this image, Gary gets a nose rub from a sweet kitten at the CFA show in Easton, Pa. last month.

Cold nose and wagging tail.  A combination that can bring hope, faith, and smiles to patients in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes.  Just ask David Frei.   David shares his life and his dogs with patients every day and tells countless heartwarming stories about their visits in his new book, “Angel on a Leash – Therapy Dogs and the Lives They Touch”.  It’s a wonderful book … definitely keep a box of tissues nearby as you read it.  In fact, this one might even be a “two boxer” –  pun intended!  The book can be purchased through Amazon.com – here’s a link:  http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Leash-Therapy-Lives-Touch/dp/193548463X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320759181&sr=1-1
Above is a photo of David and Grace and below is his special Princess “Angel” – both therapy dogs who are changing lives!