My Dog Show Dreams

I have been obsessive about my love for dogs since childhood. My family did not own dogs growing up with the exception of the two times we got puppies, and then they were given to new homes shortly after. This broke my heart and also increased my love/need to have my own. I started rescuing every dog that appeared to be lost, bringing them home until the owner was located. I collected postcards showcasing different breeds that I kept in a photo album. I poured obsessively over encyclopedia articles until I knew everything I could absorb about different dogs. I could ID any dog breed I saw on TV or in real life. I watched dog shows, shows about dogs and dreamed of being a dog handler or veterinarian. When I was old enough (and responsible enough) I got my own dog: a Rottweiler who I absolutely adored. Unfortunately, my life after college was not stable enough for me to keep her, so my parents took her in. I now have Stella, a Boston Terrier who is the joy of our entire family. All of this brings me to the moment I received an opportunity to attend the Beverly Hills Dog Show Presented by Purina..

I’m sure it will come as no surprise I accepted without hesitation! It was a star-studded event with John O’Hurley, Maria Menounos, celeb vet, Dr. Evan Antin, and I even spotted Bo Derek in the crowd! Nothing thrilled me more than snuggling with all the dogs, including the competing breeds and Instagram-famous guest pups. Champion breeds from all over the country came to compete in this prestigious event. The breeds compete in group categories made up of characteristics they were originally bred for such as working dogs, sporting, non-sporting, etc. The winner from each group then competes for the title of Best in Show.

 

Dr Antin and Broadway Producer Paul Lambert

The grand prize winner of this years Beverly Hills Dog Show was a very handsome Wire Fox Terrier Named King. King who is from Brazil was one of my favorites and I had the pleasure of meeting him and his handler post win! Here he is Doing a Victory Lap.

 

Beverly Hills Dog Show Co-Host John O’Hurley

Also, in celebration of the Beverly Hills Dog Show, Purina invites dog lovers across the world to share the positive impact dogs make in our lives through the “Every Dog is a Star” program. To participate, dog owners are encouraged to post a photo or video on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram showing how their dog is the true star of the family. For every original post submitted between now and April 8, using the hashtag #BHDogShow and tagging @Purina, Purina will donate $5, up to $25,000, to Mutt-i-Grees to help expand the program to more schools around the country. Mutt-i-Grees, a program run by North Shore Animal League America, shows children the positive impact pets can have on their lives and teaches them important life skills such as empathy, friendship and kindness through interaction with shelter dogs.

 

THANK YOU TO PURINA AND THE BEVERLY HILLS DOG SHOW FOR PARTNERING ON THIS POST