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TribalRats · 02-08-2007, 03:07 PM

Pooches put on the dog at Westminster

By STEVE DALE Special to the Times
Published February 8, 2007

Judges on American Idol could learn something from the judges at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

"Dog show judges conduct themselves with decorum," says Lester Holt, of CNBC-TV and Weekend Today. After missing last year's event, Holt returns with David Frei, director of communications for the Westminster Kennel Club, to host the USA Network broadcast of the legendary show, which airs at 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday from New York's Madison Square Garden.

"Animals and children are the great equalizers," Holt says. "Even Simon Cowell would be a little kinder and gentler, and maybe even melt as that dog wags a tail."

But, as venerable dog show announcer Frei adds, "You never know what can happen. First off (the contestants) are dogs, of course. But the setting is tough to handle for some: 18,500 screaming fans. Living in a hotel room. Having to deal with the sights, sounds and smells of Manhattan, it's sure a change."

So some dogs expected to shine at Westminster may not, simply because they don't love New York. Others will fit right in. "I actually think some are, well, naturally showmen," Holt says. They love the adulation. Some past winners show up and sign "pawtographs."

Of course, Westminster features the best of the best. Each of the 20 top-ranked dogs in the country will be there (in fact, more than 90 of the top 100 ranked dogs).

This will be the 131st annual Westminster Dog Show. Only one sporting event, the Kentucky Derby, has been around longer.

02-08-2007, 03:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
TribalRats Take Responsibility Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Central Valley, CA Posts: 3,327 Rep Power: 145	Pooches put on the dog at Westminster Pooches put on the dog at Westminster By STEVE DALE Special to the Times Published February 8, 2007 Judges on American Idol could learn something from the judges at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. "Dog show judges conduct themselves with decorum," says Lester Holt, of CNBC-TV and Weekend Today. After missing last year's event, Holt returns with David Frei, director of communications for the Westminster Kennel Club, to host the USA Network broadcast of the legendary show, which airs at 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday from New York's Madison Square Garden. "Animals and children are the great equalizers," Holt says. "Even Simon Cowell would be a little kinder and gentler, and maybe even melt as that dog wags a tail." But, as venerable dog show announcer Frei adds, "You never know what can happen. First off (the contestants) are dogs, of course. But the setting is tough to handle for some: 18,500 screaming fans. Living in a hotel room. Having to deal with the sights, sounds and smells of Manhattan, it's sure a change." So some dogs expected to shine at Westminster may not, simply because they don't love New York. Others will fit right in. "I actually think some are, well, naturally showmen," Holt says. They love the adulation. Some past winners show up and sign "pawtographs." Of course, Westminster features the best of the best. Each of the 20 top-ranked dogs in the country will be there (in fact, more than 90 of the top 100 ranked dogs). This will be the 131st annual Westminster Dog Show. Only one sporting event, the Kentucky Derby, has been around longer.
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