The Dog of the Year Is...

It's over and the German shorthaired pointer won the coveted James Mortimer Memorial Trophy after being named best in show at the 129th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last night. The dog was a five year old named Carlee gave handler Michelle Ostermiller her second straight best in show; winning last year with a Newfoundland. After winning the herding group, the pointer blew away the competition in the best in show category.

The victory was basically sealed when the pointer was given its two minutes in front of the judge to "strut its stuff". However, it was the way the dog didn't strut which made the decision easy. Pointers are of course hunting dogs trained to point at prey when seen, and this dog pointed perfectly infront of the judge, doing nothing but concentrating on the handler and not moving any muscle in its body. A perfect showing provided the perfect ending for Carlee.

Like Bill Simmons likes to say, "there's comedy, there's high comedy, and there there's" the announcers at the Westminster Dog Show. One of the reasons (perhaps the only reason) this event is so enjoyable and entertaining to watch is because you get to hear things like, "this dog has a rollicking temperment" which is like saying kids with caffeine are hyper. Even during the best in show competition; the announcers were providing us with laughs. The "analyst" for the event was cheering for a Norfolk Terrior named Coco because just six months ago, she gave birth to three puppies; Tom, Dick, and Harry. "After taking time off for motherhood, this dog has come back to perform and is doing a great job; a wonderful story", are you kidding me? Lighter moments also came when the two announcers were describing how the dogs would have to perform in the best in show category, how they have to play to the crowd, and what to do when infront of the judge. We were also told many of the dogs, among other things, were funny, mischievous, sweet, caring, friendly, had great senses of humor, smart, and curious. How they can tell these things, I have no idea, but that's why I watch and don't announce. The announcers also have the great ability to state with great conviction that all of the dogs were handsome or beautiful. Now, I like dogs but I can't stand looking at some of them. At any rate, no matter how the competition went, or how funny the announcers were when they weren't supposed to be; I enjoy watching the competition.

To finish, just some jokes about the competition being at Madison Square Garden; I went to a Knicks game and a dog show broke out, It's sad when a two dog dog show brings in more fans than a month of Knick games, Finally Madison Square Garden had the best point in the country in the building (the German shorthair), and There hasn't been that much crap in the Garden since the last Knicks game. Now you all know why I will never have a career in comedy writing!

-Until next time...