Going to the Dogs

So.... congratulations to Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee! Affectionately known as Stump, this Sussex Spaniel won the 2009 Westminster Kennel Club's Best in Show last night.



Apparently the USA network gets its highest ratings all year when airing this Dog Show. I realize that it takes a little effort to understand (or care about) what is going on, and last night, watching with some people who had never watched before (including some young 20-somethings), made me acutely aware of how important that little bit of effort is.

All they're doing is walking them around; that's stupid (they're showing the dog's gait and form in motion). That dog is ugly; that's stupid (it was bred to look that way for a specific purpose). That dog's too small; that's stupid (it was bred to get into holes to catch vermin). They should make them jump hurdles; this is stupid (that's another sport - Agility). What are they? Just professional dog walkers; that's stupid (no, they are professional handlers - more like a coach, or even a jockey). They should judge those stupid dog walkers; that's stupid (they do, but not at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show). Those little dogs can't save lives or do any work; they're stupid (no, they were bred for a different reason, like killing vermin, hunting fox, companionship, or acting as "alarm" dogs).

I guess there are situations where I react the same way - when I don't take the time to completely understand all that is going on. Oh well, if nothing else, a lesson learned.

Of course, Stump may have won Best in Show, but Travis is still my favorite.