Dogs and Hemlines at the Westminster Kennel Club
Last night we watched the Westminster Kennel Club’s best of show award. The nation’s top dog show sold out Madison Sq Garden, all 18K seats. It’s odd to see middle aged people in black ties in a sports arena. A few blocks away, in Bryant Park, the country’s leading fashion show had just wound down. The proximity of thoroughbreds parading is one of life’s conveniences.
Sprigally, our dog wasn’t allowed to watch all those pedigreed canines strutting their stuff. We didn’t want her to suffer rejection, the trauma of seeing her over achieving cousins succeed while she, a mere mutt, could only press her nose up against the TV screen.
International politics were set aside for the night and Carlee, a German shorthaired pointer, was declared the winner. She was gorgeous beating out 2,500 other dogs in seven different categories.
Less attractive were the dog handlers. It’s a pity they were too busy preparing their charges to stroll a few blocks north for some fashion tips. They would have learned how to put an outfit together that show cased their four legged aspirants. Too often a sleek, earth toned dog would be led around by a rotund, short skirted matron with glasses. Not a winning combination. Since perception is important at this rarified level, owners may want to help their handlers out with a clothing allowance. When you’re spending all that money pampering your dog, you should set a few bucks asise for wardrobe and a diet regiment.
The two shows were a study in contrast in other ways. Several hundred flighty glitterati attended the nightly fashion parade, but thousands went to the dog show. While Westminster Club members are largely a displaced gentry that now resides in the suburbs, the rest of crowd seemed like real folk. Picking up after your mutt will do that. On the other hand the runway crowd with their tight, pierced bodies covered in tatoos, looked like renegades from some post industrial assembly.
Around 11 the show ended and it was time to take Sprigally out. I put on my Armani and we strutted our stuff in Riverside Park.