NATIONAL DOG SHOW

I’ve seen stuffiness in clergy, in politics, in various sports, in business leaders, in vain Hollywood, in sausages, in eating at Ted’s in Oklahoma City and Christmas stockings, English royalty, and a snake swallowing stolen chicken eggs… but nothing much more stuffy than entrants and judges at the Westminster Dog Show. Oh, my.

First of all… I have never heard of most of the breeds represented and judged. For 147 years this show has continuously been showing dogs. “There are seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Group competition occurs during the evenings. The seven Group winners advance to Best in Show, the final round of the show. During Best in Show, also held at Madison Square Garden, a judge will select one of judging them as the Best In Show winner.” (Wikipedia)

I was totally worn out about a fifth of the way through this deal. I didn’t understand the dogs, handlers, owners, judges or anything else much. I know what a doggie looks like, have owned dogs of various kinds, but this was as over my head as the costume on a cardinal at the Vatican. It was just a little too stuffy. I am sure plenty of folks had a different experience than stuffy.

Here’s a shocker: ‘They get trophies, ribbons and bragging rights, but winners receive no cash prizes for their performances.’ Go figure? Now that truly is stuffy.

“It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” “Dear woman,” Jesus said to her, “your faith is great. Your request is granted.” Jesus