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Photos: Westminster Hopefuls Rest Their Paws 12 Stories Up
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Feb 12, 2012
Modified Feb 12, 2012
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Feb 12, 2012
Modified Feb 12, 2012
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The life of a show dog is far removed from that of Joe Mutt, and not always in a good way—when they're not subject to constant coiffing, they're traveling around the world to be poked, prodded, and yes, judged. Being the best of a breed is tough, so the folks at The Spot Experience reserved a suite at the Affinia near MSG for the pups competing in the 136th annual Westminster Dog Show next week to unwind—and give them an evacuation oasis away from the bustle of Manhattan.
Though we are Westminster rookies (we're learning) most of the owners and handlers we spoke to were quite friendly and eager to talk about their dogs and the experience of competing. There were, however, a few that fit the Best In Show mold: we asked one man the breed of his dog, a tiny, black, shivering bag of bones, and were met with an icy stare and a flick of his cigarette. A woman who identified herself as a handler broke up a lively sniffing session with a stern warning to another handler whose charge was getting too close: "You have to keep those on a short leash cause my dog will eat your dog."
"Those people, some of them are awful," Cornelia King told us, referring to the more ruthless competitors. King, who brought her giant schnauzer Skansen's Holy Knight ("Knight" for short) from Radford, Virginia, says she's here to have fun. "I try not to take it too seriously." Maybe she can rest easier than others because Knight is currently ranked as the number one male giant schnauzer in the country.
As the dogs filtered in and out, the astroturf began getting funky (if only it could talk: what's it like being pooped on by so many celebrity dogs?) and the staff gave it a few splashes of disinfectant to modest results. A tiny chinese crested named Casey jumped on our leg and nuzzled out thigh. "She's a city dog, she likes the city life," owner Clair Wisch said. We looked across the street and saw a giant ad for Absolut Orient Apple, then back down at Casey, who had popped a squat, unimpressed. A city dog indeed.
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doggie spa
dogs
dogs are our beat
intense dog competitors
katie sokoler
pampered pets
pee pad
puppies
westminster dog show
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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