If you're like me and my dog, you were glued to the telelvision set last night and will be again this evening. It's Westminster time and the best dogs representing their breeds compete head to head for the best in show.
But if you're not new to this show, you'll realize that something is missing: the Pedigree sponsorship. This year Purina is taking the place, putting in heartfelt commercials about how good dogs can be great dogs, and advertising their new fiesta style dog food with avocados.
There are no commercials about sad shelter dogs.
As many have said, this wouldn't be such a problem if the Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) purely said this was a business thing, but the head of the WKC opened his mouth and said not so nice things about the shelter dog commercials:
http://news.yahoo.com/westminster-kennel-club-dog-show-dissing-shelter-dogs-232558727.html
I have been going to conformation dog shows like the WKC since I was little. I love the sportsmenship of the handlers as they all congratulate the winner of each class, and think that there's a lot to learn from that simple action. There are some handlers that love the dogs (did you hear last night - some dog gets to go to McDonalds for a plain double cheeseburger and a vanilla cone after each show?) but others see the dogs as a business. I'll never forget being young and naive, walking up to a man surrounded by Saint Bernards and asked him, "How do you get all nine dogs to fit on your bed at night?" He looked me square in the eye and told me they slept outdoors - something I still can't even fathom.
It's no surprise that the WKC or any show doesn't support shelter animals to the same level that other animal groups do. The WKC would have no show if they did. The Westminster show is almost purely for breeding purposes, and as far as I know, most shelters have to fix the animal before it's adopted.
But it's not to say that they don't love dogs. When I was calling the AKC last week and was listening to all their services while I was on hold, I didn't hate them for promoting responsible breeding. We all want to help dogs. Some want to keep heritage alive with specific breeding; others want to adopt the "leftovers."
As many people have said, there's thousands of people who watch Westminster thinking of what dog to get next. And with the Pedigree adoption commercials that helped many of shelter pets get a home in the past years, one can only hope that people still will make a responsible decision without prompting by sad eyed commercials. It was a poor choice to drop the Pedigree sponsor when so many dogs are abandoned during this bad economy. It's almost like now more than ever, this should be the time the WKC helps.
Here's hoping that the WKC can learn from their mistake and Pedigree can sponsor the show again next year.
(Also, shout out to Arlington Heights native - Rough haired Collie, Vinnie! Congrats on winning best of breed!)
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