Question of the Week

Joe Vernuccio

Stratford, Connecticut

It was a banner year. Great handlers excelled, some retired, and some even fell, but everyone picked themselves back up. We are a resilient bunch! New exhibitors and new dogs broke through, and an owner-handler won the ever-competitive Terrier Group — think back to when that last happened!

I wouldn't have missed the experience for the world. Can't wait until next year, and maybe everything old will be "new" again?

Trice Berkley

Elkhart, Indiana

Show site is excellent. Most judging was good. Some nice entries in the rare breeds. But the camerawork and high jinks, especially for the breed judging, were even crazier than in previous years. And the camera operators seem to ignore the fact that the audio is VERY live!

Wayne Ferguson

Broadway, New Jersey

Another beautiful and superbly organized show. The members of Westminster should be very proud.

Harry Bennett

Jacksonville, Florida

I love it at BJK Stadium. My old stomping ground. However, there is one less glamorous side to this, and that is the very long walk from Lot D (better named Lake D). But I AM HAPPY to be that person who can walk from the horizon and not need assistance.

Mary Anne Brocious

Milford, Michigan

The important thing about Westminster is their ability to reach the general public in a sophisticated, professional way. The public sees us as human beings who love dogs and involve our dogs in all aspects of our lives.

The surroundings are beautiful, the dogs and the people looking their very best! It sends the right message.

Thank you to Dog News and Purina for nominating the Ann Arbor Kennel Club for Show of the Year and including us in the illustrious company of Tampa Bay Kennel Club and the winner, Louisville Kennel Club. It was a thrill for our small “grass roots” club.

Joan Zielinski

Olympia, Washington

Westminster, as always, is very exciting to watch.

My comments are regarding the TV coverage only, since I was trying to watch it from home this year. 

Where was streaming for the different rings?

Why so many ads interjected at inopportune times?

Why no coverage of Juniors? They are our future!

Why was this on channels not easily accessible? 

I missed being able to watch as in years past. If it is possible to restore what used to be much better coverage, please improve for next year and onwards.

Virginia (and Ken) Murray

Island Lake, Illinois

Ken and I had a great time! We hadn't attended last year, so it was especially fun. We always get to spend time with friends that we don't see often ... at least I don't see often because I'm a hermit. The organization of that event is beyond anything I've seen ... kudos to all the members, volunteers and worker bees that put it together and pull it off. Loved how Don Sturz was out there greeting everyone, that is so important, but I really missed seeing Tom — he is one of the people I always look forward to seeing, so be there next year, Tom! And, of course, missed David Helming. Looking forward to doing it again!

Sue Bauman

Allentown, Pennsylvania

I’m finding it very difficult to watch the judging and the evening group judging on FS1. It is not offered in many areas, and trying to get it online is next to impossible. There are so many free online ways to make this available. Also, commentators are cut off for commercials and not familiar with the breeds that are being shown — lots of misinformation about several breeds. Perhaps the club should have the commentators go to shows and learn more about the breeds.

Larry Terricone

Basking Ridge, New Jersey

These comments are from someone who was not there in person. 

I was quite pleased with entire show.

I thought the TV coverage during the day was very good, with a special shout-out to the group coverage. The camera angles were excellent. In years gone by, there were a lot of shots of the backs of the judges and the handlers. This year that seemed to have been at a minimum. There were more and better shots of the dogs. I did think the interview directly after the groups was unnecessary. It was not a good place to have an interview. Let the handlers show their good sportsmanship. And she was too much of a distraction.

All in all, I thought the show was excellent.

Desi Murphy

Monroe, New York

The groups were SUPER strong. Thank God we had four years in a row of good weather. Was so emotional for so many to see Kaz go BIS.

Leslie Simis

Temple City, California

While I am an extremely sentimental person who cries at the very moment the judge points at our Westminster winner, this one was indeed a tear-jerker for me. Kaz has always been someone who I felt embodied the talent, drive and compassion for our breed. He made me so proud as he was one of a handful of people who instilled the idea in me that hard work could fuel the desire to strive for complete dedication, which in turn was the recipe for success. He is such a kind and humble man who I am lucky enough to call my friend. To see Kaz and Sage give the performance of a lifetime that ultimately culminated with a well-deserved Best in Show at Westminster is the stuff dreams are made of ! I still get choked up every time I watch it! There could not be a more fitting close to a career that spanned 45 years, and we were all so very lucky to be along for the ride. Kaz, enjoy your well-earned retirement, and thank for sharing your amazing career with all of us. You, sir, are a LEGEND … one we will never forget.

Tuni Conti

Oxford, Connecticut  

As expected, Westminster did a fabulous job! Thank you to all the hard-working members of this club!

We had a fantastic time!

Nancy Dania

Florida

Everyone seems to still love the Lyndhurst venue.

The city is a nightmare ... they closed the George Washington Bridge on Wednesday morning … so those departing were stuck for three hours. NYC, bad news.

Betty-Anne Stenmark

Grass Valley, California

I am in awe of the committee that puts this show together each year. The attention to detail is second to no other. I caught some of the TV groups — beautiful job on that — and I'm grateful that all the dogs are showcased over the two evenings.  It proved once again "there is only one"... Westminster.  

Jane Bishop

Bridgeport, West Virginia

After years and years of being able to watch the show from regular TV, the recent shows have not been accessible without paying and subscribing to a site for around $40. While I'd love to see the show, I cannot justify subscribing to a channel just for one or two evenings a year. I have chosen to not watch it, but rather catch up on clips online after the show. Sad ...

Brian Clegg

Cincinnati, Ohio

Nothing is ever perfect, but it can be awesome, and this Westminster was. People and dogs’ welfare seemed of the upmost importance. Of course, the dogs were all magnificent, and the outcome was storybook magical. Well done, everyone!

Mallory Cosby Driskill

Goode, Virginia

I thought the show was well organized and I loved the open spaces to walk around. Not crowded, and rings easy to get to. If it rained, I could see that being an issue. 

Dr. Daniel W. Dowling 

Hope, Maine

WONDERFUL people!

WONDERFUL dogs!

WONDERFUL show!

Linda Tilka

Madeira Beach, Florida

Westminster is the epitome of elegance and everything good in the dog world. Glad they are going back to the Garden. Beautiful examples of breeds known by everyone and new breeds for all to enjoy. Regardless of what your thoughts of certain dogs were, go there and see what the dogs and their owners/handlers have to go through (sleeping on hotel beds, sometimes peeing on the white stuff in freezing weather); you will appreciate every one of them. Wonderful ending for Kaz and his lovely Mini Sage.