Editorial: April 28, 2023

Another sign that life is getting back, with flashes from the past: The annual Purina® Pro Plan® Show Dogs of the Year awards dinner partnered with Dog News will take place on Sunday, May 7, the evening before conformation judging at the Westminster Kennel Club. Last year, thanks to the members of the Westminster Kennel Club, we were fortunate to hold our “Garden Party” cocktail event on the grounds of Lyndhurst. But now that this year’s Westminster Kennel Club is back in New York City, we are pleased to return our black-tie event to the beautiful and historic Gotham Hall in the heart of Manhattan. The once-a-year gala celebrates the achievements of the top-winning dogs in conformation and obedience and top Junior Showman of the previous year, but also acknowledges the achievements of the three nominees in each of the five categories: Judge, Professional Handler, Breeder, Owner Handler and Dog Show (that includes national specialties and all breed events) that were voted on a national online basis by the purebred-dog community. The old adage of it’s an honor just to be nominated, let alone win, could not be truer with this latest group of outstanding nominees. Each one is truly a winner in anyone’s eyes. It’s an evening of celebration and recognition and, yes, to pat ourselves on the back for our dedication and love of the sport. The winners of the online voting will be announced at the dinner as well as the newest inductee to the Anne Rogers Clark Hall of Fame. As we celebrate, a little farther away the Westminster Kennel Club will host their judges’ dinner at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center, home of the United States Tennis Open and this year’s Westminster Kennel Club. The Westminster dinner guests include the judges, other dignitaries and club members. The Show Dogs of the Year awards dinner has as its guests breeders, owners and handlers of the top dogs, the nominees in the other categories, and employees of Purina® Pro Plan® and Dog News. Those mentioned are all associated with those we are celebrating. That limits the number of invited guests we would love to include, as space is at a premium. So to make the evening more inclusive to our community, we are very pleased to announce that Dog News will be live-streaming the entire event on YouTube. Now you can join the festivities and watch from the comfort of your home as the winners are announced. How to join us on May 7? There are instructions in this issue of Dog News, on our website and online newsletter. We hope you all enjoy the evening, whether it be in person or online.