134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Today I went to Madison Square Garden to watch the 134th Westminster Kennel Dog Show. The place was packed. I had no idea there would be so many people. I had tickets for the general admission seating, but was allowed to go to the Dog Benching area and the main floor where the judging took place.

The Dog Benching area was where all the dogs hung out, while waiting their turn for the judging to begin. Owners took this opportunity to groom their dogs, and also allow any people to pet their dogs.

The highlight of my day was when I stopped by the Briards section, I saw one of my favorite authors - Jeffery Deaver. We shook hands, and I told him that I had read his books and really enjoyed them. He thanked me, and mentioned that his dogs had been in the show earlier today, but that they hadn't done so well. He was heading out, and so I told him to continue writing and doing such a great job :)

I watched a few of the judging sessions, which were quite interesting. At lunchtime, I headed out, and came back an hour later to stay another 2 hours or so.

Below are some pictures I took. Enjoy!

-> Waiting to be judged

-> The judging begins

-> A Pomeranian

-> Blue, a pug, whose b'day falls on Feb 25th

-> A Golden Retriever

-> Dog keeping cool in headwear

-> Dog getting brushed

-> Dog getting excited when owner shows him a treat

-> Don, a Briard - one of Jeffery Deaver's dogs

-> German Shepherd Dog - this one won Best of the Best

-> Dog relaxing with his owner in the Benching area

-> A Bulldog

-> Dog having its hair straightened