Sandy-gram

[#1]

There was laughter, there were tears…there was lots of drooling. It’s truly a dog’s life…as evidenced at this year’s 136^th Westminster Club dog show last week in New York’s Madison Square Garden. You gotta love a group of adults who spends their days pampering and primping their pooches. 

 Named the best of the best was Malachy, a Pekingese who won 2012’s Best in Show. Malachy had a slew of ribbons on his shelf, including second place last year for Best in Show, but missing the top prize gnawed at him.

Although incorrectly mistaken on occasion as a relative of Cousin Itt, Malachy didn’t give up. His dogged approach to winning included long grooming sessions of his mane-like coat.  He went up against steely Bulldogs, jovial Bischon's and gregarious German Shepard’s. But there was a can-do look in those reserved brown eyes.

And he lapped up the attention. Upon entering the green park for the final line-up, the audience leapt to their feet and cheered his name. Like Madonna, Beyonce and other superstars before him, the single name, “Malachy” was all that was needed to know who had taken the stage.

 At just 12-pounds, and with legs that are just a fraction of the length of his competitor’s, he took his time walking the ring. An occasional Doberman or other large breed had to slow to let the little guy stay ahead of him. But his lack of speed was made up for with personality.

And this was one of the traits that won him the “gold”.

 This 115 best in show performance will be his last. At 4 years old, he’s retiring. (In human year’s that about 21.) Like any good athlete, it’s smart to go out on top.

Malachy’s future?  He’ll take some time off to chase a few squirrels, rid the backyard of any pesky bones and reflect on the fact that in 2012, he truly was the top dog.

What do you think...if you were the judge, would any of these have been your top pick over Malachy?