Gail Van Bergen
It's Feb. 16 and the morning started at 6 a.m. with the alarm blaring. Not that I needed it. I didn't sleep a wink. In a few hours, our Glen of Imaal terrier, Curry, would be showing at the Westminster Dog Show for the first time.
I live in New York City, just 10 blocks away from Madison Square Garden where the Westminster show is held. I'd converted the living room into Curry's personal beauty parlor. While other Glen owners were at the Garden at 5 a.m., bathing their dogs in rubber tubs, I was drying and grooming Curry comfortably at home as the snow fell outside our window.
Still, there was no time to waste, and I soon was down on the corner of 23rd Street and 10th Avenue, hailing a cab along with Curry's co-owner Bruce Sussman, the Grammy-award winning songwriter of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana." Ten blocks and seven minutes later, we found ourselves at the backstage access door.
Westminster is a benched show, which means every dog is lined up backstage in an area where the public can stroll by and ask questions. I'm sure the New York Rangers don't allow fans that kind of access to the athletes right before they play. In fact, I was told that the only time the Garden ever removes the ice beneath the main floor where the concerts and other sporting events take place is for the dog show, because the dogs sense the ice under the flooring and refuse to walk on it.
We were a bit worried because Curry was only going to be in the Garden for 15 minutes before she went into the ring, but it turned out to be for the best because she didn't have time to get nervous backstage. Curry has only been showing a short time and has been to very few shows. She might even have been the youngest Glen showing at Westminster, and believe me, she has a lot of growing up to do. But despite her young age, judges have given her some big wins.
Time to Shine
As Curry looked around at the other dogs and the crowd, I saw in her eyes that it had all hit her. It was show time. Curry entered the ring with seven other Glen of Imaal terriers. The crowd was 10 people deep around the ring, but Curry is a New York City girl; she's used to the hustle and bustle. When the lights hit her, she was on, head held high, shoulders back and walking like she was on a runway. Which, of course, she was.
The tension mounted as the judge examined the dogs one by one and requested that they move around the ring. I was in the stands watching from a distance. If I had been seated too close, Curry would have seen me, and likely would have bolted out of the ring, a definite no-no in the world of showing dogs.
The judge made her first cut, picking four favorites, and Curry was one of them. I cheered so loudly that she heard me and started looking around the stands. Bruce thought I had blown the whole thing and gave me a hard stare. Curry got excited because she could tell it was me screaming like I had won the lottery. Fortunately, she knew it was time to pull out a win. She perked up her little ears as if to say, "Pick me. I'm gorgeous!"
Decision time came, and the judge pointed to Curry as the winner! She had taken best in breed without even breaking a sweat, and it was clear that she knew it. The minute the judge handed the ribbon to Bruce, Curry snatched it out of his hand and wouldn't let it go.
The Result
Twelve hours later, Curry completed the terrier competition. Although she didn't win -- beaten by Sadie, the Scottish terrier who went on to win best in show -- she made us proud. We were all very happy and very tired as we hopped a cab for the ten-block ride home.
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I got my Glen 18 years ago. Long before they were acknowledged by the AKC. They are the most wonderful breed and I'm so happy to see them in the shows now. We lost our Murphy a couple of years ago, but I had the great privilege of being with him at the end. He was the best dog and I just know he'd be thrilled to learn that his kin were traipsing around at the WKC show. Congrats Curry!!!
Rob and Bruce, your lovely Curry was my favorite in the terrier group (even over Sadie). Her refusal to move on after she discovered crumbs left by other dogs' treats was possibly the most perfect moment of the show for me. She had me even further when, forced to move on, she kept looking back longingly at those tiny crumbs. It's such a "terrier" thing to do, and she completely won my heart. Thanks to Curry, I think I see a Glen of Imaal terrier in my future (don't tell my Westie - I'll be punished for days)!
????
Your column made me smile. It is quite understandable that Curry heard you cheer. These little terriers will steal your heart. Loved your column!
In the dog world where I exist the prevailing school of thought is if you 'd like to destroy the working drives that working/sporting dogs possess give them AKC recognition and the show breeders will take care of the rest. The GSD/Doberman/Rottweiler would be the most obvious examples to me.
Do they deduct points if the dawg acts like a dawg and takes a dump on the stage-- Pity the poor thing!!!
That dogs look EXACTLY like my CHI-POO ... EXACTLY!... Same wire type poodle terrier mixed coat...I have another poodle rat-terrier mix that looks just l like my neighbors $800.00 JACK RUSSEL TERRIER... Only thing, my dogs are WAY smarter and actually prettier... You put my Logan beside that dog in the picture about and you would get them almost mixed up except my dog has a prettier apricot poodle color...
Yes I agree with Joe - given reconition by AKC and they will destroy the breed - GSB - said they change their structure for the hip problem - maybe they were overbred in the 1st place- The dobie - 8" ears - they are taping for years - adding calcium and who knows what else to make a ear stand that was never suppose to be. I could go on and on -
Now, the AKC is considering reconizing some of our MUTTS (so called designer dogs) isn't that interesting - how will they make a standard - or should I say they will dictate a standard and beware of the two different breeds that will be involved.
The AKC makes alot of money on registering of litters and then the puppies themselves. I dare say that the popularity of designer dogs and the registration cash that could be involved, is a driving force for the AKC. How in the world do you have a requirement for mixed breeds? It is hard enough to stay to the standard with careful breeding.. Remember when "designer dogs" were an oops!!! instead of a desired result???
The "mutts" won't have a breed standard, as they won't be showing in breed competition. They will be shown in rally, obedience, etc. So please get the facts straight!!
However me as a purebred dog breeder and competitor, don't really like the idea of the AKC even allowing mixes in any competiton at all!!
What a charming tale. I felt I was right there with the author. I definitely plan to get to the show next year and will keep an eye out for Curry! Congratulations
Where are the results for best of breed and final standings posted? There was a young lady from Oshkosh, WI who had an English Springer Spaniel in the show and I'd like to know how they fared.
All I know so far is best of breed which was also best of show and Curry, the terrier (subject of this article). The other dogs aren't mentioned.
If you know of a site where the complete standings are posted I'd appreciate it.
Check the Westminster K C website and check under breed.
I loved your Curry! She really stood out and deserved her wonderful ribbon. She is a beauty. Tell her she has alot of admirers!
Your narrative was so well-written that I felt as if I was with you in the taxi, in the stands, and on the way back home. I have a wonderful West Highland Terrier who is such a great companion. Curry and Sadie represented the terrier group excellently.
Curry stole the show when she nosed around the "bait" area. Congrats Rob and Bruce on a great little dog. I'll be looking for her next year
Wow, I love dog shows. I had pomeranians for 9 years, and I now have a chihuahua (adopted) and rat terrier. When I watched the first show night, I was just as excited as if I were there. It is the most fun and educational show every year, with great information on different breeds and the newest AKC acceptances...congrats to all that were invited, it is an honor....
I know Border Collies (BCA) aren't acknowledged by the AKC but are considered the brightest breed by the AKC (that's confusing enough). Are they allowed in the Westminster Show?
My BC, Suzy, is the dog equivalent of a movie star, beautiful, but stubborn. Reminds me of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), although I named her after a high-school sweetheart - real teaser.
Gary,
Border Collies have been showing and acknowledged by the American Kennel Club in the Herding Group since 1994 .
Hy Curry,
Scotty owner......................
You are part of the family..............
Terriers................................
Next year is yours FOR SURE.................
Jerry