In February, the Big Apple goes to the dogs-MSNBC
Annual Westminster Dog Show means plenty of pet-friendly events
By Sandy Robins
msnbc.com contributor
updated 8:58 a.m. PT, Fri., Feb. 6, 2009
February is dog month in New York City, with a host of events that revolve around the famous Westminster Dog Show.
The Empire State Building gets dressed up in Westminster’s official colors of purple and gold. Stores such as Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue get creative with dog-related window displays. Pet-friendly restaurants introduce special canine menus, and hotels offer welcoming pet packages. Banners and flags go up around Madison Square Garden, the home to the dog show since the 1800s. And everyone in the city braces for the event that’s become such a major draw, billed as one of the top 10 annual attractions that bring people to the Big Apple.
This year marks the 133rd dog show. It’s still not too late to purchase tickets for the two-day event Feb. 9-10. Because it’s a benched show — which means all the dogs have to remain backstage for the entire day — the public has a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with the different breeds.
For shopaholics, the mini mall set up adjacent to the benching area is a great place to pick up samples of the latest dog foods and purchase a variety of dog-related gear — or even some high-end, breed-specific jewelry.
What is officially known as Westminster Week kicks off Friday with a SkyBark party being held at the PennTop Ballroom in the Hotel Pennsylvania, starting at 8 p.m. SkyBark is the famous Los Angeles doggie nightclub. The organizers plan to transform this rooftop New York venue into a doggie disco for this special event. Tickets can be purchased at the door. It’s $35 per person and $15 per dog. Apart from a DJ spinning the latest dance music, there will also be a pet fashion show, and well-known pet photographer Krista Droop will be on hand to photograph people and their pooches. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the North Shore Animal League.
On Saturday, The Angel on a Leash organization — the charity affiliated with the Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) that focuses on pet therapy work — is hosting a two-hour benefit at the Affinia Hotel at 5 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and light supper will be served, and guests with get an opportunity to meet seven of the eight past Best in Show winners.
“Never in our history have we gathered this kind of collection of past winners together for any event. This is like the Hall of Fame of Dogs,” says WKC Communications Director David. Tickets cost $100 per person. For information or to order tickets, visit angelonaleash.org, call 877-DOG-ANGEL or e-mail Kathy@angelonaleash.org. -Read the full article: MSNBC
