This was my first time going to Westminster.  I wish I had gone as a spectator before this year but it never worked out.  I wasn’t sure what to expect and exactly how the schedule would work out.   We headed to NYC on Friday Night.   Sunday night we where able to go into the venue and set up our benching area.  It was great being able to check out the area and the rings the day before.  It was super quiet and a huge contrast to what we walked into the next day.

The big day started with us waking up bright and early Monday morning.   Everyone is super excited to participate in the Westminster show but I think I was the beyond the norm.   Coffee and getting ready had to be done quick and early.  The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno group was on early over at Pier 92.  Breed was held in Ring 9 at 9:30 a.m with 16 petit griffon basset vendeen before us.   The set up at the Piers is great.  Ring side for the exhibitor is spacious.   The Westminster competition moved from Madison Garden to the Piers a few years ago and from what I’ve heard it was a good decision.  The group judging and best in show is still held at the Garden.   The Judge was through and fair.  I am really looking forward to going back again.

I believe this is the Podengo Peqeno third time competing at Westminster and I’m so glad I was able to be part of it.  It was fun to meet other Podengo People that I hadn’t meet before.  They all have wonderful dogs and the Winner is fabulous.

This is the last year David Frei, the Director of Communications for the Westminster Kennel Club, was the host of  the show.  I’m not sure if they announced his replacement but I know I’ll miss his great presentation of a great regal show.