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It's a big day, because this is the start of The National Dog Show's second ... Diving Dogs and the Freestyle Flying Disc Dogs and my other athletic canine friends ...
HOSTED BY

“A Decade of Champions” N ovember 17-18, 2012 G reater P hiladelphia E xpo C enter at O aks , PA

Broadcast at Noon Thanksgiving Day November 22

WE REMEMBER WHY WE DO THIS.

Trademarks owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

Hello, National Dog Show Fans: My name is Lil’ Abner and my big sister is Stella. We are Dogues de Bordeaux and Therapy Dog Ambassadors for The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®. It’s a big day, because this is the start of The National Dog Show’s second decade. It’s hard to believe that last year I was here competing. That’s when I met my friends and today’s NBC broadcast hosts John O’Hurley and David Frei. I’m two years old now and officially retired so that I could pursue my work as a therapy dog visiting hospitals, schools and the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House with Stella. What a joy it brings us to help people smile – especially people who are not feeling well. When my owner says, “It’s time to go to work” my tail wags and Stella and I stand still to get our red scarves on. As “tail wagging tutors,” we have children read to us. We have even been the surprise guests at many elementary schools. At St. Mary’s hospital, all the nurses know our names. They love when we visit Stella and friends

their floors. We love all the work that we do, but it is the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House where we have the most fun. We bring smiles to the children and give parents some time to relax and stop their worrying, if even for an hour. Come meet us today at the Ronald McDonald House booth area. I’ll be the handsome “boy” wearing a red scarf. You’ll recognize me, because I weigh 135 pounds. Stella only weighs 120, so you’ll recognize her too. And take some time to meet Vivian, a Staffordshire Terrier mix who is the third member of our Therapy Dog Team. We all love kids and cameras! After visiting us, take a walk through the benched area. Look for your favorite breed and cheer them on in the arena. Oh…and please cheer on the “Dogue de Bordeaux” breed competing here today. They are exquisite specimens of the breed, if I do say so myself, although not as good looking as “me”! Come back on Sunday for another day of fun and entertainment with the Diving Dogs and the Freestyle Flying Disc Dogs and my other athletic canine friends.

Vivian, attentive as always

Remember to watch the show Thanksgiving Day after the Macy’s Parade, on NBC. Look for my fellow dog lovers, John O’Hurley, David Frei and their partner on the TV broadcast, Mary Carillo. The two-hour special airs from 12-2 p.m. in all times zones. Thanks to the Kennel Club of Philadelphia for the honor and privilege of representing the shows as this year’s Therapy Dog Ambassadors. And thanks to the show’s sponsor Nestlé Purina PetCare, for keeping me healthy with my favorite foods from Pro Plan®.

Lil’ Abner with Gabrielle

Have fun and enjoy the show!

Lil ’ Abner with Stella and Vivian 11

GREATER PHILADELPHIA

EXPO CENTER Hall D Media Partners

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Hall A A Thanksgiving Tradition Be sure to watch The National Dog Show Presented by Purina® at 12:00 Noon broadcast on NBC November 22nd, following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 2

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

HOSTED BY

NOVEMBER 17-18, 2012 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 8:30 AM Breed Judging Begins (Halls A & B) 10:30 AM Performance Dog Demonstration (Hall D) 11:30 AM Performance Dog Demonstration (Hall D) 12:15 PM Freestyle Flying Disc Demonstration (Hall C)

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12:40 PM Purina Pro Plan® Award Presentation (Hall C)

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12:50 PM National Anthem Ceremony (Hall C) Reserved Seating

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Hall B

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1:00 PM The National Dog Show Group Judging (Hall C) 5:00 PM The National Dog Show Best-In-Show Judging (Hall C)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 8:30 AM Breed Judging Begins (Halls A & B) 10:30 AM Dog Performance Demonstration (Hall D)

Hall C

12:00 PM Dog Performance Demonstration (Hall D) 1:30 PM Kennel Club of Philadelphia Group Judging (Hall C) 2:30 PM Dog Performance Demonstration (Hall D) 5:00 PM Kennel Club of Philadelphia Best-In-Show Judging (Hall C) 3

HOW TO ENJOY THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW

1. Where do I find my favorite breed? Look here in your program for the one-page flyer that indicates the rows in which specific breeds are located, along with the breed rings where they will be judged. The rows are separated by letters and numbers and are easy to find. These areas are open to the public. Additional information is available at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia booth located in Hall A near Breed Ring 6.

2. Can I pet the dogs? Before approaching the dogs, be sure to connect with the owners and handlers in the area so that they can give you the go ahead. Some dogs are being prepared for their competition in the show ring and are not always available for petting, but don’t hesitate to ask.

3. What are the judges doing when they examine the dogs in the ring? The judges in this competition are looking for the dog that best exemplifies what is known as the breed standard. Each judge is looking at each individual canine’s physical attributes and comparing those with that judge’s knowledge of the breed’s written standard based on bone structure, shape, movement, temperament and condition.

4. Why do the handlers trot with the dogs? The handlers and their dogs are used to being judged on many critical levels and one of those levels is the dog’s conformation. Conformation is when all the dogs are being judged by certain standards that are based on their breed. The handlers trot with the dogs to show the dog’s movement while showing off his/her special features. 5. When is “Best In Show?” “Best In Show” is the culmination of each day’s competition featuring the selection of a single show dog determined to be champion. The “Best In Show” competition is

expected to begin around 5 p.m. in the stadium both Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to plan your afternoon to include attending “Best In Show,” the highlight of the day for everyone involved with the show. 6. I heard there are freestyle flying disc dogs, too. Where do I find them? One of the great things about this weekend’s events is that they feature both show dogs and “Go” dogs. The “Go” dogs – including Diving Dogs -can be found on Sunday in Hall D, just off the Main Lobby entrance. Performances are scheduled through the course of the weekend. Look for specific schedule information in this program to find exact performance times. 7. How do I meet the Therapy Dog Ambassador Team? The trio that makes up the 2012 Therapy Dog Ambassador Team – Li’l Abner, Stella and Vivian – will be around throughout the course of the day Saturday. They will interact with kids and fans in their own meet and greet location at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House exposition booth at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Hall D. They will be introduced in the stadium show ring Saturday between noon and 12:15 p.m. 8. How do I learn about responsible pet ownership? One of the great things about National Dog Show weekend is the availability

of the owners and handlers of all these different breeds, most of whom are experts on subjects about caring for their dogs. Their dogs are not just “show dogs” but are also pets. They are happy to answer any questions you have about specific breeds and about responsible pet ownership.

9. How do I meet John O’Hurley? John O’Hurley, J. Peterman from Seinfeld and the host of the National Dog Show Presented by Purina® on NBC Thanksgiving Day, also will be in Hall D on Saturday morning. From 10-11 a.m., he will be signing his second book, Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have To Do It. Immediately thereafter, he will do a special reading to a group of elementary school students from the Spring Ford School District.

On the Cover: Can you guess the year that each champion won? (See page 15 for answers) 4

Dogs

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unique and exciting feature of The National Dog Show Presented by Purina® is the

inclusion of athletic canines to the entertainment line-up. These “go dogs” will jump, twist, run, and fly through the air throughout the weekend. To help celebrate the 11th year of The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®, talented canines will be showcasing their unique skills during several demonstrations featuring Diving Dog and Freestyle Flying Disc. Get wet in the “splash zone” by the pool or watch ring-side as these incredible dogs put on a spectacle Saturday and Sunday in Hall D.

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Seven THE

Wire Fox Terrier – Terrier Group

GROUPS

Each of the 175 registered breeds are assigned to one of the seven groups representing characteristics and functions for which the breeds were originally bred. The seven Best In Group winners compete for Best In Show. Miniature Pinscher – Toy Group

TERRIER GROUP All but two of the terriers evolved in the British Isles. The geography of the specific area (water, rocky terrain) helped to determine the exact duties of each breed but it usually involved hunting vermin and varmints rangKomondor – Working Group

ing from rats to badgers to otters and more. These are dogs of great determination, courage and self-confidence, with a great willingness to go to ground in search of their quarry.

TOY GROUP Toy dogs have been around for centuries, and are bred for one purpose: to be companions for their humans. Many have been bred down from and still resemble their larger cousins. Their small size and portability make them ideal for city dwellers and those with limited space.

WORKING GROUP

While the uses and appearances

of the dogs in the Working Group vary, most are powerfully 6

Brittany – Sporting Group

built and intelligent, performing various tasks for their handlers. These dogs are working farm and draft animals. They guard homes and livestock, serve heroically as police and military dogs, security dogs, guide & service dogs and hunters.

SPORTING GROUP The invention of the gun led to the development of the sporting, or gun dogs, to aid in hunting upland game birds or waterfowl, performing at the direction of the hunter. While a number of these breeds perform more than one task, it is generally the duty of pointers and setters to point and mark game; for spaniels to flush game; and for retrievers to recover dead and wounded game.

Greyhound – Hound Group

HOUND GROUP Originally classified as sporting dogs because of their function as hunters, breeds in the Hound Group are of a great variety of size, shape and coat. Most of these breeds were developed to hunt somewhat independently for their humans, who usually followed on foot or on horseback as the hounds chased down the prey. This group informally consists of scent hounds, dogs that hunt by tracking a scent, and sight hounds, who spot their game and run it down.

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The AKC originally

registered dogs as either Sporting or Non-Sporting. Eventually, hounds and terriers were split from the Sporting Group, and the Toys and Working dogs were split off from Non-Sporting, with the Herding Group eventually splitting from Working. Today, the Non-Sporting Group is literally every breed

Xoloitzcuintli – Non-Sporting Group

that is left, resulting in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, coat, function and history.

HERDING GROUP Herding is a natural instinct in dogs that is seen in the wild. Humans have used that instinct to their advantage on farms and ranches with herding dogs who have the sole purpose of gathering and moving livestock from one place to another.

To learn more, visit: www.nationaldogshow.com www.purina.com facebook.com/proplan www.petcentric.com www.akc.org

Australian Shepherd – Herding Group

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Introducing TWO NEW AKC BREEDS These following two new American Kennel Clubrecognized breeds will make their national

Treeing Walker Coonhound- Hound Group

television debuts on The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®, on NBC from 12-2pm in all time zones following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The new breeds will be among 175 AKC-sanctioned breeds as over 1,000 dogs compete for the prestigious title of “Best In Show”. Russell Terrier-Terrier Group

TREEING WALKER COONHOUND The energetic Treeing Walker Coonhound is perfectly suited for the task for which it was bred - tracking and treeing wild raccoons. Developed from the Walker Foxhound, the Virginia Hounds, and the earliest English Foxhounds brought to America, the Treeing Walker is a fast, alert, hot-nosed hunter with superb endurance, treeing ability and the desire to perform. It has a clear, ringing bugle voice or a steady clear chop with changeover at the tree. Today’s Treeing Walker retains the same color and similar conformation to the Walker Foxhound. The breed is intelligent, confident and sociable.

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RUSSELL TERRIER The Russell Terrier is considered the ultimate working earth terrier due to their small size (10” to 12” tall) and unique chest. The hallmark of the breed is its small, ovalshaped, spannable, compressible chest, which allows them to hunt efficiently below ground, pulling, pushing and bending through tight turns and narrow tunnels. Their origin dates back to the 1800’s in England where they were utilized for fox hunting and were carried on horseback in terrier bags. As pack hunters, they are non-confrontational, not a sparring breed. They are predominantly white with spots and come in three coats - smooth, broken, and rough. They are athletic, intelligent, and fiercely loyal.

To learn more, visit: www.nationaldogshow.com • www.purina.com • facebook.com/proplan www.petcentric.com • www.akc.org

Purina Pro Plan® to Celebrate “Tales Of Greatness” Grand Prize Winner on The National Dog Show Blue Carpet The pets chosen as the four finalists in the “Tales of Greatness” Purina® Pro Plan® 2012 Rally to Rescue® Story Contest include:

WILLOW, submitted by AZ Cactus Corgi Rescue (Glendale, Ariz.) After entering the shelter as a ball of energy, the stunning Pembroke Welsh Corgi, with a true zest for life, focused her high energy to become top ranked in flyball.

PUDDING, submitted by Door County Humane Society (Sturgeon Bay, Wis.) Once adopted into a loving home following an immediate connection, the laid-back, happy cat and his owner, Amy, learned that while it appeared she rescued him, in reality he rescued her.

Rescue pets can reach their full potential if just given the opportunity. Four rescue pets were selected as finalists in the “Tales of Greatness” Purina® Pro Plan® 2012 Rally to Rescue® Story Contest earlier this fall and the winner will be honored at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina® – proving that even in the face of challenging beginnings all pets can make a positive difference. A total of 40 stories were submitted to this nationwide contest, and a judging panel selected the four stories that best captured how these dogs and cats have achieved greatness. The grand prize winner was determined by a combination of online consumer voting and judges’ scores. The winning rescue organization and pet owner won a trip to Philadelphia and are scheduled to be honored live in the main ring prior to the start of the National Dog Show presented by Purina®, which airs on NBC on Thanksgiving. The winning pet rescue organization also will be rewarded with $5,000

BOGEY, submitted by Agee Memorial Wildlife Fund, Inc. (El Dorado Hills, Calif.) Overcoming obstacles and several touch-and-go days of intensive care, a handsome Manx cat with bright green eyes kept his spirit strong and lived to become an education ambassador helping teach children about humane animal treatment and abuse prevention.

in Purina Pro Plan brand pet food coupons to help in their continued support and care of homeless pets, and the winning pet owner will be awarded with a one-year supply of Purina Pro Plan brand pet food. “From a shelter dog who became a registered therapy pet to a cat who survived several touch-and-go days of intensive care to teach children about kindness, these tremendous rescue pets have embarked on courageous journeys and proven that any pet can achieve greatness,” said Robert Tochterman, brand manager for Purina Pro Plan. “We’re proud to celebrate the amazing achievements of these pets and the rescue organizations that gave them constant support and dedication to help them on their journey toward greatness.” Purina Pro Plan conducted the “Tales of Greatness” Rally To Rescue contest across the country this year to promote the amazing, but often untold, stories of pet rescue and raise awareness of its importance. The contest honors rescued pets that have

ANGEL, submitted by S.A.F.E. Animal Haven (Matthews, N.C.) A neighbor’s kind intervention in a cruel situation gave a dog and her six puppies the forever homes they deserved. The rescued dog then shared her kind, compassionate heart with others by serving as a registered therapy dog, bringing joy to the residents of an assisted living center.

overcome great odds to achieve greatness under harrowing circumstances, thanks to the incredible hard work and dedication of small pet rescue organizations. Rally to Rescue is a partnership with Pro Plan pet food and pet rescue organizations across the country. The program helps give rescue pets the nutrition and care they need and the loving homes they deserve. Pro Plan is committed to supporting smaller pet rescue organizations that often have been overlooked by donors or adopters due to limited fundraising and marketing efforts. The Purina Pro Plan Rally to Rescue® campaign helps to raise funds and awareness for approximately 500 pet rescue organizations nationwide via local adoption events. In addition to helping find loving, forever homes for more than 500,000 pets since 2005, Pro Plan has provided more than $1 million in support of the Rally To Rescue program during the past two years.

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MEET THE HOUND

SPORTING English Setter Gordon Setter Irish Setter Pointer German Shorthaired Pointer Weimaraner Vizsla Brittany German Wirehaired Pointer Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Spinone Italiano Flat-Coated Retriever Curly-Coated Retriever Golden Retriever Labrador Retriever Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Chesapeake Bay Retriever Irish Water Spaniel American Water Spaniel Welsh Springer Spaniel Field Spaniel Clumber Spaniel Sussex Spaniel English Springer Spaniel Cocker Spaniel (ASCOB) Cocker Spaniel (Parti-Color) Cocker Spaniel (Black) English Cocker Spaniel Irish Red and White Setter Boykin Spaniel

Afghan Hound Saluki Ibizan Hound Pharaoh Hound Greyhound Whippet Borzoi Scottish Deerhound Irish Wolfhound American Foxhound English Foxhound Harrier Beagle (15 inch) Beagle (13 inch) Rhodesian Ridgeback Norwegian Elkhound Basenji Black and Tan Coon Hound Bloodhound Otterhound Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Basset Hound Dachshund (Smooth) Dachshund (Longhaired) Dachshund (Wirehaired) Plott Bluetick Coonhound Redbone Coonhound American English Coonhound Treeing Walker Coonhound

My Choice

Judge’s Choice

WORKING Doberman Pinscher German Pinscher Black Russian Terrier Giant Schnauzer Standard Schnauzer Rottweiler Bernese Mountain Dog Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Alaskan Malamute Siberian Husky Samoyed Akita Boxer Great Dane Bullmastiff Mastiff Neapolitan Mastiff Portuguese Water Dog Newfoundland Saint Bernard Great Pyrenees Kuvasz Komondor Anatolian Shepherd Dog Tibetan Mastiff Dogue de Bordeaux Leonberger Cane Corso

My Choice My Choice Judge’s Choice Judge’s Choice 10

BREEDS HERDING

NONSPORTING Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Miniature) Bichon Frise Löwchen Dalmatian Finnish Spitz Keeshonden American Eskimo Dog Chinese Shar-Pei Chow Chow Shiba Inu Schipperke Lhasa Apso Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier Boston Terrier French Bulldog Bulldog Xoloitzcuintli Norwegian Lundehund

My Choice

Judge’s Choice

TOY Italian Greyhound Chinese Crested Toy Poodle Pomeranian Smooth Coat Chihuahua Long Coat Chihuahua Toy Fox Terrier Miniature Pinscher Toy Manchester Terrier Havanese Maltese Shih Tzu Cavalier King Charles Spaniel English Toy Spaniel (B&PC) English Toy Spaniel (KC&R) Japanese Chin Papillon Silky Terrier Yorkshire Terrier Affenpinscher Brussels Griffon Pug Pekingese

Belgian Malinois Belgian Sheepdog Belgian Tervuren Briard Collie (Rough) Collie (Smooth) Shetland Sheepdog Australian Shepherd Border Collie Bearded Collie Old English Sheepdog Polish Lowland Sheepdog Puli Canaan Dog Australian Cattle Dog Bouvier des Flandres Cardigan Welsh Corgi Pembroke Welsh Corgi German Shepherd Dog Swedish Vallhund Beauceron Norwegian Buhund Pyrenean Shepherd Icelandic Sheepdog Entlebucher Mountain Dog Finnish Lapphund

My Choice

Judge’s Choice My Choice

TERRIER Airedale Terrier Irish Terrier Welsh Terrier Lakeland Terrier Wire Fox Terrier Smooth Fox Terrier Parson Russell Terrier Border Terrier Kerry Blue Terrier Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Bedlington Terrier Manchester Terrier (Standard) Miniature Schnauzer Australian Terrier Cairn Terrier Scottish Terrier West Highland White Terrier Skye Terrier Dandie Dinmont Terrier Sealyham Terrier Glen of Imaal Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier White Bull Terrier Colored Bull Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terrier Miniature Bull Terrier Norfolk Terrier Norwich Terrier Cesky Terrier Russell Terrier

Judge’s Choice My Choice

Judge’s Choice

BEST IN SHOW My Choice

Judge’s Choice 11

A Fresh Focus Photography

Therapy Dog Team & Ronald McDonald House: Media Stars Helping Kids With Cancer By Melissa Hood

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The National Dog Show Presented by Purina® Therapy Dog Ambassador Team was in the spotlight Nov. 8, when the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House hosted the annual pre-event press conference at the historic facility on Chestnut Street in Center City. Over 100 years of tradition is in the air each year when November comes around and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia stages its preview for the media in advance of dog show weekend here at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Host David Frei, the expert analyst for the Thanksgiving Day NBC TV special, introduced the 2012 National Dog Show Therapy Dog Ambassador Team, a trio of young, dynamic and lovable canines – Dogues de Bordeaux, Li’l Abner and Stella, and Vivian, a Staffordshire Terrier mix. All three were in familiar surroundings – they make weekly visits to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House to interact with cancer-stricken children in town for hospital

The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Therapy Dog Program in action earlier this year.

and doctor visits. Li’l Abner and Stella, both purebreds, are certified by Therapy Dog International to work at schools and healthcare facilities; while Vivian is part of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (PennVet) VetPets Program. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is the world’s first, founded by the work of Dr. Audrey Evans, former pediatric oncologist from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and former Philadelphia Eagles General Manager, Jimmy Murray, in 1974. There are now 317 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Therapy Dog Program was started nearly 20 years ago and now encompasses close to 15 regularly scheduled volunteers between two locations in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia program is made up of the two Ronald McDonald Houses, two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms and a Ronald McDonald Camp. Last year alone, 2,787 families took advantage of the no-cost accommodations in

support of families of seriously ill children. The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Therapy Dog Program is one of many popular initiatives available to the residents. “We are very excited to be involved with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and its National Dog Show this year. We also are happy to highlight our volunteer therapy dog programs at both of our Ronald McDonald Houses,” said Susan Campbell, Executive Director at The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. “The weekly visits of certified therapy dogs and their dedicated owners bring comfort and fun to the seriously ill children and their families who stay at our Houses and provide a much needed break from the stress of medical tests and treatment.” Owned by insurance agent and therapy dog advocate Steven Kramer of Langhorne, PA, Li’l Abner is two years-old and 135 pounds. He has been doing therapy work at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, St. Mary’s Hospital in Bucks County and at Bristol Township Schools for the past year. In 2011, he won a Blue Ribbon in the novice Dogue de Bordeaux class at the National Dog Show. Li’l Abner is almost always accompanied, by the four year-old Stella, a mere 120 pounds, while doing therapy work. Vivian, who weighs 40 pounds, comes to the National Dog Show Therapy Dog Ambassador Team from the Philadelphia Prison System, where she spent three months as part of The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (PennVet) VetPets Program, “A New Leash on Life.” The program prepares prisoners for transition to the outside world and Vivian was trained and cared for by a group of soon-tobe-released inmates. At the end of that period, Vivian was adopted by Michele Pich of Glassboro, NJ, a Veterinary Grief Counselor at PennVet. Vivian, 22 months, is also certified by Therapy Dog International. Volunteers and faculty from the PennVet VetPets program, have been bringing their therapy dogs for more than ten years to the Chestnut Street location. The program at the Front & Erie House location started three years ago. When surveyed in 2011, nearly all families – 99.3 percent – felt that the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House was a valuable resource to them during the time they spent in the city. The effectiveness of programs such as the Therapy Dog Program were cited as a primary reason.

After the awards,

Get your rewards! Treat yourself to the area’s best attractions for history, shopping, and entertainment. „ Valley Forge National Historical Park „ Valley Forge Resort Casino „ King of Prussia Mall — America’s largest retail shopping complex „ Philadelphia Premium Outlets — 150 stores with name-brand discounts

To discover all of the best attractions visit www.valleyforge.org

Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House and its programs at www.philarmh.org. 13

Judging THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA® is an open, benched all-breed show. The dogs are “benched” during the day in order to allow you, the public, to view and visit with 175 AKC recognized breeds that may be competing. There are only five benched shows held annually in the United States: Westminster KC, Philadelphia KC, Detroit KC, International KC, and Golden Gate KC. The judges examine the dogs and place them according to how closely each dog compares with the judge’s mental image of the perfect dog as described in the breed’s official standard. The main consideration is the dog’s conformation or overall appearance, temperament, structure and movement. The judges are looking for characteristics that allow the dog to perform the function for which his or her breed was bred.

EARNING POINTS

A dog will begin his show career by competing to become a “champion.” To earn an AKC Championship title (and to be able to place Ch. in front of his/her name) the dog needs to win 15 points at AKC shows. Points are earned by defeating other dogs of the same sex and breed in classes held specifically for non-champions. Points used to determine national rankings are recorded by the AKC and based on the number of dogs defeated. For each dog defeated at a dog show, the other dog gets one breed point. The top dogs in the country easily have more than 50,000 points in a given year.

BEST IN BREED

In order to win “Best In Show” a dog must first be judged the 14

best of many dogs of its same breed competing in the show. Some breeds have more than 100 dogs entered. The winner of the breed moves on to the Group judging.

FIRST IN GROUP

Each of the 175 AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding) representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. By winning the Group competition, that dog joins an elite group of winners of the seven group competitions that go on to compete for the ultimate “Best In Show” award, the coveted red, white and blue ribbon, and to become winner of The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®.

2011 Best In Show

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2011 Best In Show Ch Steele Your Heart a.k.a. Eira

Previous Best In Show

he 10th anniversary champion of the 2011 National Dog Show Presented by Purina® was the impressive Wire Fox Terrier, Eira, selected by Best In Show Judge Karen Wilson from among seven group winners last November. Registered as Ch Steele Your Heart, Eira’s call name means “snow” in Welsh and she won the Terrier Group and outperformed a universe of almost 1,500 other canines. “She looks beautiful and she moves beautifully,” said handler Gabriel Rangel. “She is a spectacular show dog, the epitome,” offered Wilson, who travelled from Culpepper, VA, to handle the Best In Show Judge duties. “She has a superior coat. She and Gabriel are a wonderful team.” The four year-old bitch comes from a long line of highlyranked Wire Fox Terriers and she captured her 17th Best In Show at Philadelphia. Eira is owned by Torie Steele and Maryann Roma of Malibu, CA.

2010 Best In Show 2009 Best In Show 2008 Best In Show 2007 Best In Show Grand Champion Ch. Roundtown Mercedes Ch. Cookieland Seasyde Ch. Buff Cap Creslane Windntide Mr. Sandman of Maryscot a.k.a. Sadie Hollyberry a.k.a Holly ArcticMist a.k.a. Swizzle a.k.a. Clooney

2006 Best In Show 2005 Best In Show Ch. Smash JP Win A Ch. Rocky Top’s Victory a.k.a. Vikki Sundance Kid a.k.a. Rufus

2004 Best In Show Ch. Aimhi Avalon Renaissance

2003 Best In Show Ch. Blue Chip Purple Reign

2002 Best In Show Ch. Ale Kai Mikimoto on Fifth

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TELEVISION COVERAGE NBC will broadcast a two-hour special from this show on Thanksgiving Day at 12 noon, immediately following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, tune in to NBC10 Philadelphia. In the Susquehenna Valley, tune in to WGAL-TV Harrisburg.

JOHN O’HURLEY has become one of the entertainment industry’s

most versatile players–Award-winning actor, show host, advertising spokesperson, feature film star and one of People Magazine’s “Sexiest Men Alive.” He has served as host of “The National Dog Show presented by Purina®” on NBC since its inception in 2002. Best known as “J. Peterman” on “Seinfeld,” the #1 syndicated television show in the world, O’Hurley’s television career began in daytime soap operas. He starred on the inaugural edition of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” and was the show’s ultimate champion. O’Hurley went on to star on Broadway in “Chicago,” as the male lead, “Billy Flynn,” and he hosted the syndicated game show, “Family Feud,” for several years. He has written two books, the New York Times bestseller, “It’s Okay to Miss The Bed On the First Jump” and “Before The Dog Can Eat Your Homework First You Have To Do It: Life Lessons From A Wise Old Dog To A Young Boy,” both published by Penguin Books.

DAVID FREI is a natural choice to serve as expert analyst since he is one of the most

authoritative voices in the dog show world. An AKC-licensed judge who has officiated at dog shows all over the world, Frei has hosted USA Network’s coverage of “The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show” since 1990. He has co-hosted “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®” since its inception in 2002 and along with O’Hurley has become a Thanksgiving Day fixture in American homes. Director of Communications for The Westminster Kennel Club since 2003, Frei and the Club helped to create “Angel On A Leash”, a therapy dog program with health care facilities around the country. He serves as President of that organization. He is most proud of the wonderful work that his own dogs do as therapy dogs, regularly visiting patients and families at the Ronald McDonald House and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. His Brittanys, Teigh and Belle, who have recently passed, pioneered the practice in many places, and his Cavalier, Angel, and Brittany, Grace, are carrying on for them today. His most recent book, also named “Angel On A Leash,” was published last year by Bowtie Press.

MARY CARILLO, a longtime dog owner and lover of man’s best friend, brings

a wealth of experience to the National Dog Show commentary team. Best known for her work as a host and correspondent for NBC’s coverage of The Olympic Games this past decade, she also serves as an analyst on NBC tennis events and as a correspondent for HBO’s “Real Sports”. Her credentials for coverage of a major event like The National Dog Show come from her work on USA Network’s six-hour presentation of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Carillo partnered with longtime host David Frei for the 2009 show, working the event of which she had become a huge TV viewing fan over the years. For 17 years, Carillo owned a Bichon Frise named Oley, who died earlier this decade. Her accomplished career includes two coveted Peabody Awards, one of television’s highest honors. One was for her work on the HBO documentary “Billie Jean King, Portrait of a Pioneer,” and the other for co-writing with Frank DeFord the HBO documentary “Dare to Compete: The Struggle of Women in Sport.” Carillo was named “Best Commentator” by Tennis Magazine (1988-91), “Best Commentator” by World Tennis Magazine (1986) and “Broadcaster of the Year” by the WTA (1981 and 1985). She has cowritten two books–”Tennis My Way with Martina Navratilova” and “Rick Elstein’s Tennis Kinetics”.

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BRINGING PETS TO WORK IS A WAY OF LIFE AT PURINA® For many pet owners, bringing their dog or cat to work could be a benefit that enhances their daily work experience. While there are some companies who offer this perk, Nestlé Purina PetCare hopes to see it become a trend among employers large and small. The associates of Purina, the presenting sponsor of the National Dog Show, are well aware of the overall health and employee morale benefits that come with allowing pets in the workplace. As a true testament to Purina’s passion for pets, the company has developed a successful Pets@Work program that has existed for almost 15 years. Purina believes that spending time with pets can help make life better – for pets and pet owners. So hanging out with pets is all in a day’s work for Purina associates. During the broadcast of the 2012 National Dog Show on NBC, show co-host John O’Hurley is scheduled to star in a short video that explains the virtues of Purina’s Pets@Work program. Purina is on a nationwide search for America’s most pet-friendly workplaces and is staging a contest to recognize pet-loving companies. Pet owners can log on to www.purina.com/contest and tell why their workday is better – for them and their pet – because their office is pet friendly. O’Hurley plans to visit the workplace of one winner, and Purina will donate $10,000 to a pet shelter in the winning company’s community. A recent study* has shown that employees who bring their pets to work tend to have a lower stress level by the end of the day. Stress in the workplace has been associated with negative physical and psychological outcomes, including a general decline in physical health. The study found that interacting with their pets lowered the levels of cortisol in the employees’ bodies, a stress-related hormone that can lead to high cholesterol levels, hypertension and depression. When employees feel good, they can be happier and more productive. A study found in New Scientist Magazine** explains that humans who interacted with pets for only a few minutes saw dramatic increases in hormones like oxytocin, dopamine

and serotonin – chemicals associated with happiness and well-being. Plus, the pets had an increase in positive hormones, too. And good moods can often lead to more creativity in the workplace. The Center for Disease Control*** says that having pets can help reduce blood pressure, in addition to decreasing loneliness, lowering cholesterol levels and encouraging physical activity. The better an employee feels on a regular basis, the more they are able to stay focused and produce quality work. In addition to these health benefits, pets in the office can: • Increase productivity and provide inspiration: Having pets nearby can keep an employee relaxed and happy – making work more enjoyable. • Improve job satisfaction: At Purina, employee surveys show Pets@Work is a big benefit, and the company also believes it helps with employee retention. • Encourage co-worker interaction: Pets add another layer of interaction between co-workers, and otherwise quiet employees can become more engaged when talking to a co-worker about their pets. • Promote healthy break time: Dog owners spend their breaks walking and caring for their dogs, getting them on their feet. Even just taking a few minutes to play with a pet can help provide a mental break and lower stress. • Project healthy work-life balance: For many people, pets are a huge part of their lives. Companies that encourage pets in the workplace show that they care about their employees and the balance between work and home. Purina provides five simple steps for pet owners to help create a welcoming, pet-friendly program at their workplace.

For more information, visit www.purina.com. *Los Angeles Times: “Bringing Your Dog to Work Can Ease Stress, Study Finds,” March 30, 2012; **New Scientist Magazine: “Pet Dogs Rival Humans for Emotional Satisfaction,” January 14, 2009; ***Center for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health_benefits) “Health Benefits of Pets;”

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Authors inspired by their canine friends!

FREI AND Excerpt from Angel On A Leash: Therapy Dogs and the Lives They Touch By David Frei (BowTie Press 2012) Chapter 4 - Just Whistle If You Need Me One night in the family therapy room at Mt. Sinai, Teigh and I had just completed a quiet visit with a patient. I looked across the room and saw two boys, maybe in their late teens, sitting in high-backed wheelchairs. In front of them were a man and a woman, each of them feeding one of the boys. I guessed that the boys were brothers and that the man and woman were their parents. They seemed a little grim, so I also surmised that the boys were quadriplegic and maybe had been in some kind of an auto accident. Teigh looked over at them and apparently caught the eye of one of the boys. The boy whistled. Teigh’s ears went up, and he stood and started to wag his tail. The mother looked at me and smiled. I asked, “ Can we come over and visit?” Mom looked to the husband and I surmised a little more— that they were Hispanic and may not speak English. She said something to him, and he looked at us and waved us over. We walked across the room, and I said to the group, “Hi, my name is 18

David, and this is Teigh, my therapy dog.” I got a smiling, wordless response. OK, so they don’t speak English. Try again. “Hola, soy David y este es mi perro, Teigh.” Smiles from all. Please no more Spanish, I thought. That’s all I got. The father pointed: “Miguel…Juanito.” I pointed to him and his wife: “Padre y madre?”“Si.” The boys were smiling but not too active, as one might imagine. Teigh went to the whistler—Miguel—first, and sat down in front of him, looking up at him. Miguel whistled again, and it became very evident to me that he couldn’t move his arms. Teigh tilted his head from side to side and stood up. One more whistle. Teigh lay down and rolled over. Laughter all around. I was thrilled with this, and he had done it without any prompting from me. Good boy, Teigh. He stood there, wagging his little stub of a tail, soaking up the excitement. He found a scrap of food on the floor, probably something that had fallen off the tray. I’m not really supposed to encourage him to do that, but I saw that it was a piece of bread, so I pretended not to notice that he had found some contraband. Next, I directed Teigh over in front of the other brother. (Continued on page 20)

The National Dog Show broadcast team for the Thanksgiving Day two-hour special (noon-2 p.m. on NBC 10) is multi-talented, both having authored two books. Here is a taste. Their works are available at Amazon.com.

O’HURLEY Excerpt from Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework First You Have to Do It By John O’Hurley (Hudson Street Press 2008) Preface I didn’t write this book. My dog did. I shuffled around some of the words. I filled in some of the gaps to match my recollection of the truth, and, in doing so, repaired some of the great liberties he freely took with history, I suspect at my expense. I also labored a bit over the intended meaning in each of the scribblings I found on small scraps of white, lined paper over a period of time, lying underneath the blue satin feet of the Big Blue Elephant—a five-foot-tall stuffed animal postured aside the blue velvet rocking chair where my wife and newborn son, William Dylan, spend most of each day and much of the quiet hours of the night locked in the intimate embrace of nursing. If you were to shift your gaze from Madonna and son down to the base of the chair and onto the deep blue rug, you would see my very white, fifteenand-a-half-year-old Maltese, Scoshi, spying from deep within the folds of an also-white, fluffy, shag blanket, which he has raked into position—never twice the same—with his front paws. Scoshi seems to feel perfectly camouflaged here for his recent, self-appointed mission to guard the infant feeding post. From his low perch on the floor, he could easily fire off a few barks across the bow at anyone, even me, who might

enter little William’s all-too-blue room. The quick hail of barking, however, would eventually give way to a fit of sneezing and snorting as his allergies kicked in. The volatile mix of barking and sneezing would then knock him off balance and he’d fall on his rear end. He’d give himself a quick, arthritic shake— his work clearly done—rake the white shag blanket back into position, lie down, and ready himself for the next attack, or possibly a nap. From this strategic point, however, Scoshi could also keep one eye trained on the Big Blue Elephant as it cast its very broad, very blue shadow over both mother and child, just inches away. While the Big Blue Elephant had been silent and still for the eight weeks since little William first came home from the hospital, apparently its tranquility and (Continued on page 20) 19

Excerpt from Angel On A Leash: Therapy Dogs and the Lives They Touch by David Frei ( Continued from page 18)

Excerpt from Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework First You Have to Do It by John O’Hurley ( Continued from page 19)

Juanito was still smiling, but apparently he couldn’t whistle like his brother. That was OK, because what he could do was move his right arm. He slid his arm over to the side and dropped it off the tray so that his hand landed palm open and facing Teigh. Teigh, God love him, ran right over there and high-fived him, slapping his paw into Juanito’s open palm. Madre was crying; Padre was fighting back the tears; the boys were laughing it up. I knew that they hadn’t had a moment like this for a while. Teigh found another scrap of food on the floor and seemed to know that it was put there for him. Madre and Padre reached down and petted Teigh in a most loving way; I know that they were saying thanks for the moment. Teigh’s exit move, this time with a little direction from the guy on the other end of his leash, was another rollover. Lots of smiles and wide eyes. It was a great walk home for us that night. v

its soft, shimmering baby blue fur and black button eyes were fooling no one, least of all Scoshi. He knew that a Big Blue Elephant must clearly be respected for the danger it represents. If the Elephant made one sudden move toward the feeding chair, it would be go-time. Over the eight weeks of this silent, blue vigil, however, gravity was beginning to take a toll on the Big Blue Elephant, causing it to slump slowly into an almost impossible yoga pose with its trunk buried deep between its fluffy blue legs (no, don’t try this). So, one crisp winter afternoon, early in the new year, I picked up the Elephant, readjusted its stuffing, and attempted to return it to regal form. As I lifted the blue carcass, that’s when I found it—a small scrap of white paper under the foot of the Big Blue Elephant. I picked up the piece, unfolded it, and read the words, while my mind stood still from wonder. There were just two lines on a torn strip. That was all. Dear Little Pink Thing, Who are you? From the simple substance of the note, the author was abundantly clear to me. And it was equally clear that this note was not meant for me, but for someone else. It was written by Scoshi, and meant for my firstborn son, who lay in the arms of my wife, just a few feet away. It was not the last note I would find. Over the next several months, more would appear. Some were longer and more developed, the paper unevenly folded. Gradually they became a small stack that lay beneath the Elephant’s foot—I always put them back after reading—and they were beginning to upset their already fragile blue ballast. I was certain of this: These were not random notes. They were secret notes. They were the type of notes that would be passed by hand, from schoolboy to schoolboy to schoolgirl on that halcyon day that boys discovered that girls were no longer icky. They were crucial notes—the kind quickly scribbled to a loved one and entrusted from soldier to soldier at the point of no return. They were sacred, final notes that old men write to their children, their wives, and their God that sometimes go undelivered. These were notes on manhood. They were life lessons from a wise old dog to a little boy who would barely know him. v

The National Dog Show Presented by Purina® featured artist 2012: Karen Waters This year’s featured artist, Karen Waters was chosen to create an original watercolor depicting the 10 Best In Show Champions for the National Dog Show Presented by Purina.® “I felt honored to paint these true champions. The challenge was to capture their spirit as well as their beauty.” Karen is owner of K.Waters Graphic Design studio in Hailey, Idaho. As a hobby, she loves to paint pet portraits and flowers using watercolors. “Inspiration for the National Dog Show artwork came from my three dogs, Sally, Calvin and Rudy.” A Decade of Champions 20

THE KENNEL CLUB of PHILADELPHIA

KCP honors Carol Erickson as “Dogs’ Best Friend” Raising awareness of the need for shelter dog adoption is a cause close to the heart of the Philadelphia TV personality Carol Erickson, recipient of The Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s second annual “Dogs’ Best Friend Award.” Author of a new children’s book, Not a Used Dog, At All (AuthorHouse Publishing 2011), Erickson uses her platform as meteorologist and reporter for KYW-TV, to advocate for canines in all stations of life. She includes “pet advisories” in her weather forecasts and produces a “pet page” on CBS 3’s website (www.Philadelphia.cbslocal.com/tag/pets). She also hosts the popular “Ask the Vet” segment with Dr. Jerry Geffen on Sunday mornings. Wayne Ferguson, President of The Kennel Club of Philadelphia – the oldest canine club in America – started the award last year, when the club honored Chase Utley and his wife, Jennifer, for their work with The Utley Foundation, which promotes animal welfare in the Philadelphia area. Erickson will receive the Dogs’ Best Friend Award Sunday afternoon in the stadium show ring. About the Kennel Club of Philadelphia: Since hosting the first major dog event at the Centennial Exposition in 1876, Philadelphia has been at the forefront of the dog

fancy world. And at 136 years, The Kennel Club of Philadelphia is the oldest dog club in history. The Dogs’ Best Friend Award has been created to inspire and motivate others to contribute to animal welfare in their community and to protect our region’s dogs, whose serCarol Erickson vice and companionship are a critical and enriching part of American life. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia is dedicated to promoting the sport of purebred dogs. The KCP, through its Board of Directors, advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, support the advancement of canine health, promote responsible dog ownership, support conscientious breeding practices, promote the exhibition of purebred dogs for correct type and function and conduct educational activities for the public.

For information please visit: www.nationaldogshow.com

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The American Kennel Club: The Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Shows are sanctioned by the AKC, the principal registry for purebred dogs in the United States and the largest registry in the world. Every year, owners register approximately one million dogs with the AKC. The AKC’s Canine Health Foundation is the world’s largest funder of exclusively canine research, with a mission to develop significant resources for basic and applied health programs with emphasis on canine genetics to improve the quality of life for dogs and their owners. The AKC and its affiliate, AKC Companion Animal Recovery, have been crucial in providing long-term care to displaced animals.

THE TOP DOGS

The 2011 Best In Show at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina went to Eira, the Wire Fox Terrier (Ch Steele Your Heart) handled by Gabriel Rangel. Also in the photo, from left, are Wayne Ferguson, President of the host Kennel Club of Philadelphia; Bill Burland, Show Chairman; Karen Wilson, Best In Show Judge; Marci Sale, Area Manager, Breeder Enthusiast group, Nestle’ Purina PetCare; and Connie Wagner, Senior Manager, Show Operations, Nestle’ Purina PetCare.

WILLIAM H. BURLAND, Show Chairman of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and his wife Lisa have been active in breeding and exhibiting for over 30 years. Bill’s daughters, Kelly and Kathleen, are also active in the sport. WAYNE FERGUSON, today’s show announcer, is President of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. Wayne has been immersed in the dog world for 45 years and has bred and shown top Saint Bernards. Through the years he served as President of the AKC Canine Health Foundation and Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

THE VOICE OF BERKS COUNTY AND BEYOND

NBC and Carson International, Inc. would like to thank the following sponsors for their support and participation:

Program ©2012 NBC and Carson International, Inc. Photography: Visual Technology, See Spot Run Photography. Graphic Design: K Waters Graphic Design, Hailey, Idaho The National Dog Show Presented by Purina® is a property of NBC and Carson International, Inc. “A Decade of Champions” original artwork, © 2012 NBC/Carson International, Inc

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