Page 81 - Chow Life - Summer 2016 Issue

shortly afterward and pictures table, all done in The benching area at Pier 92 on Sunday
are taken before the next breed is Westminster purple night before the show.
judged. Once out of the ring, my and gold. Chairs
cell phone started buzzing with are provided also. Cathy Clapp and GCH Flamingstar
congratulations, the best and most There are ex pens Some Like It Hot, in the benching area.
unexpected was a photo from my on site, small ones
sister's 3rd grade class in Iowa. They with white paper The benching area at Pier 92 on
had watched the live stream of the for the toys, large Sunday night before the show.
breed judging and made signs that ones with shavings
said "Congratulations Vicki and for the bigger
Neo! We're proud of you!" That dogs. Exhibitors
made me cry. are required to be
at the Garden by 5
Following the return to the bench, p.m. and I learned
we greet the public who come to that it's helpful
see the dogs, take pictures, and ask to get there early.
questions. Crates are required to Especially helpful
be of the type that allows people is the knowledge
to readily see the dogs, no towels that if you have to
or sheets covering them. It was do any grooming
a little hard for me to maintain a on your dog, it's
balance between letting the crowd best to do it before
see and pet Neo and give him the 6 p.m. because
rest he would need before the that's when they
group judging that night. It's a very open the doors to
long day for the breed winner. I the public. Oh my,
was grateful that the other Chow I have never seen
exhibitors were generous about such crowds at a dog
letting their dogs be admired and show before! There
handled while Neo got some sleep. were a lot of people
at the Piers but it's
Since the group judging is at the a trickle compared
Garden, and you hope that you will to the flood that
win the breed and have to go there, overwhelms the
you need to plan for the evening as benching area
well as the whole day at the Piers. at the Garden.
Westminster provides a shuttle bus Hundreds of well
to take exhibitors to the Garden dressed people, all
and their system worked very well armed with cell
but it's wise to pare down your phone cameras,
gear so it will all fit easily on your all taking pictures,
dolly especially if you're traveling videoing, petting dogs,
to the Garden alone. Since group asking questions.
exhibitors may leave for the Garden Absolutely everyone
at 3 p.m. but the rest of the dogs was delighted to be
must stay at the Piers until 5, Tina there, I don't think
stayed behind to help Cathy and I've ever seen so
Marilyn while Neo and I took the many smiling people
shuttle. Fortunately, a friend of in one place!
mine won the breed in Tibetan
Terriers, had previous Garden Things quiet
experience, and had a small crew of considerably in
helpers with her that she graciously the benching area
shared with me. when the doors
are closed shortly
The shuttle takes you round to the before groups
back side of MSG and it's a fairly begin. Security
long walk to the benching area. guards stand at the
Waiting for you is a generously entrances and you
sized bench and a grooming