 Empire Polo Club, Indio, California
January 1 through 4, 2009 Story by Lisa R. Lawrence
Photos by Allen Lawrence The Kennel Club of Palm Springs held one of the largest dog shows in the United States here in our beautiful Coachella Valley this weekend at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. Thousands of spectators were in attendance at the Empire Polo Club grounds. The reported lower attendance of breeders and handlers that was talked about was not apparent to those of us who were there. There were the most excellent examples of each breed represented at this huge show with a huge crowd of people from all over the United States.
 The hardest part of attending the show was that there were so many show rings with different classes of dogs being shown that you couldn’t see it all. We watched the spaniels for a short while, then caught part of the Labrador Retrievers, then I saw a white fluffy cluster of adorable Bichons Frises’ awaiting their turn. I must admit that my favorite part of the day was talking with the handlers and getting to pet the most magnificent dogs in the world.
 Breeders and handlers from all over the United States were there, each discussing the “ins and outs” of their breed and the competition. It was pretty interesting how many dogs really did share some traits of their owners. “Sarge,” (Danatlbrk Sgt Rutlege NeetSRD) a three year old pure black Great Dane, was one of the tallest and most gentle dogs you could meet, he literally looked at me nose to nose while he was on all fours. He was such a big sweetie. Sarge’s owner/breeder, John Neet was equally one of the tallest people in attendance. John and his Wife Cynthia also rescue, foster and find “forever homes” for these gentle giants at “All About & Neet Great Danes,” in the Los Angeles area. A Chinese Crested named “Branear,” from the Kamakazi Kennels in Montana, was getting the last touches and acted like a pro, standing there so well for his handler/breeder, Tammy, while being primped for his time to show off in the ring. Both were beautiful to behold.
 There were numerous vendors in the indoor arena, selling all sorts of dog related paraphernalia. Clothes, jewelry and accessories for us dog lovers and designer collars, leashes and premium foods, bath products and gourmet treats for the canines too. One vendor who got my attention was C&F Distributing from Ontario, CA, who distributes premium “organic” dog foods like “Natural Planet Organics” that are manufactured here in the United States and is a very non allergic food too. I am going to try it with my allergic pooch at home. (FYI my finicky, allergic, big dog, “Oso,” LOVES the sample of this food.)
The weather was mild and glorious. Everywhere we looked there were dogs and people having one “howlin” grand party.
 The best in show was awarded to “Spirit,” a Giant Schnauzer, handled by Luke Seidlitz. Spirit was head and shoulders above her competition, besting 3,129 other hopefuls this Sunday. Spirit holds the title of top show dog in the United States, for 2008, winning approximately 200 shows last year. In February she will be competing with other world class champions at the 133rd Westminster Dog Show, in New York City from February 9 and 10, 2009.
Thank you to the Kennel Club of Palm Springs for coordinating this hugely successful and magnificent event with the Jack Bradshaw Dog Show Superintendents.
To see Allen Lawrence's photos of the KCPS Dogshow 2009, click here. |
