|
09/08/09
 As we approach the one year anniversary of the final episode, most Dogsters have undoubtedly figured out what I knew the moment I left Canine Academy: there’s not going to be a second season of Greatest American Dog. Even though nearly 10 million viewers tuned in to the premiere, the show’s ratings experienced a steady decline throughout the season and ended with an average of 5-6 million weekly viewers. Comparing that to the ratings of other popular dog-themed television shows, including The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel which barely averages 1 million viewers weekly, it would seem GAD was an overwhelming hit! Unfortunately airing on a major network during prime time was both a blessing and a curse. Major networks like CBS (home of other reality shows like Survivor and Big Brother garnering 20+ million viewers each week) require much bigger numbers to renew a show, and GAD fell short. But, here on Dogster, the Greatest American Dog fan club was extremely popular. That’s why I thought fans of the show would enjoy catching up with members of the cast. So here’s the 411 from those who were willing to share!
 Elan and Kenji Dog biz entrepreneur Elan and her gorgeous Giant Schnauzer Kenji returned to Oregon where Elan is currently running a growing doggie day trip service that leads tours to local lakes and parks in the Portland area. But you’ll never guess the new sport she and Kenji have plunged into. No, not dock diving (although the versatile Kenji has done this too). It’s scootering and dogsledding! What, can’t picture a Giant Schnauzer mushing? Well, apparently Kenji is a natural, and not only that, Elan is learning all she can from the top people in the sport, including professional dog sled racer Rachael Scdoris, who was nominated by ESPN as female athlete of the year. Knowing Elan, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see this ambitious and dynamic young woman leading a team in the Iditarod one day.
For those of you who fell for the so called Laurie threw David under the bus bit, sorry, but you were had! The truth is, there was no betrayal and David and Elvis have remained one of our closest friends! This jetsetting duo is the toast of the Big Apple and are frequently seen at dog related events all around the city including the North Shore Animal League’s Dogcatemy Awards, Bideawee’s Gala on the Green, and even the Westminster Dog Show. In his spare time, Dr. David operates The Doctor’s Channel, an internet educational and networking resource for physicians, but even there he often mixes business with pleasure. Right now, the website features the recent nuptials of Elvis and his canine lady love. Definitely go check it out!
 Go Tillman! I hope everyone caught our buddies Ron and Tillman in this year’s Tournament of Roses parade! The skateboarding Bulldog was featured displaying his skills on the Natural Balance Pet Foods float. They are currently spokesdog/person for the pet food company and will be featured in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade as well. This time they’ll be accompanied by Tillman’s little furbling Rose, the newest skateboarding bulldog.
 Brandy, Beacon and Billy Brinser Brandy and Beacon have been very busy this past year. In April Brandy got married and Beacon was proud to be the flower dog. Beacon has been in Elle magazine for a Kate Spade ad, placed 2nd in the talent contest for the Dog Day Afternoon in Orange County, and marched in a Fourth of July Parade. Brandy continues to train Beacon who recently learned how to clean up her toys and is now skateboarding. Beacon will turn 3 this year and has been a very good dog for Brandy. They enjoy trips to the Huntington Dog Beach and walks around their community lake.
 One of the busiest and most visible members of the cast has definitely been Laura and Preston. In fact, we’ve collaborated together on past events and have several exciting future projects in the works. Building on our mutual commitment to therapy dog work (Andrew and Preston were the only certified therapy dogs in the cast), we founded The Pawtastics, a non-profit volunteer organization comprised of celebrity dogs, studio dogs, and exceptionally-trained canines and their humans who aspire to take therapy dog work to another level. We’ve also created Girly Dogs, a movement to empower and celebrate small dogs around the world. The pair hosts and stars in Preston’s Planet, a live, interactive internet show broadcast on The Stream.TV, and are spokesperson/dog for Natura pet foods. Preston was the cover model of the August/September ‘09 issue of Animal Wellness magazine, and plans are in the works for his own feature film!
 Bill and Star No matter where I go, there’s one pair I’m always asked about, and that’s Bill and Star. Bill says Star has shined brighter than ever and continues to shine more every day by entertaining literally thousands of people all over the country. She has helped raise money for shelters and rescues, received keys to the city, been the opening act for country western stars Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, and even had a proclamation read in her honor by the Texas House of Representatives! Bill has recently started a dog training business specializing in obedience, tracking, herding and agility.
 Since we both live in Virginia, we’ve seen our good friends Teresa and Leroy a lot this past year. We attended Leroy’s 5th birthday party in January and had the chance to meet many of his friends and Teresa’s satisfied clients. Teresa has been a successful dog trainer in Fairfax, VA for quite a few years and runs a successful training and dog walking business. From raising money for the The Animal Cancer Foundation, to being a spokesdog for Stella and Chewy’s dog food and a cover dog for the In the Company of Dogs catalog, Leroy has been very busy. Most recently the pair appeared on the QVC Network to demonstrate a line of dog toys. They are regularly featured guests at most of the pet industry trade shows such as H.H. Backer and Super Zoo.
 Andrew and Laurie This blog has enabled me to keep everyone abreast of what Andrew and I have been up to, but just to recap, he’s earned 4 agility titles, 3 additional rally obedience titles, has had featured roles in two short films, made appearances at dozens of charity events, was Grand Marshal for a walk-a-thon, has raised thousands of dollars for local animal rescue groups, and along with Preston even helped campaign for President Obama. Together we appeared on the cover of the November 2008 issue of the Whole Dog Journal, and have been featured and interviewed by numerous blogs and publications. My dog training and daycare facility, Pup ‘N Iron Canine Fitness & Learning Center, is booming more than I could have ever imagined! Even a year later we are recognized often, especially at dog shows and agility trials. It’s pretty funny to step up to the line and have the check in person do a double take and yell, “hey, I know you!”
And what about the winner? Travis reports that he and Presley have been having a wonderful time since the show. They’ve done a number of commercials including several for Exchange Bank in Oklahoma. They are currently working with KJ Productions out of Enid, Oklahoma to produce an education children’s DVD, with the first DVD set to be released November 2009. They’ve also worked a lot with Take Me Home rescue organization in L.A. If you were watching closely around Valentine’s Day, you may have caught Travis in a Zales Jewelry commercial he’d done prior to being on the show. If you missed it, hopefully they’ll air it again next year. Have your hankies ready, it’s a real tear jerker. According to his listing on IMDB, Travis has resumed his acting career and will be in an upcoming thriller called ICrime. Watch for it!
 Wendy and Lucky at Paws for Style As for our esteemed panel of judges, you can still catch Victoria Stilwell on the second season of It’s Me or the Dog, airing on Animal Planet. Alan Reznick is still Editor-At-Large for Dog Fancy and Dog World magazines, but the busiest has to be Wendy Diamond! In addition to her frequent appearances on NBC’s Today Show and running the pet lifestyle magazine Animal Fair, Wendy and her rescue Maltese Lucky continue to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for animal rescue with their one-of-a-kind red carpet celebrity charity events. Most recently, she held her annual Paws for Style celebrity gala event featuring top celebrities tripping the light fantastic up on the catwalk. She has several book projects in the works, It’s a Dog’s World, to be published by Random House, and a new Chicken Soup for the Soul dog and cat book coming out October 2009.
GAD was destined to be a one time thing. Successfully and safely managing 12 dogs of different ages, sizes, breeds, temperaments and needs, along with their equally diverse and demanding humans, while filming challenges that would not only be safe, but entertaining and fun to watch, and telling a story that would be believable and accepting by the viewing audience was an undertaking I don’t think anyone could have really been ready for. Undoubtedly the project sounded really good on paper, actually producing it was a different story. Whenever I’ve asked my castmates if they’d do it all again, most have said yes, and I concur. Who would pass up the opportunity to spend 6 weeks with his or her dog, away from all the worries, responsibilities and hustle and bustle of every day life? We wouldn’t be the people we are today and we wouldn’t have the relationships we have with our dogs if we hadn’t gone through this experience. But it also gave each of us an inside look at so-called reality shows, in general. They may be unscripted, but there’s definitely a storyline the producers intend to follow, no matter what, and they have the power of the camera and editing to do so. But none of us are complaining. We’re great, our dogs are great, and we are among a select few who will ever be able to say, we not only survived being on Greatest American Dog, we’ve thrived!
Did you want to see a second season of Greatest American Dog?
What message do you feel Greatest American Dog sent?
After seeing the show, would you have auditioned for it with your dog?
Do you believe what you see on reality shows is how things actually happened?
See related Ring Time entries:
Categorized Hollywood, competition, dogs, entertainment, gossip.Tagged alan reznick, andrew the great maltese, bill and star, brandy and beacon, CBS, david and elvis, elan and kenji, GAD, greatest american dog, laura and preston, laura nativo, laurie and andrew, laurie c williams cpdt, pup 'n iron canine fitness and learning center, reality shows, ron and tillman, teresa and leroy, teresa hanula, travis and presley, victoria stilwell, wendy diamond.
06/16/09
 Two Dogster pup pals finally had the chance to meet and play agility together at the Pup ‘N Iron TDAA (Teacup Dog Agility Association) agility trials held on June 13 & 14, 2009. TDAA agility offers competition for dogs 17″ tall and under. It features smaller, more size appropriate equipment, and tighter courses within a smaller area, providing a level playing field and much safer environment for the small dogs to play. Remy, a Toy Poodle, and Andrew, a Maltese, have been pup pals ever since Greatest American Dog aired last summer. And now, not only are they pup pals, they’re agility pals too! The two pups (and their moms) have corresponded regularly since they discovered they both shared a passion for dog sports!
Remy has been competing in agility for the past 3 years and also has competed in rally obedience as well. His mom Pam is an agility instructor and teaches classes at Town and Country Animal Care Center in Apex, NC. Remy and his family traveled all the way from their home in Raleigh, NC to participate in the TDAA agility trials at Pup ‘N Iron Canine Fitness & Learning Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Along with Remy, dozens of diminutive dynamos came from all over the east coast to participate in the event, making it a huge (no pun intended) event! Even though the equipment is down-sized, the courses are just as challenging, if not moreso, than the other agility venues. Even still, both Remy and Andrew scored big!
Remy earned a 1st place and 3rd place gamers score, giving him two legs toward his TG1 title! Andrew earned one 1st and three 3rd placements and both his TBAD and TG1 titles! But in addition to his ribbons, Remy also took home a Limited Edition Andrew Doll. According to his mom’s blog, it was the best prize he received all weekend!
Has your small dog ever participated in dog agility?
Is small dog agility offered in your area?
If it were, would you participate with your dog?
Dogster on the scene!
See related Ring Time entries:
04/20/09
Ever since its formation in 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has banned mixed breed dogs from being registered and competing in any of its performance events. Last week, after several years of contemplation, the non profit organization finally announced its plans to implement a Mixed Breed program allowing mixed, hybrid, and breeds not recognized by its registry to become registered and compete in obedience, agility and rally events. Mixed breeds will not be able to compete in conformation events, the “beauty pageant” type shows you see most often on television. 
Well, it took 125 years, but I guess as they say, better late than never. Or maybe not. The proposed program is receiving mixed reviews and at best has garnered a cool reception by many mixed breed dog parents. While mixed breeds will be able to compete, they will be entered in a different class, separate from the purebred AKC breeds and will only be competing against other mixed breed entries. Additionally, the mixed breeds will earn different titles, identified by a -M suffix. In other words, the AKC Companion Dog (CD) title will be designated CD-M when a mixed breed dog earns it. This has become a major bone of contention for some. Says one mixed breed owner, “the AKC has always been elitist. They just don’t want some mixed breed showing up their precious dog with the champion bloodlines.”
Adds another, “They still want to treat our dogs like second class citizens. I can just imagine how they’ll treat us.” But there are others who are looking forward to the chance to finally enter their dog in an AKC trial.
One owner beamed, “I have both a Labrador and a Heinz 57. I can’t wait to enter them both in the same trial.”
There are other venues that have been welcoming mixed breeds in their performance events for quite a while, like the APDT, UKC, USDAA, and ASCA, but because of its size and prevalence, the AKC offers many more trials throughout remote areas of the country, making it the only game in town for some.
Registration opens up in October, and the registered dogs will be invited to start competing in April 2010. Time will tell whether or not mixed breed owners embrace this program. I know if I had a mixed breed I’d be one of the first to sign up! Although they’ll be in a different class, the mixed breed dogs will still be judged in the same ring, under the same judge and criteria. And when it comes to performance events, it’s all about the scores. How cool would it be for the mixed breeds to outscore the purebreds? I say, GAME ON!
I’d love to hear from mixed breed dog owners out there. What do you think about the AKC implementing this program? Will you register your dog and compete in its events? Do you think putting the mixed breeds in a different class is a slap in the face?
See related Ring Time entries:
04/01/09
There’s still time to enter your local dog park in our Dogsterrific Dog Park Contest. Don’t let this opportunity to salute your pup’s favorite social spot pass you by. Remember, the winning park will receive a donation from Dogster to help make it an even better place for pups to play!
Entries close on April 3. Go here for more details on how to enter and make sure your dog park is counted!!
See related Ring Time entries:
03/10/09
The fast-paced sport of dog agility is open to all breeds, but typically when you watch a high profile agility competition, especially one on television, you’re most likely to see herding breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Shelties, or sporting breeds like Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Weimeraners and Vizslas mastering a course. Those breeds were built and bred for speed and agility, so there’s no wonder they excel at the sport. However, how cool would it be to watch Chihuahuas, Maltese, Shih Tzus and Yorkies flying around an agility course, some almost small enough to hide in your purse? Well that’s exactly what you’ll see when you attend a Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA) trial. All the dogs are under 17″ tall, many much shorter, and they are given the opportunity to have fun and compete with each other on a much more level playing field.
Now some might say, wait, hold on a minute, the other agility venues (AKC, NADAC, USDAA) also separate dogs by height, but TDAA takes it a step further. Recognizing the anatomical differences in smaller, shorter and longer backed breeds, TDAA offers scaled down versions of the agility equipment and shortens the size of the course.
Boy Andrew and I sure could have used this on Greatest American Dog! Even though Andrew stands only 8″ tall, he was required to climb the exact same height ramps, jump onto the same height platforms, and had to run the same size couse as the dogs that were 3 and 4 times his height and size! My biggest concern was always his safety. I knew that at 8 pounds he was much more likely to suffer an injury if falling from the equipment as the dogs that were 60 pounds or more. Well with TDAA, not only is the equipment more equally sized, but it’s a lot safer for the little ones too. The 2009 TDAA Petit Prix National Agility Trial will be held in Racine, WA Oct. 9-11, but you can catch local events this spring and summer all over the country. Go check out these little dynamos!
Do you think little dogs can be just as athletic as big dogs? Do you feel there should be size modifications when it comes to dog sports?
See related Ring Time entries:
02/28/09
I’m loving reading all your comments about dog parks. Some of you have had great experiences while others not so much. However, most of you seem to share the sentiments that human involvement with the dogs is essential for success. So, what are some other essential ingredients?
- Good drainage and enough space to accommodate the number of dogs visiting
- For safety reasons, the area should be secured by at minimum a 6 foot fence
- A double gated entry/exit way
- Separate areas for the large and small dogs
- Shaded areas, water and pooper scooper stations with disposal bags
- Covered garbage cans
- Zero tolerance for aggressive dogs
- Children supervised at all time, preferably of a minimum age of 10-12 years old
- All dogs current on their immunizations and be free of communicable disease and internal and external parasites
Many dog parks have nice shaded benches and picnic tables for the humans, however unless your dog is sitting on the bench with you, you shouldn’t be either! Remember, the best place for you to be is right out there with your dog, supervising his interactions.
But how do we enforce all this? Therein lies the challenge. Some successful dog parks require memberships and have a committee, board of directors or other governing body that tend to the upkeep and make sure park rules are followed. Others are policed by city or county law enforcement or zoning authorities.
These are just a few of the criteria for minimum standards, but the list could go on and on. Dog parks were created with the best of intentions, however, to ensure the best possible experience for all the dogs, we can’t put the responsibility of running the park in their paws!
Do you think your dog park makes the grade? Then why not bark for your park and enter it in the 2009 Dogsterrific Dog Park contest? If your dog park meets all the above criteria and more, here’s your chance to give your pup pal’s hang-out the recognition that it deserves. Here’s all you have to do:
- Check here to see if your dog park is already listed in Dogster Local. You can easily search by choosing the category “Dog Parks & Dog Runs” and then selecting your zip code.
- If it’s there, give it a rating (5 paws if it’s really the best!) and leave a review telling me WHY it’s the best. Important! I’ll select the winning park based not only on the number of times it is rated, but also on how well it is reviewed. So, really tell me WHY your park deserves to win!
- If it’s not listed in Dogster Local, then add it so that you can rate it and review it! Adding a dog park is easy – just click here and fill in the required information. Just make sure you put it in the “Dog Parks & Dog Runs” category.
- FINALLY, come back here and leave a comment with either the name of the dog park and its location or the URL that points to its listing in Dogster Local. Don’t forget to come back here and let me know you’re entering it in the contest. You can also post a link to your dog park’s website, if they have one, or to any pictures that you may have taken while there. That’s it!
I will read the reviews in Dogster Local and in the comments here and make my decision on April 3, 2009. Make sure that you leave me your email address when you leave a comment here, because we’ll contact you via email if your dog park wins. Dogster will make a donation to the 2009 Dogsterrific Dog Park, to make it a better place for all of the pooches who use it. Groovy, huh?
So, what are you waiting for? Enter your dog park now!
See related Ring Time entries:
02/12/09
Attending the Westminster Dog Show has been on my bucket list for quite some time and there couldn’t have been a better year than this one to check it off! I’d always thought I’d attend as a participant with one of my show dogs. Because it is a benched show, meaning all the entered dogs must remain at their “bench,” or designated station when not in the ring, the exhibitors and participants really don’t get a chance to move around all that much. So, attending as an observer and member of the press allowed me the freedom to get behind the scenes and up close and personal with many of the exhibitors. And covering the event for dogster made it even more special!
If you want to learn about the different breeds of dogs, Westminster is definitely the place to be. Not only are the dogs stationed at their benches for visitors to meet and even pet, but the handlers, owners and breeders are on hand as well, most of them more than willing to answer questions. I took the opportunity to talk with the handlers and breeders of the lesser known breeds.
The English Foxhound is ranked last on the list of popularity according to American Kennel Club registration statistics. In fact, only 14 puppies were registered in 2008. However when speaking with Sue Whaley, breeder of this year’s Best of Breed English Foxhound, Ch Sunup’s Copper Fox, you’d never know it. “I love the breed,” she beamed as she prepared to watch him compete in the Hound Group on Monday night. The president of the English Foxhound Club of America, Whaley wants to see the breed preserved. “I’m glad it hasn’t been exploited, but I do fear one day there won’t be any more around,” she continues.
I spotted a lovely Skye Terrier peacefully relaxing on top of his crate and just had to go and pet him. “Tony,” had just won an Award of Merit during breed judging. The Award of Merit is given at the judge’s discretion to a dog(s) that has not won Best of Breed, but has impressed him or her enough to receive special recognition. I spent some time with Tony’s breeders, Michael Pesare and Maida Connor of Gleanntan Kennels. Even though they didn’t win BOB, they were ecstatic about Tony’s Award of Merit and their other dog Bea’s Best of Opposite Sex win.
Another highlight of my trip was getting to meet last year’s Best In Show winner, Uno the Beagle who was on hand to spread good cheer and pass the torch to his successor. He is a personable pup who hasn’t let his celebrity go to his head.
It was a wonderful experience and confirmed what I’ve always known and felt. Showing dogs, whether at Westminster or your local dog show, is not about winning. It’s about the love and deep relationship these breeders and owners share with their dogs. One thing is certain, I saw a lot more hugs and kisses being given out than ribbons.
What do you think about dog shows? Would you ever consider showing your own dog?
See related Ring Time entries:
02/12/09
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? This year’s Westminster Dog Show proved you should never count the veteran out. CH Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, aka “Stump,” suffered a life threatening illness in 2004 that ended his show career. However after five years of loving life as a family pet, he was brought back to the show ring with a vengeance winning the coveted title of Best In Show at the biggest show in the world! 
Like many, I predicted the Giant Schnauzer “Spirit” to win. She’d been the top dog in the country most of the year. But I can honestly say that I’ve never been so happy to be wrong! Not only is Stump’s win a great Cinderella story, but it also represents the dedication and sheer love of a breed necessary to persevere in this sport.
It’s likely many have never even heard of a Sussex Spaniel before Tuesday night. Even though the breed was one of the original 10 breeds first recognized by the American Kennel Club at its inception in 1884, it is currently ranked 146 (out of 156) breeds according to AKC registration statistics. Simply put, there are less than 100 Sussex puppies bred and registered in the U.S. each year (compared to the thousands of Labrador and Golden Retrievers). If it were any animal other than a dog, it would be an endangered species. However, thanks to the professionalism, tenacity and “breed love” of only a handful of dedicated breeders, we can still enjoy this wonderful breed of dog, steeped in deep history.
If anyone is wondering, that’s what the sport of showing dogs is all about. Congratulations Stumpy!
Do you think the best dog won?
See related Ring Time entries:
02/04/09
Despite a bit of controversy stirred by a PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) protest, the finals of the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will be broadcast live on both the USA and CNBC networks on Feb. 9 & 10. And I’m not at all surprised. In the dog show world, Westminster is the Super Bowl of dogs shows. It’s one of the longest running sporting events in the U.S., second only to the Kentucky Derby. 
Each year the New York City population swells by 5 million as visitors and participants descend on the city to watch the event held in Madison Square Garden, and Andrew and I will be among them. (More on that later.) The two day event will feature an entry of 2,522 dogs and 170 breeds , but more importantly, it’s likely this year’s winning dog will make history. Out of all ten top ranked dogs in 2008, six are breeds that have never won Best In Show at Westminster before. Last year’s winner, Uno, was also the first Beagle to ever win the honor.
So who are the front runners? According to Show Sight Magazine, the top 10 ranked showdogs (based on BIS wins) for 2008 were:
Well I happen to know that the #2 dog, “Holly” the Pointer, is not entered this year since her owner is on the WKC show committee. So that leaves the door wide open for “Spirit,” the Giant Schnauzer. Or does it? Many an underdog has pulled an upset at the prestigious show. However I’ll go on record to say, that won’t be the case this year. My pick: Spirit, hands down. She’s the most exquisite Giant Schnauzer I’ve ever seen.
Now back to Andrew and me. In addition to covering the show for Dogster, we are celebrity models at the Skybark Pre-Westminster Red Carpet Fashion Show on Friday, Feb. 6 at the Hotel Pennsylvania in NYC. So stay tuned and let’s see if my prediction comes true.
Let’s take a poll. Which dog do you think will win Best in Show at Westminster this year?
See related Ring Time entries:
01/13/09
At no other time in recent history has it been more exciting to be a dog and dog lover than right now. We have an insatiable curiousity about everything canine, and that’s what this new blog is all about.
 As two of the stars on the hit CBS reality show Greatest American Dog, Andrew and I certainly know how to take chances and have a good time! We’ve been very fortunate to have participated in many different dog activities together both before and since GAD, and that’s what has been instrumental in enhancing our relationship. Now we’re making it our business to share the wealth and report all the latest news in the world of conformation show dogs, agility, obedience, rally, flyball, and even exotic dog sports like skijoring and lure coursing. But that’s not all. We’ll also give you the inside scoop in dog entertainment and even some juicy celebrity and show dog gossip such as, have the President and his family already chosen the first dog? Who’s the odds on favorite to win the Westminster Dog Show this year? What A-list celebrity is starring in the next big dog movie?
If you want to find out, sit, stay and find out! Get ready, it’s Ring Time!
See related Ring Time entries:
|
|
|
((