A Second Visit To Westminster

By Amy Fernandez

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, which may be the best way to sum up a novice’s reaction to Westminster. First time exhibitors fall into two categories. Quite a few vow never to return. Others marvel at their ability to survive the ordeal and return armed and ready the next year.

Christy LaPlante recalls with a laugh, “When we came to New York last year my husband called it a once in a lifetime experience.”  It was a lot of firsts for this Racine, Wisconsin family including their 14-year-old daughter Erin’s first time showing as a Westminster Junior finalist.

Erin didn’t win, but there’s always another dog show. This year the family returns with two daughters competing in Juniors. Everything gets twice as complicated with two dogs and two show schedules. Even so, Christy admits it’s a lot easier the second time around. “Just knowing what to expect when you walk into the show makes everything so much less intimidating. And we are much better prepared,”  she says.

• For instance, the carpet is slippery so don’t forget the tacky paw.

• If the crowd back home expects Westminster souvenirs, get them before they sell out.

• Don’t be timid when trying to hail a taxi in New York.

• Even if you’re coming from Wisconsin, pack for really cold weather.

• Don’t go overboard tipping the hotel staff.

Still she concedes that the benefit of experience has its limitations.  “Erin’s little sister, Maren, is only 11. Last night she couldn’t get to sleep last night thinking about showing at Westminster today. It told her to pretend it’s a school night.”

Hopefully everyone got a good night’s sleep because it’s gonna be a long day!

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Posted by chesliepickett on Feb 16 2016. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.