Beaglemania is sweeping the region, thanks to Miss P, the Enderby-born pooch who recently took Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club show.
For those not in the know, in the dog show world, winning this is like winning the Kentucky Derby, the Stanley Cup or the Super Bowl.
I am so delighted for Lori and Kaitlyn Crandlemire, who bred Miss P and invested time, travel and a load of cash in helping her get to the top.
Full disclosure: I have shown dogs in the past and it is a lot harder than it might look. As with all things, winning is a rush. I remember the feeling of excitement and pride when my dog beat out another top-winning cocker spaniel and then took the group fourth ribbon at the Vernon and District Kennel Club Shows.
So if my win was like a hand-held sparkler, Miss P’s win was the whole fireworks show. I can’t imagine the rush.
I’m sure when the Crandlemires cuddled that pup after she was born in Lori’s bedroom, they had no idea of the wild ride she would take them on. It’s a Cinderella-story puppy style.
Miss P clearly had it, right from the beginning. She was spotted as a six-month-old puppy by Will Alexander, one of Canada’s top dog show handlers. He clearly knows star quality when he sees it and took charge of Miss P’s training, conditioning, grooming and nurturing her “diva personality.”
Miss P was clearly the underdog of the final lineup, but that didn’t stop her from strutting her way to the crown.
Sometime soon, Miss P will retire back to Enderby with plans for her to birth her own litter of puppies, probably in the very same bedroom in which she was born.
But don’t go thinking that you’ll be strolling down Highway 97 to purchase one of those pups. They’ll be spoken for already, and will be worth a pretty Miss P penny.
Popularity comes with its own problems. Just because a beagle won Westminster doesn’t mean the breed is right for everyone. Each breed of dog has its unique traits and while cute on TV, a beagle’s personality, keen nose and tendency to use its voice might not be endearing to all dog owners.
I’m sure the Crandlemires would back me up when I say, if you are looking to get a dog, do your research. Talk to reputable breeders, read up on the breed traits and be realistic about your lifestyle. If you are a cuddle-up-and-watch-movies kind of person, a border collie is not the dog for you. If you are a triathlete, a basset hound might not be a match made in heaven.
Reputable breeders love, care for and stand behind their dogs. They want their puppies to go to homes where they will fit in with the family. Breed clubs or local kennel clubs are a good way to hook up with an honest, caring breeder. With careful consideration, a rescue dog can also be a wonderful addition to a home.
All dogs may not be Best in Show, but any of them can be like mine, who proudly wears the title of “BOS” (Best on Sofa).
