NEW YORK (AP) — If you love dogs, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the place to be! This event celebrates the special bond we share with our furry friends. For many handlers, it’s also about sharing that love with someone special.
Take Bill McFadden, a two-time winner at Westminster. He and his wife, Taffe, are both deeply involved in the dog show world. They met at a dog show in the late ’70s and have supported each other’s careers ever since. “Watching Taffe win best in show is one of my favorite memories,” Bill said with a smile. “If one of us wins, we’re both happy.”
Now, the competition has kicked off. This year’s show started with agility contests and then moved to the traditional breed competitions. From tiny Chihuahuas to majestic Irish wolfhounds, every breed had its moment in the ring. Some dogs, like Zaida, an Afghan hound, have international accolades. Zaida has won the World Dog Show twice, but this is her first time making it this far at Westminster. Willy Santiago, her handler, couldn’t hold back his emotions as he praised her: “She makes me feel anything is possible.”
Joining Zaida in the competition are other standouts, like JJ the Lhasa Apso, who recently snagged a top title at the AKC National Championship. His handler, Susan Giles, said JJ embodies everything great about the breed—except he’s a bit friendlier than most Lhasa Apso dogs. He loves to chat with everyone!
Another contender is Graham, an Old English sheepdog whose grandfather was a Westminster runner-up in 2013. “He’s excited to show off his skills,” said his handler Colton Johnson.
Many dog show handlers are married couples, often sharing the hectic life on the road. The McFaddens travel to about 200 shows a year, all while juggling the care for their dogs. “It’s a crazy life,” Bill admits. “But it works because we understand each other.”
Other couples, like Randy and Andrea Huelsemann, find joy in the hobby despite full-time jobs—he’s a 911 dispatcher, and she’s a dental hygienist. “We do it together because we love it,” Randy shared. That passion brings couples together in unique ways.
At the show, some celebrity dog lovers were in the crowd, cheering for their favorites. Lydia Hearst and Chris Hardwick were there for their otterhound, Zoltar. While Zoltar didn’t win his breed, he surely got the loudest cheers! “I know how to scream—I’ve done it in plenty of horror movies!” Lydia joked.
Another crowd favorite was Wilbur the beagle, who has appeared in a new Netflix series. He was competing with junior handler Charlotte Jones. Wilbur, trained by Mary Cummings, relishes every moment—especially if food is involved. “He loves anything that gets him attention,” Cummings said with a smile.
As the competition continues, it aims to not just showcase beauty and talent but also the love that dogs and their handlers share. That passion is what makes this event truly special.
For more insights on the Westminster Dog Show and its history, visit the official Westminster Kennel Club website.
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Bill McFadden, Dogs, Dog shows, General news, Send to Apple News, New York City, New York, U.S. news, Andrea Huelsemann, Lydia Hearst, Entertainment, Matt Damon, Charlotte Jones, Susan Giles, Chris Hardwick, Sports, Willy Santiago, Lifestyle, Ben Affleck, Patricia Hearst, Mary Cummings
