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January 2007's WOOF Patrol Extraordinaire
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Puttin' on the Dog - David Frei & The Westminster Kennel Club

David Frei is a man of many titles and talents, but his self-proclaimed preferred role is: "The guy at the other end of the leash." Our introduction to David is as Westminster Kennel Club's, Director of Communication.

"The Westminster Kennel Club Show goes beyond purebred factor. It's about the celebration of dogs, established to increase an interest in all canines."

The Westminster Kennel Club and a group of Sportsmen held their first show on May 8th-10th, 1877. It was a barking success from the start and grew to become the second longest continuously held sporting event in the United States, just one year behind the Kentucky Derby. This year marks the 131st anniversary of America's dog show. During its prestigious history, over 327,000 fabulous four-legs and tails have wagged and pranced to enthusiastic and adoring crowds that can't enough of them.

It becomes clear in our conversation with David, that Westminster is far more than mere pooch pageantry. Since 1990, The Westminster Kennel Foundation has awarded over 91 veterinary school scholarships to worthy students. Last year, Westminster provided over $35,000 in donations to support disaster victims and their pets from the aftermath of the devastation from hurricanes in the Gulf States.

In 2007, Angels on Leash, a Westminster pet therapy program developed and nurtured by David, will mark its 3rd year. Westminster and their partner Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian, understood the pawsitive impact and benefits of canine presence on the pediatric ward. "Petting a dog is an invaluable experience. Young patients, in unfamiliar settings and in life-threatening circumstances, find comfort scratching behind the fluffy ears of a well-trained therapy dog. Genuine and unconditional love bonds the child and dog in an unexplainable, medicinal manner."

David is a professional broadcaster who co-hosts both USA Network's Live coverage of The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and NBC's Thanksgiving Day National Dog Show. His bio could fill a beloved dog-eared book. However, his interest and passion is such that he just wants to known as the guy, (WOOF Patrol prefers the moniker 'Angel'), on the other end of the leash.

Teigh and Belle, his pride and joy Brittanys, are registered therapy dogs that visit people in hospitals, nursing homes and hospices every week. Fatherly pride takes over as he informs WOOF Patrol that his pups are the first therapy dogs permitted in the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. David's unabashed admiration for his wife Cherilyn, Spiritual Director of the Ronald McDonald House, is also noted.

We thank David, no stranger to the purebred world, owner and the occasional handler of Zoomie, the #1 Afghan in 1989 and co-author of Angel by My Side, for his time and dedication to all dogs.

SHOW DATES for The Westminster Kennel Club's 131st Annual All Breed Dog Show February 12-13, 2007 - for tickets and to learn more about the rich history of Westminster go to: http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/


DOGDOM RULES - Westminster Kennel Club


To get the scoop on the Westminster we went to the dogs: Carlee, Josh and Rufus.

CARLEE: I'd like to point out that it's a true pooch pageant.

JOSH: Winning isn't everything. After retirement in 2004, I knew my dogness had more to give to others. At 155 pounds, I tied for the biggest dog to ever win at Westminster. My signature woof - not bark - is well-known by fans, but it's the size of my heart that matters. My pal David Frei, Director of Communications for Westminster, approached me about launching their pet therapy program, Angels on a Leash. The goal is to advance the healing process for pediatric patients.

Westminster Kennel Club, with partner Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, created a life-affirming endeavor proven to reduce stress on patients and family. Scientific studies have shown that four legs and a wagging tail provides benefits that range from smiles, giggles, improved conversation and most important, motivation to remain pawsitive. Using our bow-lingual abilities and nose-nudging techniques we find a way into everyone's hearts including the all important hospital staff.

RUFUS: Josh is right - competition is ruff and winning results in more than just blue ribbons. A USA Network televised win can make you an overnight canine celebrity. We realize we can use our success, animal magnetism and doggone charm to become ambassadors of good will. By placing 4th, Ch Hobergays Fineus Fogg, my 2006 Terrier competitor, brought awareness to the delicate plight of his breed that borders on extinction. He told me that only 33 Dandie Dinmont Terriers were registered with the UK Kennel Club in the first quarter of 2006 and only 51 were registered with the American Kennel Club during 2005. While it is important to monitor the situation, Dandie breeders inform us that you have to be careful to avoid breeding that could be less than desirable. Actor and doctor, Bill Cosby, co-owner of Fineus Fogg, is hopefully aware of the "vulnerable native breed" status and will have his Dandie sire a much welcomed litter.

Dandie Dinmont Terrier Love Fest


WESTMINSTER DOGGIE FACTS: Record for Best in Show Award by Breed was won 13 times by the Fox Terrier (Wire). Rufus' favorite reward is a Krispy Kreme doughnut. Schedules for all of the busy canine contestants include: grooming, training, posing and tons of PLAYTIME.

 
Yvonne Conza, Founder of WOOF Patrol - ph: 917.847.2854 January 2007