CONGRATULATIONS JAMES!

Imagine Gracie and my surprise this morning, when, after turning the television on to check on the status of our hoped for Snow Day, we were greeted with the news that our prediction for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, English Springer Spaniel James, had actually won!

This article at MSNBC, the location from which the above picture was taken, explains some of the details of Ch. Felicity’s Diamond Jim's victory. We especially appreciate the headline which proclaims what Gracie and I already knew: "English springer spaniel is America’s top dog!"

Woof-woof!

Gracie's Westminster 2007 Pick!

This week is one of the few times a year, Anne, Gracie and I actually miss having basic cable or satellite television. Why? Because it's time for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, of course, and it's broadcast on the USA Network! Since we won't be watching on t.v. we will be following it via the Internet.

Before it officially begins (in just a few minutes!) Gracie and I wanted to share our personal favorite for this year’s show…James, or as his papers say “Ch. Felcitiy’s Diamond Jim,” a… SURPRISE… English Springer Spaniel. James recently won the Sixth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. There was quite a bit of tid-bit-y type info in today’s USA Today about James and four of the other (lesser) favorites. Our favorites were:

Favorite treat: Chicken with garlic

Favorite toy: A plush frog head squeaky toy. "I keep it in his crate at shows," says Kellie FitzGerald, his handler. "He uses it as a pillow." Fitzgerald won Best in Show at Westminster in 2000 with Samantha, also an English springer spaniel.

Sleeping spot: "In bed with me at night, in the kennel with other dogs during the day," FitzGerald says.

Plush frog head squeaky toy? Go get 'em, James!

Woof-woof!