Shut out

Denied. Nothing. Zip. And I had to get up early, too, for the last show in Denver.

Oh well. I still love my life in and out of the ring.

Denver day two

I did a great job in the ring today (at least that's what everyone's telling me), but today was not my day. Maybe tomorrow. Better yet, I met Argy's nephew Earl, and I saw Sophie again, who I haven't seen for a long time, and I really wanted to play with her.

Denver bound

Here I am in Denver, getting ready to go in. I did OK. It was fun. A new guy, Kipp, won it all. Yesterday, I heard my old friend Vinny won. Congratulations, guys! Plus we met a lot of nice people. We'll try again tomorrow. Woof.

Live blogging Westminster

It's James, the Springer Spaniel. He wins Westminster. I was rooting for the PBGV, but oh well. My fake auntie Patches is part Springer Spaniel, so she'll be happy, and at least James is a sporting dog. That's my group.

Now I must sleep. So, until next year, this is your "clownish" host saying so long, and good night.

Best in show

OK, they're down to the final seven. That big guy who runs with me is busy booing the two fluffy poodles who made it into the final round. Or, wait, he's not booing. He's saying "Poooooooooooooooooooooooooodle."

No, check that. He is definitely booing. He's actually booing the television. That guy has no class, I tell you.

Who will it be? I still like the PBGV.

Called it!

It's the PBGV. I called it.

OK, good job Louie! Fantastic showing.

Yes!

Louie made the selection and the first cut! He's in the final eight.

Dachshound! Ha!

I like the PBGV, too. Here it comes...

Whippet

They can run 35 mph? Wow. My lady wants to know if anyone names their Whippet 'Devo."

OK: Judging of the hounds is coming up next....

Deerhounds

Man, that's a big Scottish Deerhound. Bigger even than me.

Drinking

The TV guy said otterhounds like Louie drink from the bottom of the bucket. Ha! It's funny because it's true.

Louie!

Yes! Louie's in the Hound ring. Go dog go! He won best in the Otterhound breed. Here's his official picture.

It's Tiramisu!

So the sporting group is done at Westminster, and I got to see on the TV Champion Quietwood Tiramisu, the female Spinone who won breed. She's prreeeeeeeettttttttty.

The guy on TV said spinone are "clownish, stubborn and demanding of attention."

Well, yeah? So? It's true.

He forgot to say we're also "dashing, debonair, slobboriffic" and really good players of "Hide-and-Seek" and "Presenting the Shoe," my favorite greeting game.

Up next: the hounds! I'm hoping to see my fellow Greeleyite Louie the Otterhound!

See me in Denver this coming weekend

So I guessed correctly: my people told me we're going to Denver next weekend. They want me to tell everyone to come see me in Denver at the National Western Complex. So, "come see me!"

+ Saturday, Feb. 17: Ring 15, 12:15 p.m, although we follow 18 Cocker Spaniels so it might be a bit after 12:30 by the time we get our turn.

+ Sunday, Feb. 18: Ring 12 at 9:10 a.m., and we're first up so be on time!

+ Monday, Feb. 19: Ring 16 at 8 a.m,, although we follow 25 Weimaraners so it might be closer to 8:30.

And get this: There are 20 other Spinone Italiano dogs scheduled to show on Saturday and Sunday, and 14 others on Monday. That's a huge mob of spinoni. The last time we saw more than about 10 in one place was in Kansas City two summers ago. (If you love spinoni, you can also see 17 others on Friday at 12:45 p.m. but not me.)

And speaking of big shows, watch for my Greeley buddy Louie the Otterhound when you watch the 131st Westminster Kennel Club show from New York City on Monday and Tuesday. I can say I knew him when... because, y'know, I did. He won the Otterhounds last year and made the final five of the Hound Group.

Back to work?

I think I'm headed back into that ring with all the people and the other dogs. In ten days. In Denver. If and when my people tell me what time and where, I'll let you all know. But if its like last year, it'll be at the Denver Coliseum, where they hold the big stock show north of downtown. Feb. 17-19. Woof!