Rick's Roadshow: New York, Show Dogs of the Year Awards

Rick's Roadshow: New York continues once again with coverage of the weekend long festivities leading up to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Last night I attended the 54th Annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards Gala, held at the Grand Hyatt New York hotel. The Show Dogs Awards spotlight the dogs, people and leaders within the sport of show dogs. It is a fancy black-tie event, attended by professional breeders, handlers, trainers and the dog owners as well. The sporting world of show dogs is steeped in long standing grand traditions, many of which continue today. This is the world of Champion show dogs and the people who responsibly breed and raise dogs of the purest pedigree.

above: an ice carving of the Show Dog "Winkie" statuette was illuminated during the cocktail reception

above: the pre-dinner reception featured an open-bar, cheese, crackers, crusty bread, fresh fruits, and hot hors'd'oeuvres. I spent most of the evening shmoozing, after all it was a business event for me; but I enjoy doing that part of my job.

above: the dinner tables were festive, with copies of Dogs In Review magazine

above: dessert featured a chocolate mousse covered in a dark chocolate shell with a light caramel sauce.

above: some of the "Winkie" awards statuettes lined up before the ceremony.

above: friends, colleagues and table mates Michelle, Tibor and Amy

above: my company sponsored part of the event. Earlier in the evening I was interviewed about our involvement with the sport of show dogs. I wasn't quite ready for the post awards photos...

above: ...but I finally pulled it together. Here I am with business colleague and friend Candy, who works for Purina Pro Plan brand dog food, the main sponsor of the Show Dogs of the Year Awards

A Champagne After Party

above: New York has a number of Champagne lounges, casual places to relax with good music and friends.

above: friends Tibor and Justin await the arrival of the waitress...

above: fortunately we didn't have to wait too long! Soon she arrived with some bubbly

above: and the ladies toasted to a successful evening

above: I liked the contrast of the red roses here...

above: Michelle, Candy and I smile for the cameras. That pesky paparazzi follows us everywhere.

above: the girls proudly show off their Christian Louboutin shoes, with the signature red soles. I'll never figure out the love affair women have with shoes, but I'm convinced it's genetic!

Anyway that's all for today's installment of Rick's Roadshow: New York. The Show Dogs of the Year Awards were a lot of fun. More fun is on the way...so stay tuned!

-Rick Rockhill