B.C. dog out to raise the woof in New York
A B.C. dog is hoping to make it a repeat win for Canadians at the 140th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Tsawwassen’s Janine Starink and her giant schnauzer Abbey are headed to New York City this week, where they’ll compete among more than 3,000 dogs.
“It’s very exciting. First of all, it’s Madison Square Garden in New York City,” said Starink. “It doesn’t get more exciting or big city than that.”
The competition includes events such as the third annual Masters Agility Championship and the inaugural Masters Obedience Championship.
Last year, Canadian-owned beagle Miss P was named Best in Show, something Starink and Abbey hope to be able to replicate.
“We’re taking our dogs up against dogs from all over the world — from South America, from Asia, from Europe — to compete at this show,” said Starink of the 113 Canadian teams this year.
“It gives us Canadians an opportunity to put our dogs on the world stage. So to even be competing in an event as old and as prestigious as this is very exciting.”
Starink is a breeder/owner/handler triple threat, something that is often rare in the world of competitive show dogs. Many show dogs come with a team that includes wealthy backers, professional handlers and trainers.
“We’re up against a lot of power, shall we say,” Starink said. “But if you never go, you never try, you’ll never win.”
Starink hopes Abbey’s previous showings will help the dog.
Last year, Abbey was named Canada’s No. 1 All Breed Dog, the first giant schnauzer in Canadian history to earn the title.
Abbey has also won ribbons in various American competitions.
Starink and Abbey won’t be the only Canadians at the prestigious competition. This year, Toronto’s Dr. Richard Meen will judge the Best in Show competition. Meen is only the third Canadian to do so since the event’s inception.
“It’s electrifying,” Starink said of the competition’s final day.
“You so wish that one day — one day — that it’ll be you and your dog.”
The event takes place at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Feb. 15 and 16 and will be aired live. Check local listings for times and channels.