Westminster sponsored by animal-abusing company

I always enjoy watching the Westminster Kennel Dog Show on television. This year, there was even a judge who wasn't dressed like a fashion freak show and who smiled at the dogs and handlers. They usually look as though they are presiding at Nuremburg.

This Westminster, however, was disappointing for a couple of reasons. The main sponsor was PETCO, whose major claim to fame is its history of cruelty to animals. The abuse has been so pervasive that many PETCO employees have become whistleblowers, and at this time, there has been no resolution of the problem. (You may write to the Westminster Kennel Club at write@wkcpr.org.)

The other disappointment was that the television announcers pushed breeds for two nights running, but never mentioned how many wonderful dogs are in shelters, waiting for homes.

The 2005 Best in Show, by the way, is Champion Kan-Point's VJK Autumn Roses, a.k.a. Carlee, a beautiful German shorthaired pointer.