New York City goes to the dogs

Sandy Robins • E-mail

New York City is about to go to the dogs, as hotels, taxis and pet-friendly establishments once again get ready to greet the 169 different breeds and varieties taking part in the 132^nd Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11 and 12.

It’s not only the contestants that fly in from near and far, but dog lovers too—and many of them go out of their way to sniff out and meet some of these celebrity show dogs.

“I call it the Alma Mater Factor,” says David Frei director of communications for the Westminster Kennel Club in New York.

“We have such a spiritual and emotional connection with our dogs. And if you own a particular breed, you automatically have a vested interest in those dogs, both inside and outside the ring. I think it’s only human nature to compare them to your own special pooch at home. People realize that if they gave their dog a few less cookies, a weekly grooming instead of a once-a-month bath, and did a little road work, they could be up there too. This is a sport where professionals and amateurs can work along side one another in the show ring.”

Undoubtedly, the best pooch celebrity hangout is the Hotel Pennsylvania on Seventh Avenue, directly opposite Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, making it very easy for both New Yorkers and tourists to enjoy the hoopla that precedes the show itself.

The Hotel Pennsylvania is known the world over as the host hotel catering to these VIPs — Very Important Pooches. And this year, more than 1,000 of the 2,500 contestants are scheduled to check in.

One of the best places to dog watch is outside the hotel as cars and taxis, and even limos draw up to allow their four-foot occupants to leap out, followed by entourages of owners, handlers and bags of paraphernalia, including grooming tools and tables and a myriad of products to pamper and pouf.

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And it’s not unusual to see dogs with their ears in special curlers and booties on their paws to keep them clean while going for a walk outside this famous landmark—not that it’s necessary for these celebrity canines to ever leave the building.

The hotel has a special doggie concierge to attend to all canine needs, both before and during the dog show.

“We believe it’s as important to cater to our four-legged guests, as well as our two-legged ones. No request is ever turned down,” says Jerry Grymek, canine concierge extraordinaire. Armed with a lint roller to ensure there’s not a hair in place, he attends to every canine quirk and bends over backward to deal with every doggie demand.

“I already know that when an owner calls down asking for an extra cot and blankets for their dog that it’s actually for themselves because their pooch has taken over the bed. I know for sure that once again this year, there will be lots of owners camping on the floor so that their dogs can get a good night’s rest.”

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Further, every year the hotel converts the ballroom into the largest doggie green room and 'spaw' in the world.

“If the weather is bad, there’s no need for any dog to go outside to exercise,” explains Grymek.

With jog-a dog treadmill machines in the hotel to maintain their fitness routines, and a complete grooming center with jacuzzi-styled baths and tables with blow dryers, show pooches can easily be fluffed up and perfectly coiffed for show day.

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