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 'AMERICA'S DOG' HAS HIS DAY IN HOMETOWN CELEBRATION   They say that 'Every dog has its day' and that certainly came true for "America's Dog," a big black Newfoundland named Josh, as his hometown honored him recently for his Best In Show win at the Westminster Kennel Club's 128th Annual Dog Show in February. Ch. Darbydale's All Rise Pouch Cove (his formal name), a happy and huggable 155-pound Newfoundland, got the super star treatment on "Josh Day" in Flemington, NJ on Saturday, June 14, with a celebration appropriate for the winner of the ultimate event in the sport. An article in USA Today called Josh the 'toast of the town' and he was indeed. His fans packed a local park in Flemington, as the New Jersey State Senate proclaimed it "Josh Day" in his honor. Among those on hand to pay tribute were State Senator Leonard Lance, who read the Senate proclamation, and Flemington Mayor Ken Kutscher, who presented Josh with the "bone to the city." Hundreds of fans of all ages turned out for the celebration and for the chance to pet Josh and have their photograph taken with him, something that doesn't happen with most superstars in this day and age. There was a $5 charge for the photo opportunity, with all proceeds going to the local Woodlands Wildlife Refuge and the Hunterdon County SPCA. The line for photos stretched throughout the park and Josh patiently posed with families, adults, kids and family dogs the entire afternoon. Josh Day t-shirts, Josh chocolate pops, other Newfoundlands (including one of Josh's sons) pulling carts, face painters, clowns and more made it a fun family day. The "Team Josh" people were also there, of course, including owners Peggy and Dave Helming (who co-own Josh with co-breeder Carol Bergmann), and handler Michele Ostermiller. They answered questions about Josh and about the breed, helping to educate dog owners and potential dog owners about responsible ownership and the family sport of showing dogs. Representing Westminster were President Peter Van Brunt and David Frei, Westminster's director of communications and voice of the USA Network telecast of the show. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS Photo by Amy Lee |
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