Purple and Gold Through a Stranger’s Eyes

Every now and then, the best compliments for our sport come from people who had no idea what a dog show even was.

Recently, while walking one of my young dogs through my neighborhood, a next-door neighbor stopped me to say hello—what I assumed would be just a brief exchange.

He is a retired FBI agent who now works security at major sporting, music, and other large public events. His work typically places him behind the scenes, observing events from a perspective most spectators never experience. We often exchange friendly greetings, but this time he seemed particularly animated.

He told me he had just returned from New York City where he had been flown in to work security for a dog show.

I nodded politely, not yet realizing where the conversation was going.

Then he began to light up with excitement as he described the experience. He had never been to a dog show before and admitted he had no idea what to expect. What he discovered, however, left quite an impression.

With a grin he asked me, “Did you know they even have chiropractors for dogs?”

Before I could respond, he continued enthusiastically. He had seen handlers carefully grooming their dogs, using hairspray on some breeds and powders to dry their coats.

Anyone who has walked through a grooming area at a dog show knows it can look like a small city devoted entirely to dogs. Anyone who has spent time ringside would recognize the scene immediately—the quiet choreography of preparation that happens long before a dog ever steps into the ring.

Behind many of those dogs are breeders who have devoted years—often generations—to preserving the health, temperament, and beauty of their beloved breeds. People like myself, who share daily life with Cavaliers and Goldens, understand just how much love and responsibility that commitment carries.

What struck him most, however, was not the grooming itself, but the care behind it.

“These people really love their dogs,” he said. “You can tell.”

He went on describing how kind everyone had been to him, how friendly the exhibitors were, and how welcoming the atmosphere felt. He told me he had been there from the earliest setup hours and watched as the excitement of the show built throughout the days of the event. What impressed him most was that even as the anticipation grew, the exhibitors, trainers, and handlers remained friendly and patient, happily answering what he laughingly called his “silly questions.”

He was equally surprised to learn that winning at a dog show does not come with prize money. To him, it was remarkable that people would devote so much time, care, and energy to their dogs simply for the honor of winning.

As I stood there listening, I realized how proud I felt—proud of the people in my dog family and the care they give to their dogs every day.

Then he said something that made me smile.

“It was the best event I’ve ever worked.”

At that point I had to smile, take a small gulp, and confess something. “You know,” I said, “I actually show dogs… and I’m a judge of Golden Retrievers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.”

He looked genuinely surprised. Apparently my dogs had never caused him concern as a neighbor, which meant a great deal to me since I try very hard to ensure my dogs are considerate members of our community as well.

But what stayed with me long after that conversation ended was the joy in his voice as he described the dog show he had worked.

Here was a man who had spent a lifetime working security at major events, yet what impressed him most was the kindness of the people and the love they showed their dogs.

In that moment, I realized my neighbor had just experienced something the Westminster Kennel Club has been doing for generations—introducing the public to the beauty, care, and devotion behind purebred dogs.

Moments like that remind me how rarely the public gets to see our world up close anymore. Many people have never attended a dog show and have little understanding of the dedication behind responsible breeding and exhibition. Yet when they do see it—the care, the preparation, the pride exhibitors take in presenting their dogs—they often walk away with the same reaction my neighbor had: admiration and respect.

For well over a century, Westminster has introduced the public to the beauty and purpose of purebred dogs. Generations of breeders, exhibitors, handlers, and judges have stepped onto that historic green carpet, each carrying forward the traditions entrusted to them by those who came before.

So from one person who has spent a lifetime in this sport…

Westminster Kennel Club—you done good.

Thank you for the purple and gold that symbolize excellence in our sport, for the stage you provide our dogs and breeders, and for your continued stewardship of the traditions that carry us forward.

Through one stranger’s eyes, Westminster reminded me just how special our world truly is.

– Jennifer Flowers Foster AKC Judge – Golden Retrievers & Cavalier King Charles Spaniels California