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Home , Barbet (dog), Beauceron, Berger Picard, Bob Costas, Boykin Spaniel, Brittany (dog)

The National Show

Hosted by A Tradition NOVEMBER 14 & 15, 2020

Broadcast at Noon

Thanksgiving Day November 26

WELCOME

Welcome to the National hosted by the of Philadelphia. On behalf of the members of of Philadelphia, I thank you for joining us today as we once again celebrate showing in the Philadelphia area. The show was founded in 1879 and became an annual event in 1933. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia proudly supports a number of canine related organizations and has donated over $500,000 to these groups in the past 5 years.

The , airing annually on Thanksgiving Day at noon on NBC, has been thrilling dog lovers ever since it began in 2002, and we estimate that since then, one quarter of a billion people have watched!

Enjoy the dog show, and let us know about your experience at www.facebook.com/ kennelclubofphiladogshows/.

Happy Thanksgiving! WATCH THE Wayne Ferguson, President Kennel Club of Philadelphia NATIONAL DOG SHOW THANKSGIVING DAY HOSTED BY AT NOON, NOVEMBER 26,

ON NBC. 1 personnel will not have access to the premises of viewers over Thanksgiving weekend, delivering WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS YEAR? the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa. its third-best score in total viewers since the first Still, dog shows have been organized around the broadcast in 2002. The show is part of a five-hour country throughout the summer and many of the block of family programming on NBC, offering EXPECT ANOTHER GRAND CELEBRATION best dogs in America live with their owners and the country’s 65 million -owning households a OF THE CANINE, MAN’S BEST FRIEND handlers in the northeast and mid-Atlantic states. special offering of fun entertainment while raising Or, they have traveled to Philadelphia for for canine-related causes. When NBC airs the “National Dog Show” on show’s inception in 2002. will provide National Dog Show because of the show’s prestige Thanksgiving Day, millions of viewers will be color and interviews from backstage once again. and the national TV coverage that comes for group interested to discern how the global pandemic has Certainly, social distancing and mask-wearing will winners and Best in Show competitors. impacted the popular, annual family TV special. prevail as safety protocols are followed. Most of the 200-plus breeds are expected to be Watch the National Dog Show represented at the show. Thanksgiving Day at noon, is, home viewers should see little That’s because this year’s show in suburban difference other than the fact that there will be Philadelphia is being conducted under the The can’t-miss celebration of man’s best friend airs November 26, on NBC. no spectators gathered around the usually packed approving guidance of the Montgomery County on Thanksgiving Day (noon-2 p.m. in all time zones), Program ©2020 NBC and Carson International, Inc. stadium show ring. John O’Hurley and David Board of Commissioners and the Montgomery Nov. 26, following the telecast of NBC’s “Macy’s Photography: See Spot Run Photography. Frei will still serve as host and expert analyst, Thanksgiving Day Parade.” Cover and all black and white photography by Simon Bruty. County Department of Health. Thus, spectators, ©2020 NBC/Carson International, Inc. respectively, as they have every year since the vendors, sponsors and other non-essential 2 Last year, the telecast reached nearly 25 million All photos in this program are from previous years. 3 THREE NEW BREEDS IN 2020

BARBET Sporting Group The fiercely loyal is a strong, sturdily built dog with the agility to be a hunter and swimmer. This medium-sized dog is covered in a dense, curly coat from its head to its long, sweeping tail. A , the Barbet has been used to find, flush, and collect birds. The breed nearly became extinct after the World Wars, but today the Barbet, although rare, continues to delight and amaze people around the world with its versatile abilities. Barbet BELGIAN LAEKENOIS Herding Group The Belgian Laekenois is known for being strong, sturdy, and often protective of his or her master and property. The breed is the rarest member of four closely related Belgian herders- the Belgian Sheepdog, Malinois, Tervuren, and Laekenois. The Belgian Laekenois is distin- guished from its brethren by a rough, tousled coat that comes in shades of red or fawn or grayish tones. They are considered quick learners and they were often called

PHOTO CREDIT: AMERICAN BELGIAN LAEKENOIS ASSOCIATION LAEKENOIS BELGIAN AMERICAN CREDIT: PHOTO on as messenger dogs during World War I and II. Belgian Laekenois DOGO ARGENTINO Working Group The Dogo Argentino gives off the impression of explosive power and energy through its athletic build, but is also WATCH THE extremely agile. The breed was originally developed in the Cordoba region of Argentina in 1928 as a fighting dog. NATIONAL DOG SHOW However, it was quickly discovered that the Dogo Argen- tino was adept at wild boar and other big game, an activity that requires fearlessness and stamina. The THANKSGIVING DAY large, pure-white Dogo Argentino might look imposing, HOSTED BY but despite being a natural hunter and watchful guardian, AT NOON, NOVEMBER 26, this is a cheerful, friendly breed that is an excellent family companion. ON NBC. Dogo Argentino 5 HOW TO WATCH THE DOG SHOW

By Julia Shelley

NBC will celebrate man’s best friend in the dog’s form as based on its function, what it was 19th anniversary edition of the family-favorite originally bred to do. Depending on what the holiday special “The National Dog Show,” airing standard asks for, those attributes evaluated by the Thanksgiving Day (noon-2 p.m. in all time zones) judge can include size, color, coat and other factors. and here are a few tips on how to enjoy the The first step is for the dogs to compete at the broadcast from America’s top expert, David Frei. breeds and varieties level. There are currently Dubbed by Magazine as “probably the 208 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC. most famous human in the world of canines, ” Frei Whatever the number is, from each breed, the has been the co-host/analyst of “The National Dog judge’s ultimate award is Best of Breed or Best of Show” since its inception in 2002. After 27 years Variety, and those winners move on to the next with the famed Westminster Kennel Club Dog round, the group. Show, he now works for NBC and helped create and So, it is like college basketball’s March Madness -- is the co-host of the Beverly Hills Dog Show, NBC’s winning the breed can be likened to winning on the springtime broadcast of the celebrity-studded opening weekend and advancing to one of seven competition on the left coast. groups: Sporting, , Working, , Toy, “Think of it as a tournament, like an advancing Non-Sporting and Herding. If a dog in the Sporting bracket in sports, where a dog wins at one level of Group wins Best of Breed, it then moves forward to the competition and advances to the next,” offers compete against the other Sporting breed winners. Frei. “The competition this year will begin with Who to root for? “What we’ve learned from a hundreds of dogs and will be narrowed down at lifetime in the dog show world is that the ‘Alma each round. The dogs first compete within their Mater factor’ usually prevails,” Frei continued. WATCH THE breeds, the Best of Breed winners advance to the “Dog owners root for their breed, even if they’re not next level and compete in each of seven groups, exactly sure what breed that is because the pup on NATIONAL DOG SHOW and then the seven group winners compete for at home can be a combination of many, Best in Show.” all special.” At each stage, all dogs are judged to their breed’s ”After all,” Frei concluded, “the real Best In Show THANKSGIVING DAY “standard,” an (AKC)- HOSTED BY dog is the one sitting on the couch next to you approved written description of the ideal specimen at home.” AT NOON, NOVEMBER 26, of that breed. The standard usually describes the

ON NBC. To learn more, visit: www.NationalDogShow.com and www.akc.org 7 THE TALENT

JOHN O’HURLEY One of the entertainment industry’s most versatile Bed On The First Jump and a book for children, players, John O’Hurley is an award-winning actor, The Perfect Dog. show host, advertising spokesperson, feature The Perfect Dog inspired a children’s theatrical film star and one of People Magazine’s “Sexiest production, The Perfect Dog in which Sam, a Men Alive.” twelve-year old perfectionist, searches for a Serving as host of The National Dog Show on NBC flawless dog to enter in the town dog contest. since its inception in 2002, O’Hurley is best known The musical has become a staple of the Philadel- as J. Peterman on , the #1 syndicated phia-area community theater scene, selling out television show in the world. With a career that performances during November each year. began on a number of soap operas, O’Hurley went O’Hurley tours the country with his own one-man on to star on Broadway in Chicago and hosted the show, A Man With Standards, which includes syndicated game show, Family Feud. He is also the songs, nostalgic stories, and comedic moments host of The Beverly Hills Dog Show, also airing on from his time on programs like Seinfeld and other NBC every spring since its 2017 debut. poignant musings about life. He is also a spokes- In 2005, he was crowned the ultimate champion person for The Epilepsy Foundation. of ABC’s hit Dancing with the Stars and has added An avid golfer, O’Hurley enjoys spending his free to his success with other ventures, including au- time with his wife, Lisa, and son, Will, playing thoring three books—Before The Dog Can Eat Your with his dogs and cheering for his beloved Boston Homework First You Have To Do It: Life Lessons From Red Sox. A Wise Old Dog To A Young Boy, It’s Okay To Miss The

Watch the National Dog Show Thanksgiving Day at noon, November 26, on NBC. 8 DAVID FREI

David Frei, expert analyst for The National He is the prime mover in establishing the Dog Show since 2002, is arguably the most newly-minted National Dog Show authoritative voice in the dog show world. He is an Symposium, which debuted successfully in 2019 AKC-licensed judge who has officiated dog shows at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. The 2020 all over the world and he hosted USA Network’s National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a virtual event – now national in scope – from Madison Square Garden for 27 years. taking place on Tuesday, November 17, again in New York Magazine calls Frei “probably the most partnership with Rowan University. famous human in the world of canines.” He is also His first book, The Angel by My Side, published developer and co-host of The Beverly Hills Dog in 2002 with Mike Lingenfelter, earned two Dog Show®, along with John O’Hurley. The program Writers Association of America (DWAA) awards. In debuted in 2017, also on NBC, and airs annually 2011, Frei also published Angel on a Leash, which around the Easter holiday in the spring. tells of his years of experience and work with Frei has enjoyed much competitive success as a therapy dogs. , handler, and owner of Afghan A native of Eugene, Oregon, Frei has held public and Brittanys. Over the past 30 years his dogs relations positions with the Denver Broncos, have been used as therapy dogs at places such as San Francisco 49ers, ABC Sports, the American the Ronald McDonald House and Memorial Sloan Kennel Club and the Westminster Kennel Club. He Kettering Cancer Center in and at New currently resides in Cannon Beach, Oregon and is a York’s VA Medical Center. consultant for NBC Sports.

Watch the National Dog Show Thanksgiving Day at noon, November 26, on NBC. 11 MARY CARILLO

Mary Carillo, longtime NBC Sports analyst and highest honors in the field. She received her first lifelong lover of man’s (and woman’s!) best Peabody for her work on the HBO documentary friend, brings a wealth of experience to the : Portrait of a Pioneer and her National Dog Show as she returns for her tenth second for co-writing the HBO documentary year as part of the commentary team. Dare to Compete: The Struggle of Women in Sport Best known for her work as a host and with . In 2010, she became the first correspondent for the on NBC, female recipient of the Dick Schaap Award for she also serves as an analyst for major-event Outstanding Journalism. coverage on and as a Carillo was named “Best Commentator” by Tennis correspondent for HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Magazine from 1988-91 and “Broadcaster of the Gumbel. Carillo was the only female inducted Year” by the Women’s Tennis Association in 1981 into the 2018 Class of the Sports Broadcasting and 1985. She has co-written two books: Tennis Hall of Fame that also included , Jim My Way with and Tennis Nantz and . Kinetics with Rick Elstein. In addition to the National Dog Show, Carillo Carillo played on the WTA tour from 1977-80. hosted USA Network’s presentation of the Teaming with childhood friend John McEnroe, Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for several Carillo won the 1977 mixed doubles years alongside longtime host and now NBC . She was a doubles runner-up at the colleague David Frei. U.S. Championships and a doubles Her distinguished career in broadcast journalism quarterfinalist at the U.S. Open in 1977. has earned her two Peabody Awards, one of the

Watch the National Dog Show Thanksgiving Day at noon, November 26, on NBC.

12 ABOUT JUDGING

The judges examine the dogs and place them according to how closely each dog compares with the judge’s mental image of the perfect dog as described in the breed’s official standard. The main consideration is the dog’s or overall appearance, temperament, structure and movement. The judges are looking for characteristics that allow the dog to perform the function for which his or her breed was bred.

EARNING POINTS A dog will begin his show career by competing to become a “champion.” To earn an AKC title (and to be able to place Ch. in front of his/her name) the dog needs to win 15 points at AKC shows. Points are earned by defeating other dogs of the same sex and breed in classes held specifically for non-champions. Points used to determine national rankings are recorded by the AKC and based on the number of dogs defeated. For each dog defeated at a dog show, the other dog gets one all-breed point. The top dogs in the country easily have more than 50,000 points in a given year.

BEST OF BREED In order to win Best In Show a dog must first be judged the best of many dogs of its same breed competing in the show. Some breeds have more than 100 dogs entered. The winner of the breed moves on to the Group judging.

FIRST IN GROUP Each of the 208 AKC registered breeds and varieties are assigned to one of seven groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding) representing characteristics and functions for which the breeds were originally bred. By winning the Group competition, that Watch the National Dog joins an elite group of winners of the seven group competitions Thanksgiving Day at noon, that go on to compete for the ultimate Best In Show award, the coveted November 26, on NBC. gold and blue ribbon, and to become winner of National Dog Show. 14 15 WAYNE FERGUSON, today’s show announcer, FRANK DEPAULO WHO’S WHO is President of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. SHOW CHAIRMAN IN THE KENNEL CLUB Wayne has been immersed in the Frank is a long OF PHILADELPHIA for over 50 years and has bred and shown time KCP member top Saint Bernards. Through the years he has and has been OFFICERS Show Chairman served as President of the AKC Canine Health Wayne Ferguson – President Foundation and Director of the University of since the 2014 THE KENNEL CLUB KCP shows. As Stanley Broadbent – Vice President and OF PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine such, he acts Permanent Ring Steward and is President and Show Chairman of the as the overall Dr. Duane Butherus – Secretary and LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT time honored Morris & Essex Kennel Club. coordinator of the Chief Ring Steward various aspects Milan D. Lint - Treasurer and Judges Committee Welcome to the 19th annual edition of The National Dog Show of the physical Frank DePaulo, Show Chair hosted by The Kennel Club of Philadelphia. staging of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS dog shows, including venue and judging ring setup ar- Harry Booker – AKC Delegate and We continue to build upon our efforts to make our show experience entertaining and educational for rangements, the competition schedule and the smooth Hospitality Chair all. Our tradition-rich shows are a regional treasure as well as a national phenomenon and a win at running of the judging process. Frank is a lifelong dog William Burland lover who founded Tahari Kennels in 1979. Since that Philadelphia is considered one of Dogdom’s greatest achievements. Frank DePaulo – Show Chair time, he has bred many Best in Show champions in David Frei – Publicity Chair The Kennel Club of Philadelphia is no newcomer to the dog show world. Since hosting a major dog event the Ridgeback, and breeds that have in 1876 at the Centennial Exposition, we’ve been at the forefront of the purebred dog world. The KCP and carried the Tahari prefix. Frank continues to show and Peter Green – Judges Committee its predecessors have been presenting shows since 1879. Our club predates the American Kennel Club campaign dogs and is an AKC licensed judge. In addi- Michael Halstead – Marketing Chair (AKC), which was organized at a meeting of the then Philadelphia Dog Club on September 17th 1884. tion to his role with the KCP, he is a lifetime member of David Helming We are not only one of America’s oldest continuing sporting events but our annual National Dog Show the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club and a long time member Gregory Kane TV special is the most widely watched canine event of both the Club of The United Steven Sansone – Vendor Chair in the world, capturing 20 million plus viewers States and The American Pointer Club in which he Ron L. Scott – Judges Committee a year with its broadcast on NBC at noon has held various positions, including Show Chairman, Eric Tweer on Thanksgiving Day and an NBC prime Board of Directors, Vice President and President. Frank Ann Viklund time encore presentation the following lives in Pennsylvania with his wife Judy and his two Alan Welch – Vendor Committee Saturday. daughters. We hope you enjoy your visit to our shows The American Kennel Club: The Kennel MEMBERS and return many years to come. Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Lisa Burland – Hospitality Sincerely, Shows are sanctioned by the AKC, the Connie Butherus – Trophy Chair Wayne Ferguson, President principal registry for purebred dogs in Carol Commerford – Hospitality the and the largest registry Judy DePaulo – Hospitality in the world. Every year, owners register approximately Sally Halstead – Hospitality one million dogs with the AKC. The AKC’s Canine Health Peggy Helming – Hospitality Foundation is the world’s largest funder of exclusively canine research, with a mission to develop significant Mari-Beth O’Neill resources for basic and applied health programs with Cynthia Sansone – Vendor and Hospitality emphasis on canine genetics to improve the quality of Debbie Scott – Group Ring Asst. and Hospitality life for dogs and their owners. The AKC and its affiliate, Beth Sweigart – Group Ring Asst. and Hospitality AKC Companion Animal Recovery, have been crucial in providing long-term care to displaced animals. 16 17 PREVIOUS BEST IN SHOW 2018

2017 2016 2015 2014

Best in Show Winner 2019 - GCHG Diamond Gold Majesu Pisko Bulls a.k.a. Thor

2019 BIS WINNER 2013 2012 2011 2010

Thor, the Bodacious PREVIOUS BEST IN SHOW The energetic Bulldog “Thor” joined the hall of Best In Show 2018 - GCHP Pinnacle Tennessee Whiskey (a.k.a. Whiskey) 2017 - Ch. Somerset Wynzall Hashtag (a.k.a. Newton) champions at The National Dog Show in 2019, becoming an 2016 - GCH GrandCru Giaconda CGC (a.k.a. Gia) immediate celebrity as a result of his winning performance 2015 - GCH CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie (a.k.a. Charlie) before a total audience of over 20,000 canine lovers 2014 - GCH Flessner’s International S’cess, MT (a.k.a. Nathan) watching the NBC broadcast on Thanksgiving Day. 2013 - GCH Kiarry’s Pandora’s Box (a.k.a. Jewel) 2009 2008 2007 2006 The two-year-old, 60-pound male captivated everyone 2012 - GCH Afterall Painting the Sky (a.k.a. Sky) in Philadelphia and around the world with his distinctive, 2011 - Ch. Steele Your Heart (a.k.a. Eira) muscular look, topping six other group-winning canines, 2010 - GCH Windntide Mr. Sandman (a.k.a. Clooney) advancing out of the 2,080-entry, 196-breed competition. 2009 - Ch. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot(a.k.a. Sadie) 2008 - Ch. Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry (a.k.a Holly) “Thor is an active and sweet dog and very athletic,” offered 2007 - Ch. Buff Cap Creslane Arctic Mist (a.k.a. Swizzle) handler Eduardo , a native of Peru. “You should see how 2006 - Ch. Smash JP Win A Victory (a.k.a. Vikki) high he can jump. He loves to play with his kennel-mate 2005 - Ch. Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid (a.k.a. Rufus) Chihuahuas, and he has beautiful construction, 2004 - Ch. Aimhi Avalon Renaissance I think that’s why he won.” 2003 - Ch. Blue Chip Purple Reign 2002 - Ch. Ale Kai Mikimoto on Fifth 2005 2004 2003 2002 18 19 Watch the National Dog Show Thanksgiving Day at noon, November 26, on NBC.

THE SEVEN GROUPS

various tasks for their handlers. self-confidence, with a great and were split from the Each of the 208 SPORTING GROUP as hunters, breeds in the Hound These dogs are working farm and willingness to go to ground in Sporting Group and the Toys and The invention of the gun led Group vary greatly in size, registered breeds and draft animals. They guard homes search of their quarry. Working dogs were split off from to the development of the shape and coat. Most of these varieties are assigned and livestock, serve heroically as Non-Sporting, with the Herding sporting, or gun dogs, to aid breeds were developed to hunt police and military dogs, security Group eventually splitting from to one of the seven in hunting upland game birds somewhat independently of their TOY GROUP dogs, guide and service dogs and Toy dogs have been around for Working. Today, the Non- groups representing and waterfowl, performing humans, who usually followed hunters. centuries, and are bred for one Sporting Group is literally every at the direction of the hunter. on foot or on horseback as the characteristics and purpose: to be companions breed that is left, resulting in While a number of these breeds hounds chased down the prey. functions for which the TERRIER GROUP for their humans. Many have a wide variety of sizes, shapes, perform more than one task, it This group informally consists All but two of the terriers been bred down from and still coat, function and history. breeds were originally is generally the duty of pointers of scent hounds, dogs that hunt evolved in the British Isles. The resemble their larger cousins. bred. The seven group and to point and mark by a scent, and sight geography of the specific area Their small size and portability HERDING GROUP winners compete for game, for hounds, who spot their game (water, rocky terrain) helped make them ideal for city Herding is a natural instinct in to flush game, and for and run it down. Best In Show. to determine the exact duties dwellers and those with dogs that is seen in the wild. to recover dead of each breed but it usually limited space. Humans have used that instinct and wounded game. WORKING GROUP While the uses and appearances involved hunting vermin to their advantage on farms and varmints ranging from NON-SPORTING GROUP and ranches with herding dogs To learn more, visit: HOUND GROUP of the dogs in the Working Group rats to badgers to otters and The AKC originally registered who have the sole purpose of www.NationalDogShow.com Originally classified as sporting vary, most are powerfully built more. These are dogs of great dogs as either Sporting or Non- gathering and moving livestock www.akc.org dogs because of their function and intelligent, performing determination, courage and Sporting. Eventually, hounds from one place to another.

Golden Siberian Wire Havanese Standard Sporting Group Hound Group Working Group Terrier Group Toy Group Non-Sporting Group Herding Group 20 21 TERRIER Havanese Maltese Pyrenean Shepherd (Rough) Cavalier King Charles Collie (Smooth) Shetland Sheepdog English Toy Spaniel (B&PC) Miniature American English Toy Spaniel Shepherd Russell Terrier (KC&R) THE BREEDS / GROUP ORDER Papillon Soft Coated Wheaten Silky Terrier Puli SPORTING HOUND Pumi English Doberman Brussels Griffon (Standard) Azawakh Irish Red & White Setter Sloughi Giant American Hairless Terrier Pointer Ibizan Hound NON-SPORTING Bergamasco German Shorthaired Pointer Pharaoh Hound Poodle (Standard) Cirneco dell’Etna Poodle (Miniature) Greyhound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Frise Whippet Löwchen German Wirehaired Pointer West Highland White Dalmatian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Irish Wolfhound Samoyed Terrier Xoloitzcuintli Cardigan Barbet Finnish Great Dane Flat-Coated Retriever (15 inch) To learn more, visit: American Staffordshire Curly-Coated Retriever Beagle (13 inch) www.NationalDogShow.com Terrier Rhodesian Ridgeback Tibetan Mastiff www.akc.org White Neapolitan Mastiff Colored Bull Terrier Basenji Dogo Argentino Staffordshire Bull Terrier Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Portuguese Podengo Pequeno Nederlandse American English Boerboel Bulldog Newfoundland Chinese Shar-Pei TOY Plott Saint Bernard Great Pyrenees Chinese Crested Kuvasz Toy Poodle HERDING Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Komondor Pomeranian Dog English Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen Anatolian Shepherd Dog Smooth Coat Belgian Laekenois Long Coat Chihuahua Belgian Malinois Cocker Spaniel (ASCOB) Watch the National Dog Show Cocker Spaniel (Parti-Color) (Smooth) Belgian Sheepdog Belgian Tervuren Thanksgiving Day at noon, Cocker Spaniel (Black) Dachshund (Longhaired) November 26, on NBC. 22 Dachshund (Wirehaired) 23 NATIONAL DOG SHOW THERAPY DOG SYMPOSIUM RETURNS VIRTUALLY IN 2020 By Julia Shelley

The National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium 2019 keynote speaker. “The exciting upside is that we is back in 2020 after an amazing debut last year. can now engage a national audience via technology.” Because of the pandemic, November’s event will be The symposium was started in tandem with the fully virtual (via Cisco Webex), making it possible for launch of The Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program, UNIVERSITY ROWAN CREDIT: PHOTO participants from across the country to participate. which was funded in 2019 through a $3 million gift National Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium co-founders Michele Pich (left) and David Frei at the 2019 inaugural event, which drew over 130 registrants to Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. The 2020 event is a virtual Cisco WebEx production, also emanating from Rowan The unique forum for therapy dog practitioners, from Gerry Shreiber, president and CEO of J&J Snack University. The symposium is organized as a non-profit endeavor by the 501 (c) (3) National Dog Show Charities and Rowan University. advocates, and aspirants drew over 130 people to Foods of Pennsauken, N.J. Rowan University last November to hear a diverse “This symposium has been a wonderful addition to Kennel Club Dog Show on USA Network and she served as veterinary grief counselor and taught group of expert presenters share information and best the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan, practices. The event drew registrants from nine states, founded the therapy dog nonprofit Angel On A a course in the human-animal bond. She is the and going virtual allows us to offer continuity, Leash. He introduced therapy dog visitation to former co-director of the VetPets Animal Assisted 18 animal and therapy animal-related groups, and safety, and increased accessibility this time around. over 30 career occupations. multiple major healthcare facilities, Activities at Penn Vet and held advisory roles with Post-COVID-19 we look forward to expanding the including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. the therapy dog program at the Philadelphia Ronald The 2020 virtual event is set for Tuesday, Nov. program by hosting an in-person conference as well Frei also developed and co-hosts the Beverly Hills McDonald House and the Philadelphia animal- 17, from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., ET. The event is as a simultaneous virtual conference for participants Dog Show Presented by Purina in April on NBC. assisted prisoner re-entry nonprofit, New Leash on open to the public and participants can register around the country in the future,” said Michele Pich, Life-USA. at the cost of $20 per person at go.rowan.edu/ the symposium co-founder. “The Rowan University Pich, a member of the National Dog Show Therapy NDSTherapyDogSymposium2020. The symposium administration has been so supportive as we’ve Dog Ambassador Team since 2012 with her Frei and Pich are certified presenters for Continuing is scheduled in conjunction with the annual adjusted our format for this year.” Staffordshire terrier mix, Vivian Peyton, runs the Education credits via the Registry of Approved Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at Rowan Continuing Education (RACE) and the American Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s (KCP) National Dog Symposium organizers include Frei, co-host of The Show Nov. 14-15 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo University, where they bring the joy of therapy Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). National Dog Show Hosted by the Kennel Club of animal visits to students and community members. Veterinary industry employees can get Continuing Center in Oaks, Pa. This year, the National Dog Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day on NBC, and Pich, Show is being conducted without spectators, Pich previously worked at the Ryan Veterinary Education credits for participating in the assistant director of The Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, where symposium. vendors and sponsors in conjunction with regional Program at Rowan and an adjunct professor and authorities. research associate at the University. “With the concerns of COVID-19, the second National Frei, an internationally known canine expert and Dog Show Therapy Dog Symposium made the National Dog Show a member of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, is a Thanksgiving Day at noon, logistical decision to transform to a virtual event for longtime leader in the therapy dog movement. For 27 November 26, on NBC. 2020,” said David Frei, the symposium co-founder and years he was the face and voice of the Westminster

24 To learn more, visit: www.NationalDogShow.com • www.akc.org 25 WATCH THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW THANKSGIVING DAY HOSTED BY AT NOON, NOVEMBER 26, ON NBC.