Best In Show

Tonight was the second and final night of the AKC Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  It was also, in my humble opinion, the most important night.  Why?  Because the second night always includes the Sporting Group--the group that the Golden Retriever is featured in (though of course I always root for the Mecki dog in the Hound Group and the ZeeZee and Tink dogs in the Working Group).

Unfortunately, despite being the obvious star of the group, the Golden rarely wins (according to Sister's research, the Golden has only won the group once and has yet to win Best in Show).   Now, when I was a little puppy, I was highly troubled by this trend.  But, as the years have progressed, I have come to realize, understand, and appreciate the yearly snub of first place.  Here's the secret...

My Best Show Dog Pose

You see, as a breed, us Goldens are overwhelmingly concerned for the mental well-being of other breeds.  We know we are the number one dog, and, given the opportunity, could win each and every award and prize with one paw tied behind our back.  But, how would all those other dogs feel if we claimed the top prize year after year after year?  Therefore, in the interest of fair play and good sportsmanship, we routinely even the odds: we stumble when we walk by the judge, we turn at an odd angle to disrupt our silhouettes, we slouch (but of course, it goes without saying that we do these things very subtly so as not to allow the other dogs to catch on).

So, good job, Will (this year's Best in Breed Golden Retriever)!  Not only did you win a highly respectable 3rd place in the group, but you've maintained the generous and caring tradition of the Golden Retriever:  to allow other breeds, if only for a day, to feel that they are superior.