Rick's Roadshow: New York continues once again with coverage of the weekend long festivities leading up to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Last night I attended the 54th Annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards Gala, held at the Grand Hyatt New York hotel. The Show Dogs Awards spotlight the dogs, people and leaders within the sport of show dogs. It is a fancy black-tie event, attended by professional breeders, handlers, trainers and the dog owners as well. The sporting world of show dogs is steeped in long standing grand traditions, many of which continue today. This is the world of Champion show dogs and the people who responsibly breed and raise dogs of the purest pedigree. 
above: an ice carving of the Show Dog "Winkie" statuette was illuminated during the cocktail reception
above: the pre-dinner reception featured an open-bar, cheese, crackers, crusty bread, fresh fruits, and hot hors'd'oeuvres. I spent most of the evening shmoozing, after all it was a business event for me; but I enjoy doing that part of my job.
above: the dinner tables were festive, with copies of Dogs In Review magazine
above: dessert featured a chocolate mousse covered in a dark chocolate shell with a light caramel sauce.
above: some of the "Winkie" awards statuettes lined up before the ceremony.
above: friends, colleagues and table mates Michelle, Tibor and Amy
above: my company sponsored part of the event. Earlier in the evening I was interviewed about our involvement with the sport of show dogs. I wasn't quite ready for the post awards photos...
above: ...but I finally pulled it together. Here I am with business colleague and friend Candy, who works for Purina Pro Plan brand dog food, the main sponsor of the Show Dogs of the Year Awards
A Champagne After Party
above: New York has a number of Champagne lounges, casual places to relax with good music and friends.
above: friends Tibor and Justin await the arrival of the waitress...
above: New York has a number of Champagne lounges, casual places to relax with good music and friends.
above: friends Tibor and Justin await the arrival of the waitress...
above: fortunately we didn't have to wait too long! Soon she arrived with some bubbly
above: and the ladies toasted to a successful evening
above: I liked the contrast of the red roses here...
above: Michelle, Candy and I smile for the cameras. That pesky paparazzi follows us everywhere.
above: the girls proudly show off their Christian Louboutin shoes, with the signature red soles. I'll never figure out the love affair women have with shoes, but I'm convinced it's genetic!
above: Michelle, Candy and I smile for the cameras. That pesky paparazzi follows us everywhere.
above: the girls proudly show off their Christian Louboutin shoes, with the signature red soles. I'll never figure out the love affair women have with shoes, but I'm convinced it's genetic!
Anyway that's all for today's installment of Rick's Roadshow: New York. The Show Dogs of the Year Awards were a lot of fun. More fun is on the way...so stay tuned!
-Rick Rockhill
Oh this Gala looks like it was Great Great Fun....It is obvious that sometimes your work is filled with Wonderful Celebrations, and such Festive Happenings.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your post about The Westminster Show-----I lOVED Last years "Winner"...That dog was such a Doggie Dog, which was a nice change.....! Where do you stay when you are there for this Show Week, Rick?
1...
ReplyDeletewant...
that...
dessert...
i could die a happy woman.
lookin' good rick! especially the chocolate! have fun honey...
ReplyDeletesmiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxooxox
Watched some of the judging yesterday afternoon -- the hounds and also saw some spaniels. We had a buff, Artru cocker. Both parents were champions. He was a wonderful dog. The cocker I saw yesterday, although female, looked just like him. Have a great time -- enjoy the East Coast!
ReplyDeleteanother good time. Lime can have the dessert, i'll take Tibor instead:). As for the shoe thang, liken it to you excitement for the ascot!
ReplyDeletethose Christian Lou shoes are to die for, he makes the most wonderful designs that can bring a tear to a woman's eye. Such beauty! What a fun time you all had.
ReplyDeleteOoh, so many things!
ReplyDeleteThe amazing glowing ice sculpture.
One of your hundred red carpet photos.
The champagne and roses.
The red soled Louboutins.
OK, I kind of like shoes, and am aesthetically pleased by high heels. BUT I can't wear them because I have weak ankles and not enough padding on my soles, so am limited to kitten or 2-in heels.
The waitress held that huge bottle of bubbly like it weighed ounces instead of pounds. Loved the red soles. I'm a clog wearer but can appreciate shoes that look like art!
ReplyDeleteShoes are to women what cravats are to you, dear Rick.
ReplyDeleteNow pass the champagne, please...
It was so great to meet you this weekend, Rick - I'm glad you had a good time!
ReplyDelete(See? I'm officially not lurking anymore.)
Lisa