It’s a tradition that makes New Yorkers swoon: dogs strutting their stuff under the bright lights of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This year, the spotlight shone brightest on a Doberman pinscher named Penny.
At just 4 years old, Penny captured the coveted best in show title, giving veteran handler Andy Linton a second career-defining victory — his first came back in 1989 with another Doberman, Indy. Watching Penny glide through the ring, crisp, confident, and seemingly unfazed by the crowd, I couldn’t help but wonder: is this what true poise looks like?
Runner-up Cota, a Chesapeake Bay retriever, may not have taken home the trophy, but his playful ribbon antics reminded everyone that joy is just as important as perfection. And while Penny and Cota commanded the finals, the show was full of moments that made you cheer, laugh, or reach for your phone to snap a picture: a Xoloitzcuintli with nothing to prove, a Vizsla hopping into a handler’s toolbox, a Newfoundland towering over its human — and of course, chants of “Lumpy! Lumpy!” for a Pekingese who stole hearts in mere seconds.
In a city that often feels too busy to stop and look, Westminster reminds us that style, substance, and a little bit of attitude can come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds. And maybe, just maybe, we could all take a page from Penny’s book: show up, own your ring, and never underestimate the power of a little tail wag.
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