My Fire Hydrant

My friend Emily over on Eukanuba Unleashed posted today about how to throw a “pawty” on February 6 when Animal Planet broadcasts the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Em has got all the bases covered–from invitations to decor to drinks. She even includes a scorecard–the Bone Collector Grid–that you can use in a game to keep track of which dog is moving forward for the win. Actually, I think the Bone Collector Grid might be a fun game to play at any dog show–especially for kids who might become a little antsy during the judging.

This past Saturday and Sunday (12/12-13), Long Beach California hosted the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. My buddy Emily was there and she tweeted (@askEukanuba and @EukanubaEmily) some great photos! Since not everybody is on Twitter, I thought I’d share them here (Em’s tweet is the photo caption).

Check out this pretty banner at the entrance to the big show ^Em #eukdogshow Can't wait for all the fun events tomorrow.

Check out the trophy!! Very cool!#eukdogshow

This is what they’re all after!

OMD!!!! just met Shawn Johnson w/my coworker Jason..Great start to show #eukdogshow

Another great photo of Shawn Johnson w/my fave breed!!! #Eukdogshow

Another great photo of Shawn #eukdogshow

Emily had a great time with Shawn Johnson–maybe you don’t remember her? Shawn won gymnastic gold in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics, and she has a dog named Tucker.

Shawn autographed some really beautiful dog collars that were given away as prizes:

Are you at #eukdogshow? Go to stage in main entrance at 2:30 for a chance to win a collar autographed by @ShawneyJ

@ShawneyJ was giving out collars on the stage earlier this afternoon!! The collars were pink & sparkly We had 5 lucky winners.

Just finished watching Justin Tackett w/Yella!!!What a dynamic duo #eukdogshow

Emily also got to meet Justin Tackett and his beautiful dog, Yella.

There were some pawsome dogs in the Meet the Breed area:

Here is a pic of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy. Enjoy! #eukdogshow

This is Ditto-the brother to Knotty, previous AKC/Euk Nation'l Champ. He is a sweethart!! Look at those sweet wrinkles!!!

Look at these giant beauties!! #eukdogshow ^Em

Check out this cute Beagle!! What a face ^Em

Look at this face!!!! This is my new fave breed (of course Goldens still rule my heart) #eukdogshow ^Em

Em also got to meet Officer John Azevedo and Blitz:

What a day so far!!! I was able to meet Officer John Azevedo & Blitz. What a great team! Blitz is beautiful #eukdogshow

Another new friend!

Just met @LauraNativo & @PrestonCasanova by the dock jumping area. Preston had the cutest bag and necktie!! What a cutie

Eukanuba and Orvis presented a check for $150,000 to the Morris Animal Foundation to help their Canine Cancer Campaign. Is that Betty White up there on the stage?

This afternoon Eukanuba & Orvis presented check for 150,000 to Morris Animal Foundation to help K9 Cancer Campaign ^Em

Just sat down for evening show!!..how exciting #eukdogshow

And then it was time for the show! The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be broadcast on Animal Planet on February 6. If you want to know who won, visit this spoiler link. You’ll also find more show results on Dog Show Poop.

What a fabulous weekend. Maybe I’ll get to go next year!