Picture the Westminster Dog Show sans prancing, haute coifs and perfect postures and you’ve got . . . the American Rescue Dog Show.
Forty-eight four-legged contestants gathered for the third annual event which was broadcast last Wednesday on ABC. Loosely patterned after its formal counterpart, the rescue version highlighted the joys in dog adoption and the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond. No pedigree was required for entry.
Rather than Best in Group categories based on breed, finalists were “judged” for their whimsical traits and talents. When all the barks and rolls and circus catches were scored, Capone, a bully mix, was declared Best In Rescue. Along with the title and trophy, event sponsor, Petco Love, donated $100,000 to the San Diego Humane Society, the life-saving animal charity Capone represented.
Prior to taking the crown, Capone, originally plucked from the streets of Jacksonville, FL, had snagged the Best In Snoring prize from six other prodigious snoozers. Six additional category winners landed $10,000 grants to the shelters that helped them find forever homes.
Best in Fetching went to Tully, the border collie, who’s vertical leaps to snatch Frisbees in mid-air rivaled the NBA greats. Charlie the basset hound wowed crowds with his wingspan and took Best In Ears while Biff, a miniature poodle mix, nabbed (or should I say sprawled over) his Best In Couch Potato title. Jaws dropped when Bellarina, the Maltese-poodle mix, whined “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” to the judges and live audience.
Other winners carried special distinctions. Saber, an American Staffordshire terrier who took Best In Underbite, and her adopted human had both been hit by cars and endured long, painful recoveries. Another American Staffordshire terrier, the deaf and three-legged Nova, got Best In Belly Rubs. Lieutenant Dan, a two-legged coonhound, may have been more interested in revving his rear-wheel walker than fetching tennis balls, but that didn’t stop him from taking home Mr. Congeniality.
His tongue perpetually flopped over his left flew, “Bones,” a Great Dane, wove several appearances into the broadcast in search of his forever home. Bones was found wandering the streets of Mexico, emaciated and with a severely infected jaw. One contestant, a cute and cuddly pot bellied pig, crashed the Best In Ears heat but was gently disqualified.
Yvette Nicole Brownairs, Paula Abdul and Leslie Jordan, served as celebrity judges for the seven finalists.
Rescue Dog Facts were shared during intermissions. Hosts Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore stressed the reality that each adoption saves two lives: “The one you brought home and the spot you opened up at the rescue.” Some viewers may have been startled to learn that one quarter of rescue dogs are purebreds.
The American Rescue Dog Show's co-creator and executive producer, Michael Levitt, hailed pet parents who opt to rescue: “Adopters of shelter pets are true champions,” he said.
Levitt, who also parents three senior pit bulls, was particularly heartened by Capone’s win in 2022: “If our show inspires more people to adopt pit bulls like Capone from shelters, or any dog in need, it will be a dream come true.”