The Pre - Westminster Weekend Dog Shows February 5, 2009

ANNOUNCING THE WESTMINSTER WEEKEND DOG SHOWS At the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ from February 5-8, 2009

** Watch live video feed worldwide of our event—FREE! www.WestminsterWeekendDogShows.com

The Big Apple Sporting Society (BASS), Central NJ Hound Association (CNJHA) & Garden Specialty Association (GSA) Dogs Shows, some of the American Kennel Club (AKC) dog events, returns for four days of family-friendly fun at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, N.J. Known as the Westminster Weekend shows, the four-day event featuring 32 dog shows runs from Thursday, February 5 (from Noon to 8pm) through Sunday, February 8, 2009, 8 AM to 6 PM. This annual event occurs the weekend before the coveted Westminster Kennel Club Show. These dog shows offer the area’s best showcase of pedigreed dogs, vendors, and family fun since 2001.

Thursday, February 5:
The Big Apple Sporting Society features all 29 breeds from the Sporting Group, competing for Best of Breed in the Sporting Group as well as adorable puppies competing for best puppy, known as the Puppy Sweepstakes Group. Come see the Labrador Retriever, ranked the Number One most popular breed in America. The Beagle, the breed which was the 2008 Westminster Best in Show winner, will be competing in the Hound Group along with all the other hound breeds, presented by the Central NJ Hound Association. Thursday hours: Noon - 8:00pm

Friday, February 6:
The GSA All Breed Obedience and Rally Trial features dogs of every breed working with their owners to sit, down, stay, jump, and retrieve on command. Eight Specialty Dog Shows are featured: German Shorthaired Pointers, Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Vizslas, Afghan Hounds, Dachshunds, Salukis, and Bulldogs.

Events
Saturday, February 7, 2009

* Free AKC coloring books and crayons at the Kids Corner

* Meet the breeds, 12:00–2:00

* ASPCA booth (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

* Demonstrations by The Good Dog Foundation: assistance dogs and their trainers, 11:00–3:00

* Never Bite When a Growl Will Do by Michael Nastasi. Autographed books for sale!

* Author Joe Garden and others will read from The Dangerous Book for Dogs, a delightful parody about dogs and their owners. They also wrote The Devious Book for Cats. Come to the Kids Corner, 2:00 (runs approx. 45 minutes). Autographed copies for sale!

* Meet the Pro Athletes: NY Jet Bruce Harper and NY Yankee Roy Hilton White will sign free autographs, 1:30–3:00

* Free children’s game "Leaping Labradors." Chance to win a toy lab!

* Enter to win 2 tickets for both days at Westminster!

* Enter to win a New Car!

* Be the first to see the newly recognized AKC breed, the Irish Red & White Setter, which makes its Specialty debut today.

* 11 Specialty Dog Shows: German Shorthaired Pointers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Vizslas, Dachshunds, Salukis, Pugs, and Bulldogs

** Watch live video feed worldwide of our event—FREE! www.WestminsterWeekendDogShows.com

Sunday, February 8, 2009

* Free AKC coloring books and crayons at the Kids Corner

* Meet the breeds, 12:00–2:00

* ASPCA booth (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

* Author Amy Hest will read from her new children’s book, The Dog Who Belonged to No One at the Kids Corner, 1–3. Autographed copies for sale!
* Enter to Win 2 tickets for both days at Westminster!

* Enter to win a New Car!

* Meet the Pro Athletes: NY Giant Sean Landeta will sign free autographs and show you a real Super Bowl ring, 2:30–3:00
* 10 Specialty Dog Shows: German Shorthaired Pointers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, Cocker Spaniels, Vizslas, Afghan Hounds, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Bichon Frises

** Watch live video feed worldwide of our event—FREE! www.WestminsterWeekendDogShows.com

In addition to the 32 featured dog shows and obedience trials, this year’s family-friendly atmosphere features activities and shopping planned for dog lovers of all ages. For dog lovers, there will be jewelry, clothing and knick-knacks, as well as everything the well-loved dog should have—special bedding, collars, leashes, pet bowls, treats, even unique coats for the smaller breeds. Concessions selling food and refreshments will also be available.

Admission is $10 each day and children under 6 Free. Group discounts are offered. Call for more information. On the weekend some special events include: Free AKC coloring books for children, Meet the Breed booths, Demonstrations by the “Good Dog Foundation” dogs and their trainers, book signings and readings, chance to win Westminster tickets and many more fun events.

For schedules and ring times, please visit: www.GSAdogshows.org. The Meadowlands Exposition Center at Harmon Meadow is located at 335 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, N.J. The expo is handicapped accessible and there is free parking. Shuttle Bus service is offered for $20.00 round trip on Saturday and Sunday from Madison Square Garden in NYC to the Expo Center.

Official Website: http://www.WestminsterWeekendDogShows.com