The National Dog Show is better than Thanksgiving football
- I love watching the dog show on Thanksgiving.
- While both the dog show and football have their issues, the pups are so much cuter.
Have you truly enjoyed the televised prance of a well-trained and immaculately groomed Affenpinscher? If not, consider changing your plans this Thanksgiving.
I believe "The National Dog Show" is more entertaining than football on the US day of togetherness and overeating — also known as Thanksgiving. Watching this canine program has become one of my favorite traditions for one of my least favorite holidays.
The pups are so cute
While others support men ramming into each other and increasing their risk of brain injury, I acknowledge that dog shows perpetuate traditional dog breeding and go against the ideology of adopting and not shopping. But the puppers are so cute; some are even regal.
Growing up, I had this book of dog breeds with post-it notes marking the pages of my favorites. When this turkey-centric holiday rolls around each year, this vegetarian cares less about gravy and more about whether a border collie will qualify for the herding group.
Aside from the animal superstars, the production is delightful. The hosts/narrating aficionados are David Frei (the expert) and John O'Hurley (the light comic relief, past host of "Family Feud," and OG season one contestant on "Dancing with the Stars." Every time the camera pans over the line-up at the start of each group's feature, I'm always amazed by Frei's ability to share each breed with great timing and annunciation. As the cherry on top of this hosting sundae, Mary Carillo offers happy viewers like me a look backstage — featuring funny clips of pet grooming and the occasional sleepy doggo.
When the show's animated icon makes its way onto the screen with a swirl of agreeable orchestral music, you know you are in for a lovely and pleasant ride. It's a dependable program of dogs trotting in circles and posing for judges who inspire me to research the education and experience necessary to judge dogs for a living.
The dog show is more educational than football
When football games egg on sports gambling that I do not approve of, the dog show encourages education and love of animals and pets. The program breeds a sense of warmth and family — unlike the hard and rough sport of football. Additionally, pets offer humans many positive psychological benefits, including less stress and loneliness.
While football teams wear the same uniforms, dog show trainers offer us a look into the latest handler fashion — from supportive yet professional footwear to the classic two-piece skirt suit.
"The National Dog Show" is superior programming because it is also recorded prior to Thanksgiving. On a holiday centered on family, football players are away from theirs, when each dogs' family can enjoy their company and feed them a special turkey treat.
Have I ever wondered how much it would cost to attend the dog show? Yes, and it is an affordable ticket, excluding the transportation to and lodging needed in Philadelphia, where it's recorded.
I recognize that I haven't even mentioned the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," complete with mediocre pop star appearances, impressive high school marching bands, and Broadway casts that make me envious of talent. However, "The National Dog Show" remains my favorite year after year, and I hope you can carve out time this year to enjoy some wholesome broadcast television.