The Westminster spotlight on this site for 2011 is veterinary professionals; veterinarians and veterinary technicians, who show dogs at Westminster.
Veterinarian David Johnson DVM and his wife Judi, a veterinary technician, raise and show Pugs. This year, they have three Pugs at Westminster. Meet Dr. Johnson and learn more about his pugs and practice.
Meet The Pugs
1) What dog are you showing this year? (name, age, gender, breed)
Answer: This year we are exhibiting three Pugs: one Grand Champion Foursquare I'll Be A Shostopa Tu is being handled professionally by Jason Bailey of CT. I am showing Ch. Foursquare Ima Shoboat Tu and my wife is showing Ch. Foursquare Country Preacher.
2) How many years have you shown at Westminster?
Answer: My wife exhibited Beagles at the "old" Garden back in the 50's and 60's. I believe we have shown our Pugs there for the last 5 or 6 years.
3) What can you tell us about this breed, and how did you become interested in this breed?
Answer: We became interested in Pugs when my Standard Poodle fell in love with them at a Veterinary Symposium held in a hotel that hosted the Pug Dog Club of America's national specialty.
These are great little dogs with an unbelievably uncanny sense of humor. They always aim to please their people and their special gift is to make everyone feel good about themselves, while providing hours of entertainment.
4) Does your dog do any other types of training (obedience, agility, search and rescue) or therapy work?
Answer: (no reply)
5) Do you incorporate dog show life with veterinary practice in any way?
Answer: The dog show world is very much a part of my practice - I have many dog showing, breeder clients, and my non-showing clients love to hear about the Pug's adventures and wins.
6) Do you face any special challenges or have any interesting stories as a veterinary professional participating in dog shows?
Answer: I have been blessed by this segment of the dog world with their friendship and their sharing. I learn something new every time I go to a show. I am also a member of the Eastern Dog Club, which is one of the oldest clubs in the country. The knowledge and friendship imparted by these great dog men is a education that money can not buy.
I am also an enthusiastic supporter of the AKC Canine Health Fund. Just recently, thanks to the grants offered by the AKC , we are now able to test for a genetic marker for PDE (Pug Dog Encephalitis). What a blessing this is to all Pug breeders.
Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for telling us about the Pug breed and sharing stories about your three pugs. Best wishes for this year's show.
Related Information:Wesminster Kennel Club
2011 Westminster Dog Show:
Previous Westminster Coverage: