TailsInc.com

Hi Pet People!

I just got some inside “scoop” from the dog stylist to the stars, Jorge Bendersky about the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show that will be held at Madison Square Garden on February 13th and 14th.

You may have seen him on Animal Planet’s reality show, “The Groomer Has It”, or as a judge on TLC’s Extreme Poodles and as the new Grooming expert on Animal Planet’s Dogs 101. His clients include the dogs of A-list actors, models to popular recording artists. Jorge also believes in giving back in a very big way to animal welfare causes. He takes his talents to give back to pets that need extra care and love. He also hosts pet care workshops in New York City’s inner-city neighborhoods an conducts seminars to help other groomers carry on this mission.

I got a few minutes to catch up with Jorge….here is my quick Q&A with him.

Q: What are some of the highlights of Westminster for you?

New York is the fashion capital of the world, so nothing is done half way, “The Lady always shine” and anybody under her lights look better. Including the dog world. Not only you get to see some of the best dogs on earth, but discover new breeds, and why not, have the opportunity not only to admire the glamour, but to have a quick laugh watching some “extravagant” Doguie Stage Moms on full force. Is like watching the cast of the Jersey Shore walk into the Met Ball, really Snookie?

Q: What is new about this year’s event?

The competition at the garden is serious business and will get a little more interesting in its 136th year, as the WKC is making sure the competition isn’t predictable by introducing six new competing breeds, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and show groups. From fluffy, like the Finnish Lapphund, a reindeer herding dog, or hairless, like the Xoloitzcuintli, the national breed of Mexico, this change shows dedication to preserving the purity of recognized breeds.

Q: How does this event help animal welfare groups?

The Westminster Kennel Club supports a number of dog-related charitable organizations, including the AKC Museum of the Dog, Take The Lead, Animal Medical Center, ASPCA, Angel On A Leash, Greyhound Friends, The Seeing Eye, and Guide Dog Foundation For The Blind. and a portion of proceeds benefit the ACC – Animal Care and Control.

For more details on the show visit the Pre-Westminster Fashion Show website, or to learn more about Jorge visit his website.

Thanks for the scoop, Jorge! I can’t wait to see a Finnish Lapphund prancing in the ring.

Stephanie Krol can be best described as a mixed breed of a newshound and publicist in the pet industry. She has the ability to sniff out the latest lifestyle trends when it comes to pets. As a proud “pet parent” of three rescues Nigel (cat), Simon (dog) and recent addition of Nola (cat). Stephanie spreads the word of animal welfare every chance she gets. She is the board president of the Humane Society of Elkhart County and serves as a spokeswoman for the animal shelter along with volunteers for a variety of animal welfare initiatives. For more information, visit Steph Tails All on Facebook.