Houston’s Own ‘Stump,’ Westminster’s 2009 Best in Show, Appears at the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows

HOUSTON, June 5 /PRNewswire/ — The 32nd annual Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows – taking place in Houston’s Reliant Center, Thursday, July 16, through Sunday, July 19, 2009, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — will play host to “Stump,” the reigning Westminster Kennel Club champion and Houston native. Stump will greet the crowd, give out pawtographs and pose for photos on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. only.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090605/DA28656)

“Stump,” a Sussex spaniel, is so called because he is short and brown, reminiscent of a tree trunk. Officially, named “Ch. Clusexx Three D Grinchy Glee,” Stump achieved an extraordinary win at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club’s show in Madison Square Garden this past February.

Show Chair Tom Pincus explains that Stump is extraordinary in a lot of ways. “First, he is the only Sussex spaniel ever to win Best in Show at Westminster. Also, at 10 years old, he’s the oldest dog ever to win. So he’s clearly become a hero to all kinds of underdogs.” Stump is sure to add excitement and glamour to the dog show if a previous appearance by another Westminster-winning dog and native Houstonian — J.R., the amazing Bichon Frise — is any indication. Pincus explains that, “In 2001, J.R. was our special guest and had adoring crowds lined up and down the aisles, waiting to see him. We expect a repeat of that phenomenon with Stump.”

Stump may be the highlight of the Show in 2009, but its annual events are still bound to please dog lovers of all ages. Conformation involves the judging of nearly perfect examples of more than 150 breeds of dogs on how closely they meet American Kennel Club standards. The “Breed of Interest” this year will no doubt be the Portuguese Water Dog, the type President Obama’s family chose to join them at the White House. Examples of this presidential breed will appear in various events and locations throughout the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows.

Meet the Breed is a popular, kid-friendly exhibition that gives potential dog owners the chance to get up close and personal with selected breeds and talk to experts about what they can expect from each one. The McScotty Market boasts hundreds of booths selling dog-related food, supplies and toys and even some treats for people including clothing, jewelry and artwork. The Fifth Annual C.A.P. Designer Doghouse Competition and Silent Auction puts the world’s most creative doghouses up for sale with proceeds benefiting Citizens for Animal Protection. Art abounds here as well with the Mari Jon Filla Student Art Show, which showcases award-winning creations of kids depicting their love for their dogs in watercolor, ink and crayon.

Attendees can just follow the cheers and shouts to the boisterous Performance Events. The AKC Agility Competition puts dogs through their paces in an obstacle course of ramps, tunnels and poles. The Flyball Tournament, sponsored by the Houston Flyball Association, pits teams of dogs against the clock in a hurdled race for a juicy tennis ball. The Obedience Trials give dogs a chance to show off their good manners by following their owners’ basic commands. Canine Frisbee and Canine Musical Freestyle get dogs jumping through the air and cutting the rug in some of the Show’s most entertaining exhibitions.

Iams food for Dogs is a major supporter of the Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows. Admission is $10 per day at the door or via Ticketmaster. Tickets for Senior Citizens are $5. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with an adult. Visit www.reliantdogshows.com for specific times and schedules. To request a Premium List, visit www.onofrio.com.

SOURCE Reliant Park World Series of Dog Shows