Twas The Night Before Westminster

Rufus, in his cap, in Central Park

Twas the Night Before Westminster

By Rufus

Twas the night before Westminster, when all through the hotel

All the creatures were stirring, yes even a Xolo

But dad in his skivvies and I in my cap

Tried to settle our brains for a good Midtown nap

When out in the lobby there arose such a clatter

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter

Away to the door I flew like a flash

Dad opened it up and and to the lobby I ran to make a big splash

The flash bulbs from the paparazzi, you know

Gave the luster of mid-day to the critters below

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But a Miniature Poodle and one of those new breeds, on the name I'm not clear

And then, in a twinkling, I heard from the front desk

The prancing and pawing of my great nemesis

As I drew in my head and was turning around

Through the revolving door arrived that Pekingese with a bound

He was wearing lots of fur, but no head and no foot

Looked like a mess and just wouldn't stay put

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had something to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work

And filled the seats at the Garden, yes it really does irk

And laying his paw aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the podium he rose.

And in the Group Ring at Westminster

Our cousin Gigi, just 21 months old, from California killed it in the Non-Sporting Group at Westminster.

Rufus at Westminster

Deep Acres' Rufus was among the Tibetan Terriers lucky enough to show at Westminster this year. Rufus is fifth in line.

Sit, Stay, Accept

The Academy might not recognize dog actors, but don’t you worry; in Hollywood, every thespian will be celebrated.

The nominations for Dog News Daily’s first annual Golden Collar Awards were announced on Wednesday, and Uggie swept, picking up nods for his work in “The Artist” and “Water for Elephants.” (He also took part in the nominations; there is nothing this little guy won’t do.) Other contenders for best dog in a theatrical film include Cosmo, the Jack Russell from “Beginners”; Hummer, the smiling Pomeranian from “Young Adult”; and Denver as Skeletor in “50/50.”

There’s a foreign film category, too; the Bagger hasn’t seen it but our money’s on Koko from “Red Dog,” an Australian film that seems to be about an inspirational mutt and Josh Lucas in an undershirt. The Golden Collars also acknowledge TV and reality shows, but not commercials – though if they did, the Bagger would nominate this.

The Golden Collar Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on Feb 13, at a dog-friendly hotel.

Take Your Dog to Brunch

2nd Annual Puppy Love Poetry Contest

Love is in the air, and Bark Magazine is thrilled to be back with their second annual Puppy Love poetry contest—Roses are red, Violets are blue. Write a sweet poem of what your dog means to you.

Enter The Bark’s Puppy Love Poetry Contest on Facebook by leaving a poetic comment on their wall. You can finish the classic doggerel, “Roses are red, Violets are blue,” or even better, take poetic license and pen a canine Valentine in your very own style. They will award special prizes to their favorites.

The contest ends February 14th, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST

Baby It's Cold Outside

Roxie in Knit Cap by Aunt Joyce