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A first-timer’s look inside the National Dog Show, capturing the joy, crowds, dogs, and magic behind America’s Thanksgiving tradition.
Amy Beddoe
The Weekly Brief
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My first time at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks was nothing short of remarkable. “Thousands of dogs, thousands of people, and thousands of smiles,” the advertising promised—and that’s what the National Dog Show delivers.
I’d heard all about the energy at Oaks, but actually being there felt like stepping into an entirely different world—dogs of every size, color, and personality. It was one of those rare events where you walk in and you know you’re about to see something special.
I was fortunate to be at the scene because of my internship with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and the National Dog Show. Most of my day on Sunday was spent working in the press room and helping to distribute media credentials. I got the chance to walk around multiple times, and I couldn’t help but smile the whole time. The place was filled with this surreal mix of excitement and pure joy.
My intern partners working the show said that Saturday was also indescribable because of the presence of NBC and the cameras taping all the chaos for the Thanksgiving Day two-hour special: The National Dog Show Presented by Purina. It was a whirlwind of activity with vendors, non-profit organizations, benching, and the judging of dogs everywhere. Amidst the chaos was an aura of welcoming friendliness and a glimpse into the world of show dogs that one has to see to believe.
Sunday was electric. Every corner of the floor had something happening: handlers warming up their dogs, grooming tables in motion, and kids stopping to pet every fluffy face. It all worked together to create a unique feeling of wonder that appeals to kids, grandparents, and everyone in between.
As a first-timer, I was blown away by the sheer variety of dogs. I kept catching myself staring in disbelief — giant Great Danes towering over everyone one minute, tiny Toy breeds hopping around the next. Every corner had a new surprise, and getting to experience it in person felt really special, especially since I’ve grown up watching the show on television Thanksgiving Day.
I couldn’t keep my phone in my pocket for a second. I took photos of everything. Dogs strutting into the ring, grooming sessions, and the crowd reacting to every cute pup. I kept sending updates to my friends and family because I just had to share it all. At one point, I even FaceTimed my mom while walking around, and we kept squealing, “Awww!” and “Wow, look at that one!”
Watching the Agility dogs up close was incredible. The way they flew through the course, full of focus and excitement, made the ring feel electric and had me grinning the entire time. I have multiple videos of “Trouble,” a little frisbee-loving rascal who made the day even better when he started tossing frisbees to the kids over the rail, sending everyone into fits of laughter.
Experiencing the National Dog Show from both the press-room side and out on the floor made my first visit truly unforgettable, and I felt lucky to be part of it. It is an experience I will carry with me every Thanksgiving and beyond.
photos by Steve Donahue/See Spot Run Photo
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