You may have watched last week’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, where purebred pups are fluffed up to look their best, as well as compete in certain challenges. But those of us with a soft spot for rescue may prefer watching mixed breed and re-homed dogs strut their stuff, instead… and now we can!
(Above: Flynn, the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Winner.)
The Hallmark Channel is hosting the first-ever American Rescue Dog Show, and it’s airing TONIGHT!
In the show, the cutie-pie canines will be participating in categories that include “Best in Kissing,” “Best in Wiggle Butt,” and “Best in Couch Potato.” Senior, special needs, and dogs of all shapes and sizes will be showing off for their fans. Sounds like there will be some fierce competition!
Watch teaser from the show below:
The overall prize winner will receive $25,000 from the Petco Foundation to be donated to the rescue where the champion was adopted from. Aww!
People Pets reports that the show will be hosted by Rebecca Romijn and Rich Eisen, and the judge panel includes dog-crazy celebs like Linda Blair, Rick Springfield, Brandon McMillan, and Ross Matthews.
Romijn, who has a rescue dog herself, told People Pets:
“It’s such an incredible idea for a show. It’s a chance to encourage people to ‘adopt, not shop,’ to showcase these unbelievable creatures and help end the epidemic of animal homelessness. A lot of people may not understand that there are so many beautiful dogs, pure breeds as well as mixed breeds, who need to be rescued.”
According to Romijn’s Facebook page, a total of $75,000 will be donated to non-profit organizations.
You may or may not know that mixed-breed dogs are allowed to compete in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, but only in the agility category. And if rooting for the “underdog” has always been your thing, you’ll have a hard time picking favorites among the colorful participants of American Rescue Dog Show!
Plus, there’s no better pet than a rescue dog to entertain us with their — er– quirks.
Tune in tonight, February 19th, on the Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET/PT to get your fill of rescue dog bliss.
Finally, mutts and second chance pups will get their chance to shine! Will you be tuning in?
(h/t: People Pets)
via Whisker Therapy