Nimble Sweeps the Competition, Copycat Pooches Rock the Pet Gala, Canines Take Cannes, and More!
Nimble, the All-American Dog. photo: Fox News
Who's a Fast Girl?
Our Money's on Nimble
Unless you've been in full media lockdown, you already know a miniature poodle named Sage took Best in Show honors at this year's Westminster Dog Show. But for our money, the better action was over at the Agility Competition, where a dashing mixed breed pup, appropriately named Nimble, ran the course at warp speed. In some segments, her footwork is so fleet you'd swear the film was on fast forward.
Not only was Nimble the first mutt - or "All-American" as the American Kennel Club coyly calls them - to win the agility contest, she was also the first dog in the 12-inch height class ever to claim the championship.
On behalf of short and/or fast gals everywhere, we say, "You definitely go, girl!"
Sources: nj.com, people.com
At the 2024 Pet Gala, fashion designer Anthony Rubio recreates celebrities’ Met Gala outfits — for dogs. photo: Getty Images
Who Wore It Best?
Copycat Pooches Rock the Pet Gala
In a takeoff on the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual star-studded Met Gala, New York's Museum of the Dog recently hosted its own fashion-forward fundraiser. Introducing the Pet Gala, a runway show featuring pooches decked out in dog-sized replicas of some of the most lavish outfits seen on celebrities at this year's Met event.
A Pomeranian sporting Ed Sheeran's powder blue tux? Check. A pocket Pit Bull channeling Shakira? Of course. A pint-size poodle rocking Bad Bunny's smoking jacket? Covered!
In a feat of tailoring wizardry, fashion designer Anthony Rubio created all the dogs' elaborate garments himself, sewing feverishly in the two-week window between the rhyming galas and finishing up at 4 a.m. the night before the dogs were scheduled to hit the runway.
If you missed the Pet Gala, it's not too late to catch a glimpse of Rubio's work. The dogs' duds will be on display at the Museum of the Dog through June.
Sources: hollywoodreporter.com, apnews.com
The 2024 Palm Dog, presented at a special event on May 24, has been given to Kodi, the senior stray at the heart of acclaimed Swiss-French comedy Dog on Trial. photo: France 2 Cinema
Canines Take Cannes:
Meet This Year's Palm Dog Winner
In other celebrity dog news, canines got their due at Cannes this year, overshadowing some of the human stars at the prestigious international film festival.
A play on the coveted Cannes Palme d'Or award, the Palm Dog was created in 2001 and is given annually to the festival's top canine actor or actors (groups of dogs appearing in the same film are also eligible). The inaugural win went to Otis, a Shepherd/Basenji mix who co-starred with Jennifer Jason Leigh in the 2001 comedy/drama The Anniversary Party (none of the film's A-list human actors managed a win that year, despite several nominations).
This 2024 event started with Messi, winner of last year's Palm Dog for his work in the critically acclaimed Anatomy of a Fall, who was back to film segments for his upcoming French TV show. Messi: The Cannes Film Festival from a Dog's Eye View will feature Messi's interviews with select famous human attendees, his voice presumably dubbed by a somewhat less famous human.
There were many worthy contenders for this year's top prize, but the 2024 Palm Dog ultimately went to - cue the drumroll - Kodi, a nine-year-old Griffon mix, for his work in the Swiss-French comedy Dog on Trial. Xiao Xin, a Jack Russell/Greyhound mix, earned a grand jury award for Black Dog, a drama about an ex-convict tasked with ridding his hometown of strays ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The entire canine cast of Kinds of Kindness took home this year's ensemble prize, while Dave, appearing as a mutt in Bird, snagged best supporting pup honors.
Both Kodi and Xin were there to accept their awards in person (in canine?). And we're happy to report there was no peeing on the red carpet.
Sources: palmdog.com, variety.com
Jet-setting dogs! photo: wsvn.com
How the Other Half Lives:
Canine Jet Setters Ready for Takeoff
Does it seem like this month's dog news is all about the one-percent? Wait, there's more!
BARK Inc., the same outfit that brought you BarkBox, has launched the world's first airline designed especially for canines. That's right, BARK Air now offers premium flights for dogs and their insanely wealthy human companions, available from New York to Los Angeles and London.
As part of the BARK Air experience, your pup will enjoy access to a pre-board lounge, calming pheromones, warm lavender-scented refreshment towels, and assorted BARK brand treats in flight. There's also a complimentary dog-friendly car service within a 30-mile radius of the airport - windows up or down, your choice.
Who can put a price on such luxury? BARK Air, that's who. A one-way domestic flight will set you back $6,000, while a one-way international ticket goes for a cool eight grand. Each dog ticket comes with a complimentary pass for one human companion, with additional people passes available for purchase. And while there are no size or breed restrictions for pups, all human travelers must be at least 18 years of age.
But let's say your insanely rich human decides to skip the flight and board you instead? Why not take a peek at some of these luxury dog hotels, recently reviewed by a New York Times magazine writer who managed to talk their managers into letting him sleep overnight with his Goldendoodle Steve in some of the fanciest dog boarding facilities around. Don't miss the Mount Vernon Suite at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, featuring a portrait of George Washington, which you, as a dog, will absolutely not notice or care about.
But a belly-rub tuck in and cuddle time? Now we're talking!
Sources : wsvn.com, air.bark.co
China's Taizhou Zoo dyed the hair of Chow Chows to resemble panda bears. photo: nbcnews.com
Nice Dye Job - Not!
Zoo Called Out for Fake "Panda Dogs"
We all know dogs are the best. So why would any self-respecting canine pretend to be anything else? Let's just say it wasn't their own idea.
When authorities at China's Taizhou Zoo couldn't find any actual pandas, they decided to take matters into their own hands - and those hands were obviously wielding a whole bunch of hair product. In fact, the creatures on display turned out to be a couple of unlucky Chow Chows, dyed black and white to pass as pandas.
The zoo claimed they clearly advertised the exhibit as "panda dogs" (there is no such animal), not actual pandas, and insisted the dogs were not harmed. But social media users begged to differ.
"It is not funny at all to dye Chow Chow dogs to attract tourists," one commenter wrote. "Their fragile skin and naturally thick coats make them susceptible to disease."
"Normal people dye their hair," retorted the zoo's spokesperson. "Dogs can dye their hair, too. It's the same as hair." (Uh, no, they can't, and no, it's not - and besides, people get to make that choice for themselves, unlike these pups).
A fancy poodle cut is one thing, but no dog in its right mind wants to sit still for a full-body dye job. Let's hope these fake pandas are allowed to grow out their roots in peace - and get back to being the dogs they were meant to be.
Source: nbcnews.com