Thanksgiving is Going to the Dogs

Thanksgiving may be turkey themed at your house, but here it is definitely dogs, dogs and more dogs.  Yes, we'll be roasting and feasting on the traditional bird and all the trimmings.  Yes, the dogs will take up their best positions in the kitchen for catching any little bits that might come their way.

However, the big thing is... the National Dog Show!  Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the National Dog Show is one of the oldest benched dog shows in the United States;  it's been held since 1933.  Dogs are judged in groups (ie: Toy, Herding, Non-Sporting, Terrier, Sporting, Hound, and Working) and a top dog will be named as Best in Show.  Last year an Irish Setter, three year old Clooney of Washington State, won Best in Show; in 2009 a Scottish Terrier, Sadie, took home top honors.

The National Dog Show features over 3,000 dogs in 185 dog breeds.  The 50 top contenders will be spotlighted on NBC-TV  (MSNBC Sports - the National Dog Show) on Thursday, November 24 at noon in all time zones, following the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Last year we were thrilled to see the six new dog breeds that entered the ring:  Boykin Spaniel, Leonberger, Cane Corso, Icelandic Sheepdog, Bluetick Coonhound and Redbone Coonhound.  

This year six additional dog breeds will join the competition:  Norwegian Lundehund (called the "puffin dog" in Norway), Xoloitzcuintli (called the "show-low"),  American English Coonhound,  Cesky Terrier,  Entlebucher Mountain Dog and  Finnish Lapphund.  Plus we always love John O'Hurley's running commentary during the show.

Just can't tear yourself away from that dining room table?  Get that dvr set and ready, dog people!

Irish Setter Dog Jewelry and Gifts at For Love of a Dog

Irish Setter Dog Breed Pin at
For Love of a Dog Jewelry and Gifts

Okay, raise your paw if you watched the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving day.  (All paws to up at our house.).   It's a family tradition at For Love of a Dog.  We may miss some (or a lot) of the parade, but we never miss the dog show.  This year we were rooting for the American Staffordshire to win best in show, because we think that dog breed can use all the positive press it can get.  However, the truth is that we couldn't decide who we thought would win.  We certainly enjoyed host, John O'Hurley's comments and passionate comments about the Irish Setter.   I'm sure Irish Setter lovers were pretty happy with the winner, too.

So, in honor of the winner, today I'm highlighting the Irish Setter dog breed jewelry and gifts at For Love of a Dog.  We offer handmade necklaces, bracelets, pins and even Christmas tree ornaments.  My personal favorite is our pin.

Fabulous Irish Setter dog pin. These handmade dog breed pins (brooches) are like no other I've ever seen. Entirely made by hand by an American artist. First a hand carved sculpture is created which is then used to create a mould. Cast in resin, then hand air brush painted. They are then given a protective coating of lacquer so you can enjoy this dog breed jewelry for many years. Every effort is made to adhere to AKC and UKC dog breed standards. Frankly, they are amazing works of dog art. I've tried to show the sculptural details in the photos of this Irish Setter dog breed pin.

Shop at For Love of a Dog for dog breed jewelry and gifts sure to please any dog lover on your holiday shopping list.  Huge holiday sale now in progress!  Gift box packaging and free shipping with every purchase.