3 ½ year-old Dylan just hearts our dog Martini.

I think mostly because Martini moved to the suburbs last June.

Martini was a bit crazy rambunctious rowdy neurotic spirited.

She would lovingly gallop through our apartment at 80 mph, sending Dylan, in a mad panic, scrambling to the highest surface.

But now that Martini lives with a new family in Connecticut, she is the object of Dylan’s adoration.

Dylan: When Martini comes back, we should buy her a vest (there are endless examples of well-dressed pets in our neighborhood which has convinced Dylan that Martini does indeed need to be fitted for some new outer wear).

Me: Well, I think Martini is going to stay in the country because she is so happy running around there.

Dylan: But when she comes back, we should buy her a vest.

Me: Well, if she comes to visit, we’ll certainly consider it.

Dylan: She needs a vest.

Me: Ok.

Given Dylan’s sudden zest for our former dog (and apparently vests too), I thought she might enjoy the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. A friend gave us tickets and it’s barely a 10 minute cab ride to Madison Square Garden from our apartment.

So we went.

And Dylan was overflowing with exuberant joy.

Mostly because of the escalators.

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As for the dog show, our seats were amazing. I desperately wanted to stay right there in our spot until Justin Timberlake comes back into town.

And there were a few moments of suspense.

Like when Dylan got her foot stuck in one of the chairs. Apparently the seats are not intended for use as a climbing apparatus. She yelped as if she would never be freed again which brought a few critical glances our way.

As for the show, we saw dogs running back and forth to polite clapping from the crowd. And we watched judges checking out their hind legs and other very important dog show stuff (For more details, rent that Christopher Guest movie).

Apparently, Patty Hearst’s (Yes, THAT Patty Hearst) dog was competing but I wasn’t able to spot the celebrity canine (mostly, I think because I have no idea what her dog looks like).

But I did notice the bars were on lock-down at the Garden. I guess booze and beagles don’t mix.

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It just ain’t cool anymore to drink and judge dog shows.

All and all, the show was a fun way to fill a frigid winter afternoon.

As you know, I’m pretty down on winter. I mean, other than the cold, the darkness, and claustrophobic children bouncing off the icy windows, I don’t mind it THAT much.

However, I will admit there are moments, like a snowy afternoon by the Hudson River,

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when winter can be quite magical.

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Have Valentine’s Day. Sending a little magic + love + chocolate your way.

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