Often, while I was reading Tommy Tomlinson’s fact-filled and delightful book, Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show, our beloved cat, Schubert, was sound asleep next to me on the couch, reminding me how important pets are to our lives. For three years, Tomlinson traveled across the United States to investigate whether show dogs are happy dogs.
Dog shows take place in civic centers and county fairgrounds throughout the country, producing the champions who will one day compete at the Westminster Dog Show. Tomlinson points out that the Westminster Dog Show is “the second-longest-running annual sporting event in American history, behind only the Kentucky Derby.” As part of his research, Tomlinson follows a samoyed named Striker and his handler, Laura King. He travels to competitions in the Midwest, the South, New York and Westminster in 2022, as Striker wins ribbons and trophies. Along the way, he gives history and background to the dog/person relationship and myriad details about what makes a show dog.
In the center of the book, Tomlinson takes a pause from the show arena to tell the story of his rescue dog, Fred. Tomlinson is diligent in his research, gentle in his humor and a true lover of dogs. His observations about happiness apply to us all.
Maureen Millea Smith is a retired librarian and Minnesota Book Award winning novelist.
