Dogs seem to be taking over the world. They are in movies, television and soon there will even be one in the White House … as the family pet of course. With the growing popularity of dogs it’s no surprise that dog shows are bigger than ever.

Dog show handler Melanie Coronetz has shown her Schipperkes at many events, including the most coveted show of all, the Westminster Kennel Club’s annual event. She says that for many people dog shows are not just a hobby, but a way of life. She claims that if you’re astonished at the lengths people will go to for beauty pageants; just wait till you see what they do for their canine companions for dog shows!

Invite her on your show and she will reveal:

• How there have been whispers of people dyeing their pooch’s fur.

• How a handler’s outfit might influence the judge.

• The dangerous trend of dogs being bred on the basis of their looks.

• Why despite everything, dog shows are still great bonding activities for dogs and their owners.

CREDENTIALS: Melanie Coronetz is an accomplished author and dog enthusiast and has been published in the New York Times, and the Rockford Review in Illinois. Her first book was Schipperkes: A Complete Pet Owners Manual. Her latest book, IN THE SHADOW OF MERCURY: A Memoir of Mid-life and Dogs, chronicles her life experiences.

AVAILABILITY: NYC; nationwide by appointment and via telephone
CONTACT: Melanie Coronetz, (212) 369-0758 (NY), mermel@att.net, www.shadowofmercury.com