1 Sharkey! Come quick! Look what I swiped - er, uh, what I found!

2 It's the packet for the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! G.K. has been gearing up for this for months!

3 You're not going to believe what's in here!

4 Two press tickets! One for you and one for me!

5 We need to sneak in and surprise G.K.! How great would it be for us to be there, cheering him on! He'd be sure to win with our support!

6 This yellow area shows us where the photographers get to be. Right up front! How do we get in there, Sharkey?

7 Franny, I'm one step ahead of you! I found the special press passes in the kitchen!

8 They're for Martha's TV show. Her crew will be there filming G.K. at the event! See Franny, one is a photo pass, so we can get into that photographers' ring and take great shots of our brother!

9 There, we'll walk right in! Just pretend we're with the media! Wait, Franny, we ARE the media! We do have our own blog...why wouldn't the Daily Wag be at the Westminster Dog Show?

10 Don't worry, Sharkey. Just let me do all the talking! I'll get us right in!

11 Right, and I'll take Martha's Canon S95 camera and take all the photos!

12 Francesca, we need a plan. Let me look through the judging program to find when G.K. will be showing.

13 Let's see, the schedule says that the Chow Chows are in Ring One on Monday at 10:15am...so that's where we'll find G.K.

14 Sharkey, how are we going to get to Madison Square Garden in New York City for the show? Oh wait, I know! Let's call Uncle Carlos! He'll be sure to take us!

15 Sigh, Uncle Carlos isn't answering his cell phone. And besides, it's already Monday and it's after 10:15! I wonder if G.K. won?

1 I've been doing a lot to prepare for Westminster next week, like staying in shape in Karen's exercise yard.

2 There are lots of toys for me to play with here, as well! Toys keep dogs minds stimulated, keeping us sharp and smart!

3 There are also other Chow Chows for me to socialize with at Karen's house, which also prepares me to be around all the other dogs at the show, both big and small!

4 It's hard to believe that the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins on Monday! We've just received all of our official documents for the show.

5 This is my offiicial identification card.

6 As a precaution, Karen took me to the Blue Ridge Veterinary Office to get microchipped. I was a little nervous because I wasn't sure what that meant, but Vet Tech Melani Bowman and Dr. Carol Filchner made me feel at ease!

7 Another vet tech, Lisa Wenner, filled out my paperwork and explained that a microchip would be implanted under my skin between my shoulder blades. If I ever get lost, a vet can scan the microchip and find out who I am!

8 It's a very common practice these days and more reliable than tags. I don't usually wear a collar around the house because of my thick fur and a microchip clearly states that Martha is my owner!

9 First, they scanned my body to make sure I didn't already have a microchip. Like I'd forget about having a microchip!

10 The microchip is smaller than a grain of rice and fits inside a syringe. I thought it was going to hurt - who likes getting shots? The vet techs were so nice and quick, I didn't even feel it!

11 The vets showed me a photo of Martha holding a Jack Russell terrier who is owned by Dr. Edward Shelly from the veterinary clinic! What a small world! By the way, all kinds of pets can get microchips. It's a really good idea!

1 All right, GK! Sharkey and I are going to make sure you look your best for the next show, which is Westminster, of course! Let's see what tools and products we can use.

2 GK, you don't need a full shampoo because you've had a bath recently. It's important not to bathe dogs too frequently as it can wash away too many of our natural oils. Those oils keep our skin healthy and our coats shiny!

3 We Frenchies don't have problems with tangles as we have easy to manage short hair, but the thickness and length of Chow Chow fur can cause mats! Let's use this natural botanical conditioning spray to make it easier to brush him!

4 While you go to a professional groomer, and you also have Karen Tracy taking care of you for shows, it's a good idea to keep brushes on hand at home for in between maintenance.

5 Ah, see, GK? No tangles means no tears! Grooming should be a good experience that brings owners closer to their pets.

6 Thanks, Sharkey! You brush my back and I'll brush yours! Doesn't that feel great?

7 I'm going to run this comb gently through to pick up some of your undercoat. Regular brushing also reduces the amount of shedding, keeping hair off clothes, furniture, and floors!

8 GK, you're starting to look really good! But let's not just worry about the outside. We have to take care of the inside, too!

9 That's right Sharkey. We use this ear cleaner to clear waxy buildups and stop infections before they start! Pups with floppy ears are especially prone to infections, so they should definitely clean their ears frequently!

10 Gee, girls! You always take such good care of me! It's so nice of you to help me look and feel my best!

1 Rather than rooming in a hotel, Gerry Roberts has graciously invited us to stay with her in her comfortable home.

2 Gerry is an excellent hostess. She definitely knows a thing or two about chow chows, as she co-owns my father, Maddox, with Karen Tracy.

3 Jan and Dad, let's pose for a nice photo by the fireplace!

4 Hotels are nice, but they don't offer great fenced in yards, like this one, where I am free to run around. Hey, what's that over there?

5 It's a black squirrel perched on Gerry's cast iron squirrel garden ornament! Wouldn't Francesca and Sharkey absolutely go nuts to see this?

6 Bath time at Gerry's is is a breeze in her huge tub. I must look my absolute best for the show!

7 Oh, Jan, I am so sorry that I didn't win Best of Breed this time. However, I did win Select, a special ribbon that earns me points towards a Grand Championship title.

8 Still, l am very disappointed with myself and I feel I've let you down. I'll have to work on upping my game before Westminster!

9 Dad, where are you? I need to talk to you about the show!

10 GK, my boy, everyone goes through a rough patch from time to time. Yes, you are a natural show dog, but that doesn't guarantee you the win! You may find it hard to believe, but even I have experienced losses!

11 Oh Robin, you and Tiva have been so supportive throughout this trip. Dad is right! I can't let this minor setback get me down.

12 Now it's time to hit the road and return home to the Frenchies. Thank you, Gerry! You've been a lovely hostess! I'm sure we'll meet again soon!

1 Who is that coming up the walk? Is that whom I think it is? Yes, it is!

2 It's my pal, Karen Tracy, who's here to pick me up for another dog show! Oh, I missed you too, Karen!

3 And Jan Kolnik, my handler! Oh Jan, I've been practicing! You're going to be so proud of what I can do!

4 Okay, Jan! I'm ready to go! What else do we need to get ready? Frenchies, can you help me?

5 GK, we're sure proud of your winnings, but I do get a little misty eyed when you pack up for your dog shows! We just love cuddling up next to you, especially on these cold winter days!

6 Oh girls, I always miss you when I'm off traveling, but it's something I've got to do! I come from a long line of show dogs. It's in my blood!

7 Sharkey! This is no time to get emotional! It's not like he's leaving forever! GK, we'll hold down the farm while you're gone. There, you're all packed. I put some extra special treats in this bag for you!

8 Okay Jan, I'm all set to go! Let's head out to the car!

9 Look, Sharkey! GK gets to ride with other dogs! See, you have no reason to worry about him! It looks like fun!

10 Hi! I'm Robin and this is Tiva! We're Cavalier King Charles Spaniels! GK, we sure had fun at the last show! I'm so glad we're traveling together again!

11 It's very nice to meet you two. I'm Sharkey! Can you promise to take good care of our dear brother?

12 I'm Francesca! I'm so glad you two are going with GK. Tell Sharkey not to be such a worrywart!

13 Goodbye, Frenchies! I'll write to you from the road! Okay, Jan and Karen! We're all set to go. Maryland or bust!

14 Gee, now that he's gone, I really do miss the big ole fluff ball!

1 Sharkey! I spotted some auburn fur outside! At first I thought it was GK, but he's fast asleep in the kitchen! Let's go to the brown room and look out of those windows.

2 Why Francesca, you're right! There's another dog on the property! I'll just stand here at the window and bark loudly and incessantly!

3 Who is that large dog? Did Martha get another without telling us? I can't imagine having to get used to another dog!

4 I don't think Martha would do such a thing. It is curious though...the dog appears to be a golden retriever. What do we know about that breed?

5 Golden retrievers were originally kept as companion animals by hunters. Hunters would shoot fowl and their trained dogs would retrieve the unfortunate feathered creatures, hence the breed name.

6 They are very intelligent and are often used as guide dogs. They are also very loyal to their owners. Let's look around, Francesca. Maybe this one's owner is nearby.

7 Oh Sharkey, now I recognize that dog! It's our pal Dodi!

8 Dodi is Alex's dog. Alex cares for Martha's house in East Hampton. Oh Franny, it's just been such a long time since we last visited! I miss those summer days by the beach.

9 Hey there, Frenchies! I've missed you two in East Hampton, so I thought I'd come visit you for a change! But, Sharkey, do you think you could stop your barking already?

1 Francesca, come and read this book with me!

2 It's the book we got at the Tractor Supply Store - The Donkey Companion. I thought maybe we could gain a little insight on our donkey pals, Rufus, Billie, and Clive!

3 Wow, Sharkey! I never realized there were so many different breeds of donkeys! I guess we're so used to our Miniature Sicilian donks!

4 Now here's an interesting tidbit! Sicilian Miniature donkeys are also referred to as Mediterranean or Sardinian donkeys, because the breed originates from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia off of Italy.

5 Look, Franny! Our donks are the smallest variety there is, reaching a height no taller than three feet to their withers, or shoulder blades.

6 I can't believe the donks are considered 'small!' We, Frenchies, are no more than a foot tall. Can you imagine how tiny we would be in comparison to a standard donkey, let alone the mammoth size breed?

7 I know, Sharkey! I love the horses, but it can be intimidating even for pups as brave as us to stand at the feet of a mighty Friesian!

8 Oh, Franny, look at this one! It's a Spotted Ass! Doesn't that look a bit like Billie? Not that I think of Billy as an ass.

9 I don't know how Billie would react to being called a Spotted Ass, do you? I wouldn't want to be the one to say it!

10 Actually, this book says that there's an American Council of Spotted Asses, where you can register spotted donks! I'm sure Billie is proud of her spots, and if not, she should be! After all, I'm quite proud of the pink spot above my mouth.

1 GK, do you have our shopping list? Francesca and I are ready to roll!

2 I just love going to the Tractor Supply Company. This is a one-stop shopping destination for farm pups like us!

3 We've come here to pick up some farm supplies for the chickens. The temperatures keep dropping and we need to be prepared!

4 GK, Francesca, this place has everything! Look at all of these animal books! Maybe we should get that Donkey Companion to help us understand the donks?

5 Come on, girls. We need to focus on the task at hand. Excuse me, sir? Can you point us in the right direction for chicken coop supplies? We're looking for some special lightbulbs...

6 1, 2, 3, 4....That should do it, right, girls? What are these infrared heat lamps for, anyway?

7 We put heat lamps in the chicken coops to make sure the chickens and roosters keep warm in the winter. They don't have your warm double coat, G.K.

8 We are also picking up some more heated bases for the chickens. You set the poultry waterers on top of the bases so the water won't freeze. We need to make sure our feathered friends stay well-hydrated!

9 Girls, I think we're going to need another cart!

10 You're right, GK! Sharkey and I will take this cart to the checkout line. Meet you there!

11 My, waiting in this line is making me a bit peckish. How about you, Sharkey?

12 Ask and ye shall receive, girls! This is my kind of check-out line! The kind with treats!

13 That was tasty and very nice of the clerk! Everyone here is so helpful! Say, while we are here, I saw one more thing outside I think we should pick up...

14 What do you think, GK and Francesca? Let's ask Uncle Carlos if we can all get matching go-karts! These would be so much more fun to ride on around the farm than the Kawasaki!

15 No? Well, a girl can dream, can't she?

1 For this latest show, we traveled to the Rhode Island Convention Center for the Bay Colony Dog Show & Canine Expo.

2 Look at these adorable snowmen! I wonder how the decorations are coming along at home on the farm? I hope Francesca and Sharkey aren't still sleeping on the job!

3 Let's see what there is to eat around here. French fries? I don't think those are part of my diet!

4 Hot doggies? Well, I'm already a hot doggie, if I don't say so myself!

5 Wait, these aren't for people, they're for pups! Annie's Pooch Pops are all natural treats for dogs in the shape of people food! How fun!

6 It's fun staying in hotels with Jan, Karen, and the other dogs! It feels like one big slumber party!

7 Wolfie, you silly Frenchie! You sure look cozy in your covered bed! I wonder if Francesca and Sharkey would like something like that for Christmas?

8 Robin is a Cavalier joining me on this leg of the show. She's a real attention-getter!

9 Okay, it's time for us to head to the show. Brrrr! It's getting cold outside! Better bundle up!

10 The backstage area at the show was decorated for the holiday season. That poodle is almost as dressed up as the tree!

11 And now it's time to get down to business. Let's focus, Jan!

12 Really, Jan? Is it true? Did we win again? You are a great handler!

13 I'm so pleased to have won best of breed! It's fun whether you win or lose, but winning is the best!

14 Jan, I'm exhausted! I'm looking forward to sleeping on the way home.

1 Francesca, where did Martha find reindeer to the pull her gift sleigh on the show? Wait, those aren't reindeer!

2 Why, that's Betsy with the donks, Billy, Clive, and Rufus! The donkeys are wearing reindeer antlers and Betsy has on a Santa hat! That's too funny!!!

3 Why do you suppose they got to go to the show and why we got left at home?

4 Come to think of it, Francesca, I didn't see the donkeys in their paddock when we made the rounds this morning. I was looking for them so I could get in a good bark or two.

5 That's it, Sharkey! They didn't invite us because they knew we would bark like crazy! Let's check out the computer to see if Martha uploaded any photos of the donks visit to the TV studio yet. I'll just log in.

6 Ah-ha!!! There they are in Martha's office! Isn't it weird to see them standing inside like that?

7 And now Rufus is getting a little hair and makeup! Look! Even Gyurme went along!

8 Producer Barbara Fight looks like she really loves Clive and it looks like he's digging it, too.

9 They certainly are getting a lot of attention, but it's not like you see donkeys at TV every day.

10 What if they have to....you know what? That would be a big mess to clean! That is carpeting, after all!

11 And now they get to pose with Martha. I hope they don't step on her toes.

12 She really loves the donkeys, just as she loves all of her animals.