I heard from many of you about last week’s blog post and my weekend with Elizabeth Gilbert. I want to say thank you. Thank you for making me feel supported. Thank you for sharing that many of my fears are your fears, too. And thank you for embracing my vulnerability with love.
Of course, the only way to follow up a powerful post like that is with a dog. The last of the escaped monkeys was recovered in January. Sigh. I’d really love to meet the hold out gal to learn about her adventures, her strategy for solo travel, and what finally made her return. But I have a new animal obsession, and her name is Bourbon.
You may not have heard of Bourbon. But you might be familiar with Monty, the Giant Schnauzer won Best in Show at the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Let’s start there, shall we?
First, I had no idea there was a giant version of the breed. When I was a kid, we had a garden variety Schnauzer that my mom won in a name-the-dog contest sponsored by a pet food company. It was 1971, and she submitted “Kenneral Zestmoreland,” a play off General Westmoreland, who had been in charge of U.S. Army troops in Vietnam. My mom’s name was chosen as the “Best in Show” and “Kenny” showed up on our doorstep in a box with some holes in it.
According to his owner, Kenny’s big cousin Monty loves to eat steak and occasionally get into mischief. Me, too, Monty!! Me, too!! And he’s the first Giant Schnauzer to walk away with this title in Westminster’s 149-year history.
I was feeling all warm and Schnauzer-y until another contestant caught my eye, Bourbon, the Whippet who won Reserve Best in Show. “Reserve Best in Show” is the fancy name for the first runner-up. I guess if Monty can’t complete his duties, Bourbon steps in.
Bourbon’s handler and co-owner, Cheslie Pickett Smithey, described her as “a slow bloomer. Being a typical female Whippet, she was also a bit more complicated, preferring to show on her terms.” Chelsie also describes her as a diva, liking a crowd but also liking the quiet. Me, too, Bourbon! Me, too!!
Then I learned that Bourbon is the top winning Whippet in AKC history. She’s collected every title except Westminster’s Best in Show. She’s been a runner-up three times. This is the point where I become disappointed that Monty won. The third time is supposed to be the charm!!! What went wrong??
I could relate. Sort of. I was Reserve Best in Show first runner-up in the 1971 Miss La Petite Pageant in Rockford, Illinois. Sadly, the winner did complete her duties, and I was never called out of the reserves. It’s a good thing I wasn’t in the Westminster audience because I might have done exactly what my Grandma Lorraine did when someone else was crowned Miss La Petite, which was to yell, “Rig-a-roo!! Rig-a-roo!!” (This is me on the right. Apparently, I was once tall.)
But there’s more that impressed me about Bourbon. She came out of retirement to compete. (I wonder what dogs do in retirement.) She is nine and a half years old, which is 66.5 in human years. I hope I look that good when I turn 66.5. In fact, one of the announcers said, “This bitch looks wonderful tonight.” (I hope someone says that about me, too!!) Bourbon is also a mom, which means she balances parenting with her show dog career.
So, what does Bourbon have to do with WOW! Moments?
Well, I love that she is complicated and likes to show on her terms. We had a rescue Feist (yes, this is really a breed) named Scooter and let’s just say “complicated” was not a word I would use to describe him. In fact, he was quite the opposite. Bourbon is deep and multi-faceted. She isn’t afraid to be true to herself. WOW!
Bourbon is also proof that you’re never too old to chase your dreams. (Or a cat.) She competed against dogs half her age. Age is just a number. And that bitch is timeless!
Bourbon may not have won the Best in Show title from the judges, but I think she was the Best in Show when it comes to being a role model for life.
I think Devo said it best: “Go forward. Move ahead. Try to detect it. It’s not too late. To whip it. Whip it good.”
Hello Stephanie –
I too applaud your courage and vulnerability! I wanted especially to comment on this post as I see “your sass is back”.
Of course, I don’t know the “before” Stephanie, but I have a suspicion that sass and cheek was a big part of her. In the time I have been following you that beautiful sass has been peeking out but now it appears to be back in full force, and it sure adds a fun factor to your posts. I see it as a sign of your healing and a hopeful light for my own future.
Thank you,
Heather