Chow Down by Laurien Berenson Page A

her to know without any problem.”
    â€œGinger does tricks,” Bill Redding said from across the room. Belatedly I realized that our introduction was being minutely observed by the other finalists. Allison was already rising and tugging the Brittany to her feet. “She can do all sorts of things. What would you like to see?”
    As soon as Ginger began to move in our direction, Larry Kim did, too. His little Yorkie appeared to be dancing with eagerness in his arms. Or maybe Larry was shaking her. I was beginning to think I wouldn’t put anything past this group.
    â€œWe don’t need to see anything just yet.” Doug held up a hand to stop the sudden flurry of activity. “There will be plenty of time for that later. For now, let’s just all relax and get to know one another.”
    â€œWe’re missing a participant,” Dorothy pointed out. “I guess Ben doesn’t appreciate this opportunity as much as the rest of us do.”
    â€œNow Dorothy, don’t go putting words in my mouth. You might give our esteemed judges the wrong idea.”
    Ben and Brando came sweeping through the doorway together and they made a striking pair. Owner and dog were both trim and muscular. Brando’s compact body was enhanced by his fawn coloring, set off to perfection by the dark mask that covered his muzzle and eyes. Looking at the duo, I wondered whether Ben had timed his arrival to the minute, choosing to be last and make a dramatic entrance into an already full room.
    â€œHere we are, everybody accounted for,” Ben continued cheerfully. “You must be Doug. We spoke on the phone. Brando and I are thrilled to be included in your happy group.” He managed to subtly shoulder me aside and stuck out his hand. “I know the rest of the participants, but perhaps you might introduce me to your colleagues?”
    While Doug took care of that, I walked Faith over to a sideboard where tea and coffee were being served. Next to the drinks were three silver serving trays. One held cookies, the second an assortment of muffins, the third was filled with dog biscuits.
    Faith was just below eye level with the offerings on the table. She lifted her nose and sniffed the air, but didn’t ask for a biscuit. Clearly the Champions products didn’t meet the standards of her finicky palate.
    As soon as the introductions were finished, we all found seats around the large conference table. I placed Faith in a down-stay on the floor beside my chair. Allison Redding followed suit with Ginger. Ben unhooked Brando’s leash and left the Boxer free to wander the room.
    Larry Kim, his hands full with Yoda, hadn’t taken a cup of coffee. Now, when he sat at the table, his dog was the only one still readily visible to the committee members. Dorothy caught on to that fact at the same time I did. She deliberately chose a chair that had another empty one beside it.
    Like Miniature and Toy Poodles, Scotties are shown on top of grooming tables, so I was quite sure that MacDuff was accustomed to finding himself plopped on top of things and expected to stay. As I watched, Dorothy lifted the small dog and placed him on the padded leather seat. The Scottie balanced himself on his haunches as she pushed the chair in.
    When it reached the table, MacDuff lifted both front legs, placed them on the polished wooden edge, and put his wiry black muzzle down between his paws. His dark eyes looked up and around the assembled group, gazing at each of us as if he was simply another participant in the meeting.
    Now that was cute.
    Simone pulled out a small pad of paper and made an unobtrusive note. Dorothy looked complacently pleased. Ben rolled his eyes. Lisa Kim was smiling. Really, it was hard not to. Then Larry caught his wife’s eye and glared. Immediately her eyes dropped to the hands she’d folded in her lap.
    â€œWell MacDuff,” Doug said jovially. “What do you say? Shall we call this