Presley was crowned the champ, the cast was reunited to see it, and tears were shed. It was a moving final episode. It made me pause for deeper reflection. So now I’m going to share my final thoughts on the final episode of the show I came to love.
Not about Being Perfect
In my last article, I explained how at one point the judges made a big deal out of Andrew’s size and how impressive it was he made it so far.
Andrew’s performance was impressive, just like all of the other dogs on the show. I couldn’t understand why the judges, specifically Wendy Diamond, kept wanting to go down that avenue. (I’ll get to her in a second.)
Thankfully they eventually steered away from the big breed versus little breed thing. But then the judges, thanks to a comment Laurie had made about her and Andrew having an established relationship versus a newlywed one like Travis and Presley, started commenting about age and experience.
I thought something Victoria Stillwell said sums up the dog/owner relationship very nicely: “…you don’t have to be perfectly obedient. Dogs aren’t perfect.”
To which Wendy Diamond concurred, “Nor are people.” (I think this is one of the only wise things I heard that lady say on the show.)
Anyway, I thought Ms. Stillwell’s observation was brilliant. It’s because dogs aren’t perfect that that we love them so much, isn’t it? Because they don’t strive to be perfect, aren’t pretentious, and not only don’t expect us to be perfect, but love us in spite of the fact that we’re not.
The Judge I Did Not Care For
Let me explain my snide remarks from above.
While all the judges put both the dogs and the owners under the microscope (not just in the final episode, but during them all), I found one particularly condescending about it: Wendy Diamond.
Victoria Stillwell was lovely and grounded. Allan Reznik was rational and calm in his estimations of the contestants.
Then there was Wendy. Obnoxious. Rude. Arrogant. And, as I’ve already mentioned, condescending.
She really irritated me this episode when she asked JD how often he bathed Galaxy. He admitted not all that often. She scolded him and claimed dogs need to be bathed at least once a month.
BUZZ! Er, wrong, Ms. Diamond, self-proclaimed dog expert. Dogs should be washed only when needed. Otherwise, bathing too much risks stripping their fur of its natural oils.
Nope, I did not care for her at all.
The Moral of the Show
In his humble winning speech, Travis reiterated something I’ve already discussed that Ms. Stillwell touched on: “The Greatest American Dog doesn’t have to be perfect.”
Or a big dog, a little dog, old and wise, young and full of abandon, or even squeaky clean and fresh smelling.
The Greatest American Dog is an Every Dog. It’s your dog. It’s my dog. They are our hearts and we love them until the end of time.
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Greatest American Dog: The Personality Episode
Greatest American Dog: The Elvis Episode
Are They Looking for the Greatest American Dog or Trainer?
Greatest American Dog: Further Criticisms about the Show
“A Dog is Not a Barbie Doll.” (And Other “Greatest” Quotes)