Christopher
Guest and friend; Photo courtesy of Castle Rock/Warner
Bros./The Kobal Collection/Doane Gregory
Dogs, cats, snakes. It doesn't matter. They're
not pets, they're part of our family. Sometimes costly family
members.
Our devotion, both emotional and financial,
to our pets is chronicled in "Best in Show." Christopher Guest's
mockumentary follows the proud and preening owners of a group
of pooches vying for best in show at the Mayfair Kennel Club
Dog Show.
The contestants include an anxious Weimaraner
owned by a yuppie couple, who prove that we project our neuroses
as well as our affection onto our pets. Also in the trophy
hunt is the lethargic bloodhound and his good ol' boy owner,
clearly demonstrating that our pets really do resemble us,
sometimes more than we like to believe.
And, of course, there's the eventual winner,
the saucy Norwich terrier that manages to overcome during
the show-ring promenade the literal two left feet of owner
Gerry Fleck, a classic Eugene Levy character. Of course, Gerry
and his ditzy wife Cookie aren't surprised by the victory.
They knew the title was preordained because, as they sing,
"God loves a terrier ..."
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Sure, most of us aren't as obsessive as
the characters seen through Guest's slightly cracked lens.
And we don't face the travel and competition costs associated
with a show animal. But in order to keep our furry friends
happy, we spare few expenses.
And between laughs, "Best in Show" drives
home the money message that if you're
not careful, pampering your dog or cat could cost you much
more than you expect.
There's premium pet food and regular veterinarian
visits that, unless you've shelled out for pet
medical insurance, often rival those of your personal
physician. And some dogs could cost you the minute they move
in if your property insurer is one that hikes homeowner insurance
policy premiums in homes sharing space with select
canines.
