This is my most controversial blog entry yet, so here goes.

Last year about this time, I met a woman passionate about the welfare of dogs. To break the ice,
I asked her if she had watched the Westminster dog show (which this year starts Monday).

She gave me a hard look and said if that was what Happy Dog Phoenix was going to be about, then count her out.

She believes dog shows like Westminster and dog breeders help cause dog overpopulation and it is all just for the almighty dollar.

Her adamancy caught me off guard and has caused me to rethink my enjoyment of Westminster. Then came articles like “Can the Bulldog Be Saved?’’, a heart-breaking look at how the overbreeding of English bulldogs to get a certain “look’’ has caused many of them to have severe breathing problems. Those genetically manufactured short noses can cause them to suffer in the heat because they can’t cool down properly.

After reading that and other articles, does that mean I am going to turn off Westminster?

No. I think my friend, the New York Times writer and other thoughtful people have excellent points but I also believe there’s a place for a show that celebrates well-cared-for, well-exercised dogs and their fascinating history.

I think Westminster should focus more on dogs’ ability and overall looks, rather than specifics like how close their eyes are together or who their parents were.

Or perhaps Westminster judges could take into account a dog’s particular history as well as the breed’s history, like this rescued Weimaraner.

So yes, Monday, I am going to be turning into Westminster but I am going to thinking about how all dogs can be helped — not just the purebreds.

What do you think?