Read Online Chow Down by Laurien Berenson - Free Book Online

looked disgruntled by the interruption. Clearly he hadn’t intended to give up the spotlight so quickly. “No, thank you . Brando and I would also like you to know that we appreciate this wonderful opportunity and that if we’re the ones chosen to represent Chow Down dog food, we will devote the full range of our considerable talents to the project. I promise you we won’t let you down.”
    â€œExcellent,” said Simone. I wondered if she was responding to Ben’s words or the fact that he’d been flirting with her shamelessly since the moment he’d first entered the room.
    â€œMoving on . . .” Doug prompted. “Bill and Allison, what would you like to tell us about Ginger?”
    â€œFirst and foremost, that she’s a great dog,” Allison said, her voice pumped with enthusiasm. “With a wonderful personality. She’s almost been like a child to us . . .” She paused and a blush rose to her cheek. “I mean, not that we think she’s human or anything—”
    â€œIt’s all right, honey, they know what you mean,” Bill took over for her. “Allison and I aren’t breeders. Ginger is the only dog we own. And look what she’s accomplished. She’s a conformation champion, she’s working on her Utility degree in obedience and she’s also qualified for her field championship. Having the opportunity to own a dog of this caliber is kind of like hitting the lottery, they just don’t come along every day—”
    â€œWhat Bill’s trying to say is that Ginger can do it all.” Allison was speaking again now. I felt like we were being tag-teamed. On the other hand, I could see how the committee might find the couple’s energy infectious.
    Bill reached down and patted the Brittany’s head. “Once you stop and think about it, I know you’ll realize that Ginger is exactly the kind of dog you want representing Chow Down dog food.”
    â€œYou might be right,” Doug agreed smoothly. “Dorothy, what would you like to tell us?”
    The older woman took a moment to gather her thoughts. She looked slowly around the table, her gaze pausing on each of the committee members in turn. “After listening to what other people have to say, I’m afraid maybe MacDuff and I are going to look a little shabby by comparison.”
    â€œNo way!” Chris disagreed.
    A small, satisfied smile lifted Dorothy’s lips. That was just the response she’d been angling for, I thought.
    â€œNow MacDuff and I, we’re not as young and flashy as some of your other contestants. But I guess you’d have to say that we do have experience on our side. Those of you who go to dog shows, I bet most of you know who MacDuff is from his record in the ring.”
    She stopped and waited for us to nod. Dutifully, most of us did.
    â€œThis dog . . .” Her hand reached over to stroke his head fondly. “He pretty much won everything there was and then some. I retired him at Westminster in February. He’d earned his chance to do nothing but sit in the sun and snore.
    â€œBut funny thing about that. When it came right down to it, that wasn’t what MacDuff wanted. He missed the excitement of being on the road all the time. Retirement just seemed to bore him silly. In a nutshell, that’s why we’re here. I figure I owe this old dog anything he wants that will make him happy. And if one more chance in the limelight will do it, then I’m just pleased to be along for the ride.”
    Wow, I thought, she was good. That appeal had to tug at the judges’ hearts. In her own quiet, unassuming, way, Dorothy had just moved MacDuff up to the top of the list.
    Simone was writing furiously on her notepad. Chris had his laptop open. I couldn’t see the screen but I assumed he was doing the same. It occurred to me that I probably didn’t have to worry about Faith winning the contest.