Westminster Dog Show's Sister Act

CBS Evening News: Michigan Sisters Make Final Rounds Of Juniors Competition

(CBS)  By protecting her Tibetan terrier from a bad hair day, 7th grader Savannah Livingston is ready for showtime.

She told CBS News correspondent Kelly Wallace her dog's name is Barkley.

"Why do you think the judges should choose you and Barkley this year?" Wallace asked.

"Well, I think we're a great team," Savannah said.

The 12-year-old from Flint, Mich., has been showing dogs since she was 5 years old. But she's never made it past the first round at the Westminster Dog Show - the Superbowl of dog shows.

It's the oldest and most-watched dog event in the country. Unlike the highly anticipated Best in Show competition, where the dogs are stars, the juniors are judged by how they - not their dogs - handle the ring.

Savannah's competition is more than 100 top juniors ages 9 to 18. Among them is her 10-year-old sister Megan, and her mini-wire-haired Dachsund named Lucy.

Do they get competitive with each other?

"Yeah," they both nodded, both laughing.

Inside the ring it's all about concentration, composure and keeping cool under the lights.

The pressure can be too much for some.

But not for the Livingston sisters. They both reached the semi-finals for the first time, setting up a friendly family feud.

Competitng with Westminster this year is the economy. There are fewer dogs competing, and slower ticket sales. But Savannah and Megan's grandmother says the show can be therapeutic.

"The animals don't know the economy, but they tend to really make you really feel good," said Karen Tower.

It's hard not to feel the butterflies while competing to make the final round. But whatever happens, with friends like those, everyone is a winner.

[rptucson]

I think this is a great story. I would like to see a story on the Arabian horse world sometime. Starting Feb 12 - 22 in Scottsdale Az we hold the one of the largerest horse show. I features people and horse from all over the world. This show brings in over 3000 horses and hunders of thousands of people in the 10 days it runs. From childern of 6 years old showing to adults of 80. Money going to many charities. This would be a great story. Thanks