Lisa Hoffman's puppy Rory made the rounds again tonight, doing her best impression of a Webkinz. Jorge Gimenez of Brazil couldn't resist a cuddle with this Snoopette, who has sort of become the National's answer to Uno.
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The Top 20 is supposed to be a black-tie affair -- though in previous years some attendees only got about as far as black denim. This year, most everyone kicked it up a notch in the sartorial department, all the better to sip complimentary champagne passed out after Top 20 judging. Let's toast to the conspicuous absence of fashion emergencies!
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Best Dressed
Sonnet McKinnon of Connecticut made a fashion statement in this teal sheath with lots of sparkly detailing around the neckline.Vested Interest
Jeff Nearhoof caught our eye in an African-themed vest hand-made for him by his mother-in-law for the Lexington, Ky., specialty nine years ago.
Let's Neck
Ana Paola Diniz of Malabo APD in Brazil sported some major custom-designed bling -- a gold medallion cast with her kennel name and logo.
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Nailing It
Rdgebacks are notoriously squeamish about having their nails cut. So we were pleasantly surprised to see these "Doberman short" nails on MBIS Ch. Pupukea Ridge Ikaika O Spring Valley. Viva la pedicure, Ikaika!
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How Sweet It Is!
The quickest way to a Ridgebacker's heart? More often than not, it's through the stomach. The highlight of the apres-Top 20 dessert bar was the towering chocolate fountain. Among the fixins ready to take a dip: preztel rods, strawberries and assorted fruit slices.
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Greetings!
The Cajuns call it lagniappe -- a little something extra. And though we've already sent our electronic missive for Thursday, we couldn't resist sending out a report on the highlight of the evening: the RRCUS Top 20 competition.
Though the Top 20 has garnered its share of criticism through the years, this evening was a success by any measure: dramatic presentations, impeccably turned out dogs, and a healthy dose of sequins and lame.
Besides, when else does Mike Teeling get a chance to dust off that Indiana Jones hat?
Until tomorrow ...
Theresa M. Lyons
Denise Flaim
Publishers
The Ridgeback Register
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Here Come the Judges
 The identities of the three Top 20 judges are always guarded with Kremlin-like intensity. This year, as with others, there were no leaks. Adjudicating were, from left: breeder-judge Troy Abney of RiverCity Ridgebacks in Riverside, Calif. (assisted by Glenn Hoffman); handler-judge Mary Dukes (with John Arvin); and all-round judge Eugene Blake (with Celia Hoffman).
Mr. Blake's tophat was a nice touch.
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Winner Takes All
New to this year's Top 20 event was a "People's Choice" award, based on the votes of attendees.
Both the judges and the onlookers picked the same dog: MBIS Ch. Adili's American Idol, handled by Frank Murphy.
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Team Spirit
 From left: Karen LaFleur, Tammy Lynch, Nadine Vaccarino and Kiki Courtelis.
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Age Is Just a Number
 The evening's oldest canine entrant was Ch. Nashira's Private Collection ("Gabrielle"), who is 7 1/2. She is bred and owned by Concetta Jez, and co-owned by Doris and Pat Pio.
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