December 4, 2003, San Gabriel Valley Tribune
by Karen Robes
LONG BEACH -- They're accustomed to the fanfare. They're pampered like rock stars and even have stage names and their own fan clubs. But when they're home, they're just one of the dogs.
This week, Long Beach dog lovers got a small taste of Superdogs, a troupe of 300 dogs that tour the United States performing in front of 1.5 million people annually.
About 20 of the high-energy dogs performed dancing, jumping and near-flying stunts Wednesday at the third annual American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.
"They're like a bunch of kids let loose on a playground,' said Lorraine Jurovich, a trainer in the troupe.
Tired of competitively showing dogs, Herb Williams decided to create a family-entertainment program that sets a lot of agility stunts to popular music. "There's another way to have fun with a dog than letting some judge say, 'You're Best in Show,'' Williams said. "In Superdogs, every dog is a Best in Show.'
The shows consist of a variety of mixed and pure bred dogs. About 40 percent of the pooches featured in Superdogs were rescued. To be a Superdog, the dog must be social and have basic obedience skills, since much of the show is off-leash. Folks can contact Superdogs through its Web site, www.superdogs.com , to find out when tryouts are held locally.
Previous show themes have included "Hollywoof,' "The Wizard of Paws,' and "Hairy Pawter.' The shows have been so popular that a movie is being made about Superdogs and is being filmed in Montreal. The movie, "Daniel and the Superdogs,' is a coming-of-age drama about a boy who stumbles upon Superdogs and becomes part of the show. The film will be shown at the Berlin Film Festival and is expected for an international release in fall 2004.
Jurovich, a legal assistant from Canada, had never heard of Superdogs until a friend suggested her Old English sheepdog, Digbie, try out. Digbie was hardly graceful, knocking over ramps and tunnels, but that did not deter him from making the cut. "They called him 'Demolition Derby,' and we never looked back,' she said, laughing. "He really earned his name.' Now in her 11th year as a trainer, Jurovich trains her 4- year-old bearded collie, Rip, whose stage name is Bumper Cars. "The show is a playground for the dogs,' she said. "They love it.'
But after touring, it's back to life as an everyday dog for Rip. "He's my baby, and my 6-year-old daughter's best friend,' she said.
Williams stressed that the shows promote the benefits of canine championship. "We just want to show how much fun people can have with their dogs,' he said.
