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'Greatest American Dog' recap: Presley wins! The elephant returns!

Sep 11, 2008, 11:34 AM | by Mandi Bierly

Categories: 'Greatest American Dog', Animals, Mini TV Watch, Reality TV, Television

Greatestamericandog_l I had a sneaking suspicion that Boxer Presley was gonna take this title when Laura, owner of Pomeranian Preston, invited me to the finale party she was co-hosting with Presley's owner, Travis. I'm in NYC, and the party was in LA, or you would so be reading about that right now...

So we all knew that JD was gonna finish third after his interview with the judges. Saying you didn't learn a thing at Canine Academy — just observed the other owners' problems — is not the kind of answer you give. Ever. (And if English Border Collie Galaxy's bathing habits, or lack thereof, was such a problem that Wendy Diamond called JD out on it, why hadn't we heard of it before?)

Laurie handled herself beautifully in her Final Three interview. She stuck to her talking points: JD intimidates Galaxy; Travis and Presley are newlyweds. And she was honest when she said that this competition isn't for her Maltese Andrew, it's for her. He just wants to be a dog and indulges her. I'll admit that I rewound twice to watch Wendy's dog Lucky chase almost social Andrew around the Best in Show Arena, because nothing is funnier to me than Andrew hauling ass. Also because I can't believe Lucky finally got off Wendy's lap and did something. (KIDDING.)

After Travis nailed his interview (he's all about the learning and the bonding), judge Victoria Stilwell proved how smart Presley really is when she got him to do the leave-the-food-on-your-paw-trick. (I'd pay to see her try that with Tillman — I was happiest to see his return last night. You?) JD officially got the boot, and please, tell me he didn't realize how offensive it would look when he raised Galaxy's hind legs and applauded with them? Showing your dog's butt to the judges is not pageant protocol.

The final portion of the competition consisted of one serious obstacle course and yet another interview. Presley killed the course, until it came time to RETRIEVE HIS TOY FROM UNDER AN ELEPHANT. Travis finally had to lead Presley under the elephant himself, which is worth the $250,000 grand prize right there. Andrew had a tougher time on the course, but I can't blame him. He had farther to fall than Presley. (Were my small dog walking a tilting beam, I, too, would be standing close enough to catch him, so I don't blame Laurie for her smothering mothering either.*) Fearless little Andrew had no problem running under the elephant — twice — so he redeemed himself.

In the end, either Andrew or Presley would have worn the Greatest American Dog title well, but I agree with the judges' decision to crown young Presley. He's well-trained but relatable. You feel like your dog could be as good of a boy as Poopers. And you still feel like he's a dog — playful, imperfect, independent but loyal.

Do you agree with the judges?

*She DOES, however, need to acknowledge that Andrew's attachment to her isn't 100 percent healthy.


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Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

blah thats all

Shaela's Mom Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 09:03 AM EST

Thank you to Jill for putting it so eloquently. Boxers are a wonderful breed and not a breed everyone should own. I agree that they are not riddled with health problems. All breeds have certain health risks. I have a Bishon Shitzu who has more health issues than all my boxers put together. He costs a fortune to maintain monthly due to severe skin ailments. I wouldn't trade the love and dedication that my boxers have shown me for anything. And just a reminder to everyone Presley is still a baby!! He was 16 months compared to dogs who had been trained for YEARS!

Dave from East Texas Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 09:00 PM EST

Explain to me how Galaxy didn't win? Or Andrew even? But Presley?....I dug Travis as an owner and Presley did well...half the time but all I can keep seeing in my head is Galaxy break dancing with J.D. and Andrew standing up to the elephant. I can't recall a single moment Presley's behavior sticks out for me in my mind during the entire series.

Roberta Saratoga Springs, NY Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 05:17 AM EST

I enjoyed the series but would have preferred that they kept it real. Travis and Presley are a cute team but in my view the REAL Greatest American Dog was STAR...Bill and Star were a perfectly match team. The Love and Devotion was true is it comes from the heart and it showed. I truly believe the Judges missed the call on this one. Bill Pushed Star only because the Judges wanted him too and then Called him on it because he pushed too hard and then not hard enough. Common people you can not have it both ways when dealing with a Dog. Dogs see it one way you can not keep changing the path or they will react and sometimes not very nicely. I'm an owner or Owned by 4 rescues and none of them could do what these guys have done. I've got two Tillman like breeds and a Pug and now a new Collie Pup and she's sweet but like the border collie on the show she's a yapper and it's in their blood. My Vote would have been for Bill and Star. Where ever you two are you're the BEST in my book.

Jill Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 11:59 AM EST

I have had boxers all my life...they are NOT medical nightmares. Sure, they are prone to certain things, but show me a purebred dog that isn't? Boxers are NOT for everyone- they require time, patience and a steady hand. But they are a beautiful, friendly, playful and loyal breed. I would never discourage the right person from getting this breed, and I don't think I would ever choose another. I am so glad Presley won, I feel like it was a great thing for boxers anywhere.

I never blame the breed for ending up in a rescue..that's the owners who should never had gotten a dog. A dog is a huge commitment, and should be considered a part of the family.

Behaviorist Fri, Sep 19, 2008 at 08:24 AM EST

Mandi, where did you get your degree in dog behavior? I ask because you seem to insinuate that you are able to diagnose dog behavioral issues based on what you see on a reality show. You may be an expert in writing amusing pieces on these shows, but you really should leave the dog behavior stuff to the professionals. That said, I see absolutely no problem with Andrew's desire to return to his owner. From what I'm told, Andrew is a therapy dog and crisis response dog and is accustomed to working alongside Laurie all the time. In fact, most dogs who do this type of work are trained to go find their owners.

Rescue Worker Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

Sorry, but Boxers are a medical nightmare dog. Skin problems, eye problems, hip displasia, you name it. They are physical wrecks and it's a shame that some will go out and get one because of this.

Nomi Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 05:32 PM EST

The Travis/Presley win was a total fix. The mactor triumphs again on a CBS reality show! I can't wait until Travis tries to "help people with relationships with their dogs." LOL. He only developed one with his own dog so he could win $$$.

Shaela's Mom Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 08:55 AM EST

In reply to cv boxers do not always end up in rescues. If you check any breed you will find there are lots of purebred dogs in rescues. With that said the main reason boxers end up in rescues is because people DO NOT research the breed before buying. Boxers are very high energy dogs and require an owner who is willing to work with them and love them. They are very social and love people. But as a large dog they grow fast and after owning 4 they are forever puppies. They have a wonderful zest for life but are strong dogs. As most of us who are owners have said please do your research. Do not go out and buy a boxer because Presley was so cute. Boxers need a home forever. Many end up in rescue when they are still under 2 years old. Enough said any Boxer rescue or breeder will tell you the same thing.

Roxy Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:26 PM EST

Andrew should have won. He's my hero.

Hoonsgal Sun, Sep 14, 2008 at 11:45 AM EST

Galaxy got robbed. She was awesome and maybe I wasn't watching closely but I didn't see a thing wrong with her relationship with JD. It would have been nice to see Bill and Star to make it further too. It was a good show though..

cv Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

Just a quick question from a cat-owner who really loved this show...in reading these comments, apparently boxers often end up as rescue dogs. Why is that?

And for what it's worth, I'm happy that Presley won, loved him from the beginning. I also enjoyed Andrew, who I thought was hysterical in his constant quest for Laurie. Loved Star, but it was obvious she (he?) was done & wanted to go home. And who could resist Galaxy...despite JD.

I hope they bring this show back.

mxyzptlk Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 08:49 AM EST

Did the "b" Victoria Stillwell not, in the final test, point a "threatening" (by her own description of threatening) finger at Presley and say "leave it".
Its hypocritical to judge an owner badly for doing it and then doing the same thing. If anyone watches her show (and I doubt anyone will) give us a count of how many times she threatens dogs!
Nice Job Galaxy (and that was a great applause at the end!).

Supertek Sat, Sep 13, 2008 at 01:44 AM EST

Galaxy owned all. Those udges are jealous of the different relationship and training style JD had with Galaxy, too bad. Did you see the others jaw drop when Galazy was toosed? Me too.

Ginger Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST

I quit watching when Galaxie was eliminated. She was the best dog!

Catherine Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 11:08 AM EST

Galaxy *is* a sweet dog, but JD was freaking obnoxious. I'm glad Presley won. I could barely stand another minute of Laurie. She was a big bag of smug.

Linda Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 10:23 AM EST

Both Presley and Andrew are Greatest American Dogs in my book. The judges had an incredibly difficult job. I think the scales tipped toward Presley due to Andrew's somewhat unhealthy attachment to Laurie. But it is easy to understand because she is such a balanced caring owner. I'd be attached to her too!

Gloria Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:33 AM EST

I think the best trainer was Bill, but unfortunately Star was a little old and just quit at the end. I enjoyed watching Travis learn all the best training tips from those around him. He blossomed as a trainer and his young dog performed admirably. Thankful that JD did not go any further, as he never seemed to get it that his methods were outdated. Yes, you can get a dog to do what you want by control, but so much better if done through positive reinforcement. The bond developed that way is far stronger and more meaningful. Andrew also was the result of good positive training, but seemed a little too attached, which probably cost him the title. Travis DOES represent everything this show was trying to present.

Tony Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 09:15 AM EST

I agree with the others on here hoping people won't rush to own a boxer just because of the publicity given the breed from the show's exposure. They are WONDERFUL dogs but require so much work. Read up on them before owning. I had my boxer for 12 years.....just had to have him put to sleep a few months ago and am looking into rescue for my next one since there are so many who end up in rescue situations.

Donna Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:52 AM EST

I loved this show and was cheering for Presley the entire season. I think the judges made the right choice.

Lillian Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 08:39 AM EST

I consider that Galaxy should win regarding to her good temper, well-trained behaviour and the tasks during the competition that she had achieved. I don't really like JD. However, it's the show of 'Greatest American Dog' instead of 'Greatest American'. I see no point that Presly did better than Galaxy. The result just showed the judges' prejudice to the dog owner and it's not fair.

chris Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 07:42 AM EST

I loved the show and thought the judges made the right choice. I really liked Bill and Star but Star got to the point where she had had enough and wanted to go home, you could see it in her eyes, so I was actually happy for her on the episode that they got eliminated.

Bobbie Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 01:06 AM EST

I was rooting for Andrew. For a little dog, he has a great big heart and a lot of courage. You can see the adoration in his eyes when he looks at his owner. Separation anxiety? Hello? Dogs that have separation anxiety bark and tear up the place. Andrew just wanted to be near Laurie. He would do, and did, anything to please Laurie. Yes Travis is cute and so is Presley. I think Andrew is the Greatest American Dog.

anne dubberly Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 10:27 PM EST

i was pulling for travis and presley from the start. yes i love boxers but, it was the way travis looked at pressley he was truley proud of him, it made me cry. boxers are special and pressley was exceptional..

Tori and Lilly Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 08:51 PM EST

I'm really glad that Laurie and Andrew made it to the final two. I've much preferred big dogs to little ones until I owned a chihuahua, Miss Lilly Grace, and I'm very happy that she showed the world what a little "foo foo" dog could do! Kudos!

As for JD and Galaxy, I was actually rooting for them to win. Not because I agree with JD or his training methods (you look up cocky in the dictionary and find "See JD" next to it) but because Galaxy's a mixed breed dog. Go mutts! Not only that, but she has excellent obedience (even though I don't agree with how that was achieved...).

But, in the end, I was very happy and surprised to see Presley win. After watching the final episode (Travis went under that elephant! Can you say wow? WOW!) I have to say that I agree completely. The greatest American dog doesn't have to be perfect. I know mine aren't!

Spedo Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 08:37 PM EST

We were so happy to see Presley and Travis win last night, we too are boxer owners. We know they can be a handful, but will never have another breed of dog, our two boxers are our babies!!

Shari Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:58 PM EST

I really wanted Galaxy to win. She certainly is loving and won my heart.
Plus, she's a senior! Having said this, her owner, though he truly loves her, is a first class jerk.
Congratulations to Presley and to his modest and grateful owner!

polk8dot Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:56 PM EST

To K9trainerMc - I completely agree with you. I saw one episode of Victoris'a show, I think it is called 'It's me of the dog', and was shot it England, and it was enough for me. Let me quote her advise to an owner whose huge dog would not sit quitelly in the back of the car during rides, but was crawling all over her while she was driving. Want to guess what our 'Celebrity Dog Tainer' told the poor woman to do to remedy the problem? "From now on you need to have someone else ride with you inthe car, in the back with the dog, and hold the dog and make sure he does not try to jump over to the front or jump out the window'. I kid you not - I almost died laughing. She calls herself a 'TRAINER', and this is her advise??? That was all I could think of any time I saw her on this show talking about training methods. She is a fraud, and just praying on idiot celebrities.

Bill Perkins Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:47 PM EST

If it was about just the dogs themselves, Galaxy was hands down the best of them all. Have you ever looked into her eyes...get a pic and do it. And she is getting on in years too.

Yet, the team that was the best I agree that Pressley was the dog part of that team.

Diane Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:47 PM EST

To Janetms383: Ezzie, Presley and Bella Starlet were also featured in the opening credits. But that's not what I meant.

What I meant was the "intro" shots of the owners posing with their dogs with their names on the screen. All of the dogs and owners had that shot. I watched it again and JD/Galaxy were the only other ones who were moving in their "pose" besides Travis/Presley. Everyone else was just sitting/standing and smiling.

I think it's strange that Presley, Beacon, Galaxy and Tillman were given multiple feature moments in the opening credits and Leroy, Star, Andrew, Elvis and Kenji only had their one intro shot. Beacon had 3 feature shots!

Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:38 PM EST

bill and star were the best. they should have won!!

Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:37 PM EST

i am so sad galaxy didnt win. he was awesome. presley shouldnt have won!!

ktee Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 07:35 PM EST

okay, several comments-

the show rocks.
travis & presley deserved it- my faves from the start
jd-WAAAY too arrogant. even his little exit speech was arrogant. Hes poopy.
bill & star should have gone a lot farther...maybe 2nd place?
travis is CUTE! if i was older...im only 12. :)
andrew was so attached to laurie, it was wierd & scary.
TILLMAN ROCKS! i love how he farted on his "goodbye lap"
the host dude was a loser.
Victoria and wendys "fight" was so scripted it was funny.
the challenges were completely insane. I mean, how do u judge if a dog is great by if it goes under an elephant?
brandy-can you say ANNOYING???!!! i knew by the 1st episode that she was going to be hilarious to watch.

all in all, the show was retarded, yet extremely addictive. but i would rathr watch project runway, even w/ this seasons untalented trainwrecks, but THATS a whole other story.

Michelle Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

Presley was awesome. I just want to warn anyone that just thinks its cool to go get a Boxer because Presley is really cool. PLEASE do research. I own 2 rescued Boxers and they are awesome, they need work and exercise! Presley was great because Travis was willing. Please do not create a bigger surge of rescue dogs. They are GREAT dogs, but know what you are doing PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

Michelle on Behalf of Nikita (Boxer) Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 05:39 PM EST

We think Presley was the winner since the first time I saw this show. Boxers are the best dogs, yes I have a boxer...and I love her.

K9trainerMC Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

As a Certified Master trainer of 20 years, I was sad to see that the dog with the most talent [Galaxy] was cut from the finals due to the judges bias views. Give me a break Victoria-your show is truly an insult to trainers nationwide!

Eileen Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 04:40 PM EST

Presley was my choice from the very first show. What a GOODBOY!!! My flashy brindle "Emmy" sends congratulations and big, sloppy kisses!

candy Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 04:19 PM EST

I am a BIG Presley fan. I had a brindle boxer - that looked just like him. They are great dogs, if you have the time and energy to train them - just like Travis is doing. If you want a dog you can just throw in the back yard and feed - DO NOT get a boxer. They have too much energy and love to watch a family through a window!! Congrats to Travis and especially Presley.

LISA WESTMORELAND Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 03:54 PM EST

I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE TRAVIS AND PRESLEY WIN. I HAVE BEEN A BIG FAN OF THERES SINCE I FIRST STARTED WATCHING THE SHOW. OF COURSE IM A LITTLE PARTIAL SINCE I HAVE A BRINDLE BULLBOXER. BUT TRAVIS WAS WONDERFUL WITH PRESLEY AND I WAS IMPRESSED THAT HE DIDNT PRESSURE HIM TO STAY ON THAT STUMP DURING THE LOYALTY COMPETITION. ROCK ON PRESLEY.

Tillman's #1 Fan Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

I was thrilled to see Tillman again - if only they let Tillman skateboard. I'm glad Presley and Travis won - they deserve it. Laurie - nah - she's as cocky as JD!! Love Galaxy - she's a sweet & obedient dog. Andrew is cute too, but not a toy dog person. TILLMAN all the way!! I also love Star.

Reggie Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

I thought it was so cool that Travis won since he was the one person that didn't seem to harbor any adverse feelings about anyone but was into good old healthy competition! I thought it was great that they had a wide range of dogs! Andrew proved that little dogs can compete with the big dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed this show much more than any of the other reality shows! I hope they bring it back next season!

Putzy Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 03:12 PM EST

I truly believe that of the final 3, that Travis is the only one hands down that "listened" to what the judges said & learned. JD was to cocky & Laurie was to blind to see that her dog, no matter how cute he is, does not interact with others ~~ human or other animals. The best dog won!

Shaela's Mommy Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

I am very happy Travis and Presley won. I also agree with Danielle and pray people do not rush out and buy and boxer just because of the show. I have had 3 and just rescued number 4 from a shelter. The shelter told me the hardest part of adopting out boxers is that people DO NOT know the breed and don't do their research before they get one.
I thought all the dogs were special in their own right. But can't say I am disappointed Presley won after all he is just a baby! He is only 16 months and well on his way to being an amazing dog.

Vee Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

I believe my boxer owns ME. :) I also believe Travis/Presley were going to win given the criteria, and the judges. I also loved watching the dogs, but didn't really see the point in stressing those dogs out so badly. Star was more than ready to go home by the end, and "proving" loyalty and courage by having a dog run a course is really missing the point. The show proves only that the owner who follows a particular training path is rewarded. And I knew it would be Travis/Presley simply because they would sell more magazines. Marketing 101...

Mark Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 02:41 PM EST

Does anybody know who does the song that is played during the opening credits? I really like the song and when I try to read the closing credits to find out, they go by so fast!!

sandy Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 02:31 PM EST

One more thing. I felt a lot of the competions weren't fair to the small dogs. Maybe they should have separate competions when it comes to the physical challenges.
Like someone else said, a small dog could have really gotten hurt falling off that balance beam, and I think Laurie was smart for sticking so close.

Sandy Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 02:16 PM EST

I loved Andrew! He was just too cute, but have to agree Laurie was a bit... uhhh.. opinionated.
I just couldn't believe that JD only bathes poor Galaxy "once or twice" a year!!!! And.. when the judges gave him a chance to admit he'd learned to be a bit less stern, he just dug himself in deeper with his comment about "noticing what the other owner's did wrong.." Shaking my head((..))
The thing I loved about Travis is when he got out of the "loyalty" competion because he didn't like seeing Presley suffer. To me- he should have won right then!!
But little Andrew sure wasn't scared og that big ole elephant!

Presley Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

Woof woof! Why were all the other dogs barking at me like that?

janetms383 Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

Not true Diane, Not all the dogs were featured in the opening credits, but some were. Galaxy, Preston, Beacon, Tillman

danielle Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 01:50 PM EST

I'm surprised no one mentioned the cutaways to Brandy crying and crossing her fingers. I seriously hope her fiance realized she had such a crush on Travis.

daisy Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

JD and Galaxy should have totally won. He wasn't arrogant - he's a phenomenal dog trainer and Galaxy is an awesome dog. I have a boxer and still think Galaxy should have won.

Diane Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

About half-way through the season, I noticed that Travis/Presley's credit shot was different from everyone else. Everyone else simply posed with their dog, and Travis and Presley were playing. Also, the dog that jumps through the "O" in the Greatest American Dog is a boxer.

I personally felt that both JD and Laurie were arrogant. Both felt that their training methods were correct and that others are wrong. Travis, being a newbie, sees pluses and minuses in both approaches.

In the Dog Swap, Laurie called herself "the quintessential dog lover". But she didn't really want to play with the bigger dogs. She just wanted to sit and pet them. That's not a dog lover.

I hope the JD has watched the show and realizes that he did come across as a little distant- even with Galaxy. The only time he seemed to show any genuine emotion was when Galaxy was hurt. That did demonstrate that he truly loved Galaxy, but I hope that he sees that he didn't display much affection.

Eli Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:56 PM EST

Did you people not see the intro to the show, Presley was the dog running through the credits, he was on the logo, it said " Greatest American Dog ". I knew since the first episode he would win. And yes, I do own a boxer.

madmadmad Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

This show had everything: No real criteria to win, caustic and opinionated judges, stupid stunts, a dangerous stunt, an elephant (twice!), and a very large prize. Good riddance!

BeaglesRule Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

If Laurie wasn't so horrible, I might have liked Andrew better. It was difficult to separate the two. I have no respect for anyone who believes that if you don't agree with their opinion - or their methods - you must be wrong. Arggg, I disliked her from day one. Thankfully, the right dog won. Presley is a doll and Travis was honest when he admitted he had a lot to learn. As opposed to Laurie who already thinks she knows everything. How can she not realize her dog has separation anxiety? But the $64,000 question is did Travis and Laura hook up??? Did she forgive him for taking Beth Joy's side in the episode where she got booted? I'm guessing they are together since they co-hosted the party.

Karen Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

Bill & Star were my first choice. When it came down to the last three I was really worried that JD & Galaxy were going to win until I heard his interview. I loved Travis & Presley! Travis kind of reminds me of a big puppy too so I think that's why they have such a great relationship. I got such a kick out of Andrew but he is a mama's boy although he has a really nice mommy.

bjth Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM EST

Excellent point, Danielle, no one should rush out and get a breed simply because it made it to the finals of a TV show, whether's it a Boxer or a Maltese or any breed. Each dog, like its owner, is unique. EW readers are smart enough to know this but sometimes ya wonder about the public in general. :) Nevertheless, congratulations to Presley and his human, Travis. Guy's looking for the right woman? Bless his young and naive heart, with $250K, his own good looks and a celebrity dog, they'll be lining up at his door. Hmmm, this could finally bring out the cougar in me.

Jess Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

Yay, Presley and Travis!

They learned a lot, and really deserved to win.

Boxers are awesome dogs.

I hope this show comes back!

Paydra Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

You go Travis and Presley! You deserved to win, did wish it would of been you and Bill and Star at the end. But, loved the show and congrats to you two!!!

MARIE Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

After all that Andrew should have gotten something for second place.

janetms Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

My 3 favs were Presley, Andrew and Star. Would have been happy with any of them winning but I did think Presley was a good choice because Travis embraced the spirit of the show and used the opportunity to learn more about his relationship with his dog and how to handle his dog. The end result showed the improvement in Presley's behavior, while Andrew and Star came into the show well-trained.

Re: JD - his closing comments that the judges didn't see the gentleness in Galaxy were so off-base. Continually, the judges and other contestants praised the nature of Galaxy. From the beginning, all the contestants could see the egomanical nature of JD's personality. And, he thinks so much of himself that to the very end, he could not hear the judges critique of his behavior!! He may love his dog like crazy, but he DOES use intimidation to control a sweet and gentle dog and for that 3rd place was too good for him.

atlantagirl Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

Presley has the fewest "issues." Poor Galaxy (great dog but no personality) was doomed because JD is such an arrogant jerk. Little Andrew is amazing but Stepford-like in his devotion to Laurie. Presley is the least neurotic of the final three (of course, he's also by far the youngest so give him time). I wanted Bill & Star to win but, of the final 3, as long as JD didn't win I was okay with either Presley or Andrew, neither is America's Greatest Dog, but each has many fine qualities. I'm sure this show won't be coming back but if it does, I certainly hope the producers come up with more appropriate challenges. I thought the original obstacle course with the huge drop down the zip line and the elephant stunt were waaayyyy out of line. Maybe that's okay for professional stunt dogs, but not for normal pets. What were they thinking!?

Suz Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

What about the burning question: did Travis and Laura start dating after the show??????

Gulp Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

I still can't believe that this show had a quarter-million-dollar prize. (Project Runway, for instance, where contestants are worked like sweat shop inmates for weeks, offers a paltry hundred thousand.) Travis should consider himself the luckiest game show contestant ever.

Carli Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 11:27 AM EST

We have a boxer puppy, so I might be a bit biased but I just loved Presley!

Matt Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

I agree with the final results completely. I'm still amazed though at how Andrew is so NOT afraid of that elephant!

danielle Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

Yay Presley! I'm so glad the judges rewarded one of the owners who allowed his dog to be a dog. I still think Bill & Star got screwed though. And if Laurie didn't know Andrew had separation anxiety then she clearly has never left him alone. Either way it isn't healthy. As a boxer rescue volunteer, I'm just hoping this doesn't lead to impulse purchases of boxers that get dumped in shelters 6 months from now when the owner can't handle them.

marinak Thu, Sep 11, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

Tillman RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!


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