Incredible Dog Finals vs. NFL Playoffs

I flipped the tv on for some background noise this morning (technically afternoon, I guess). I figured I'd leave the Jets/Patriots wildcard playoff game on while I showered, dressed, and did some cleaning. The last tv I watched was the Colts/Chiefs game yesterday (go Colts!), so my tv was still on the local NBC station. So what was NBC showing today at the same time CBS was showing the NFL wildcard game? The Purina Incredible Dog Finals. It apparently includes several events, but I only witnessed the one represented by the picture on the left: Dog Diving.


As you can pretty well figure out from the name and the picture, the dogs get a running start from a platform and jump into a pool of water. It's basically a doggy long jump. The dogs start at the far end of the platform, some shaking and drooling with excitement, while the trainer encourages the dog to "stay" and waves the dog's favorite toy. When the trainer determines the timing is right, they cue the dog ("Gunner! Go Gunner! Go get it!") and toss the toy into the water, of course luring the dog to jump into the pool.


As with most sporting events, there are commentators to explain the finer points of skill and strategy for us: "Look at that dog's form!" (how do you improve a dog's jumping form!?), "That was a great jump! The throw was key to that jump." (gee, do ya think?), "Jim chooses to use a rubber chicken for Benji's jumps."


I found myself captivated by it all. I probably watched for a good 10-15 minutes until I finally changed the channel. I got to thinking - how do you become a commentator for the Incredible Dog Finals? Or, even better, how do you become a cameraman? "This is just a temporary gig. Someday I'll be a cameraman for professional sports."


I'm kind of poking fun, but who am I to judge? To each his own.


For those interested, there are podcasts available here.