“I can’t, it would be too emotional,” she said backstage. “All in my own time. My husband will tape it.”

Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are not prime areas for purebred champions, producing a total of only 30 entries at Westminster this year. Yet veterinarians and volunteers poured into the area after the storm blew in, joining those already in place to offer time, services and donations.

As Katrina approached in late August, Lisa Myers packed 13 dogs — and a gun, just in case — into her mobile trailer and left Covington, La. Her husband stayed behind with a horse and two Basenjis; one of the dogs ran away when the winds blew and was killed.

“I saw some terrible things along the drive. People just letting their pets out on the side of the road. I don’t see how anyone could do that,” she said. “The things people did to their animals during Katrina are inexcusable.”

Lashes, a champion Chinese Shar-Pei, is now with Myers at Westminster.

“I thought about not coming this year, but this continuity, it’s a rite of passage,” she said. “If I didn’t do this, I’ve given in to the adversity.”

Stewart, one of the most highly regarded handlers in the business, was set to attend Westminster again. His mother died last week, and he stayed home in Kenner, La.

He planned to watch the show on TV, and the tribute to those he knew so well.

“Once people could get in, the rescue effort with the dogs and cats and birds was quite something, sheltering the abandoned animals. You’re talking about massive numbers of animals,” he said.

“Every time I would go out, I’d take cans of food and fresh water,” he said. “Just to try to help them make it through one more day.”

MORE FROM DOG SHOW

Doggone good day for best in show winner

Doggone good day for best in show winner   Slideshow: Westminster Dog Show scenes Robins: Once best in show, always best in show   Slideshow: Past Westminster winners   Slideshow: 2008 Westminster Dog Show   Add Dog Show headlines to your news reader: