Local dog barks up best trick
PICO NEIGHBORHOOD One local dog is basking in the glory of fame.
The multi-talented Hudson, who can wave, sneeze and act shy on command, was crowned the winner of the “Best Trick” category in the second annual Dog Show USA — a web-based contest sponsored by Purina brand dog food.
Having collected 3,009 votes, the 4-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog from the Pico Neighborhood routed the competition — Riley, a Welsh corgi that can dunk a basketball, and Mona, a rescued dog that can surf, by 1,981 and 2,223 votes, respectively.
“We are so excited to win,” said Hudson’s owner, Danielle Gershberg, on Thursday. “I’m such a proud mom and I’m thrilled to let the world see how adorable Hudson can be when she chooses.”
The winning pooch secured a year’s supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food with the victory. Since Hudson is on a special diet, undergoing frequent surgeries for illnesses unique to the Bernese Mountain breed, Gershberg plans to donate the food to a worthy shelter or rescue.
Considered to be quite intelligent, Hudson learned one of her three contest tricks the day after Gershberg brought her home as a 9-week-old puppy. She sneezed, prompting Gershberg, a dog walker and screenwriter, to praise Hudson, saying “good sneeze.”
From then on, Hudson managed to sneeze on command. The dog later learned how to act shy and wave hello. Acting shy took hold when Hudson realized the trick would lead to food.
Hudson has had more than her 15 minutes in the spotlight since being announced as one of the three finalists for the “Best Trick” category. She performed her tricks on the KTLA Morning Show on Feb. 12. Gershberg recently received a call from NBC’s “Today Show” in New York to appear on an upcoming show, but plans to decline.
“I’m very proud of her,” Gershberg said. “I think she’s a great dog.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 23, 2007. Read the original PDF.