My Interview With David Frei

One day, I was walking out of work only to see that I had a missed call from my boss at my new internship. After assuming that we would be discussing logistics for my first day of work, I dialed him back, only to be surprised by our conversation.

“I know you haven’t officially started yet, but I have an exciting assignment that I would like you to work on…” He began.

Several minutes of discussion later, I hung up the phone with the realization that I would be taking on a task that could tremendously boost my portfolio. I had been offered the opportunity to interview David Frei, the host of the annual Thanksgiving Day Kennel Club Dog Show and one of the biggest names in the dog show world. Following our interview, I would be writing an article to be published in Hamptons Pet Magazine, including my own byline and picture.

The realization that I would be taking on my very first big assignment made me nervous, anxious, and excited all at once. I felt so incredibly lucky to be given this opportunity, and I wanted to make sure I didn’t mess it up. After coordinating with my boss, Steve, we confirmed a time that I could interview David and ask him about some of the upcoming transitions he is facing in his life. David has been the longtime voice of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and served for over a decade as the Director of Communications for the WKC. However, he will be embarking on a new chapter in his life as he says goodbye to Westminster and begins to focus solely on NBC and their annual Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show hosted on Thanksgiving Day.

With my questions all prepared and ready to go, I dialed David’s number and prepared myself for the conversation. As David and I began talking, any nerves or butterflies I had drifted away. We discussed his many years working alongside man’s best friend and I quickly realized how kind, hardworking and passionate about dogs he is. Following my conversation with David, I am excited to watch him do what he does best, host the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show, November 19-20 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. The annual Thanksgiving Day show has become a longstanding family tradition for many, and ratings now outnumber most sporting events.

Along with the upcoming, much anticipated Thanksgiving Day show, there is also an upcoming Charity Walk on Sunday, October 16th and a Gala on Friday, November 18th. All of these events will support the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation, Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia, and Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. For more information regarding any of these events, be sure to check out www.nationaldogshow.com or click here to go ahead and order tickets!


Marina Del Conte, West Chester University

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