Southampton author, philanthropist, and Director of the New York Philharmonic, Karen LeFrak, spoke to KDH about her third children’s novel, Best in Show, and her love for Standard Poodles.

In Best in Show, LeFrak chronicles her personal experience of showing and breeding champion poodles: she owns both the real Gem, whom the dog in her book is named after, and the retired 88-time ‘Best in Show’ title-winning Standard Poodle, Mikimoto.  Her book tells the tale of Gem, a Standard Poodle puppy who was born to be a champion. [KDH loves that all of the proceeds from the Best in Show book sales are donated to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation and Take the Lead charities].

East Enders can pick up a copy of Best in Show at BookHampton locations.

KDHamptons.com: What is Best in Show about?
Karen LeFrak: The story is about a little girl named Abby who falls in love with a white Standard Poodle named Gem. She doesn’t realize that one day she will become Gem’s handler at championship shows.

KDH: When did you first fall in love with poodles?
KL: When I was a little girl I had a great mini poodle, named Rocco, and she died of a broken heart when I went to college. After my husband and I had children, we were going to have another baby or a puppy, and my husband said get another puppy- it won’t have the chickenpox! I got a white standard poodle named Russell and later we got Jewel, my first show dog. Jewel had puppies, and their children became show dogs, and their children became show dogs, and on and on…

KDH: Why are standard poodles your favorite dog breed?
KL: There is something about their [standard poodles’] human qualities- we think of them as children in fur coats. Standard Poodles are “people dogs”, they crave attention and to be close. I can’t go anywhere without “Miki” and Gem being there, too.

KDH: Do you think it is important for children to own pets?
KL: Yes, it helps them learn responsibility, and in the world of show dogs, to teach them about competition and taking chances… Loving something outside yourself.

KDH: “Miki” [full name Ch. Ale Kai Mikimoto on Fifth] has won so many ‘Best in Show’ titles, what makes him such a great champion?
KL: “Miki” is an exemplary poodle and he had wonderful conformations. He fits the standard and model for what judges were looking for in a standard poodle- tall, square head, an air of distinction, and a good temperament. “Miki” holds 88 ‘best in show’ titles in the Non-Sporting group of Westminster. Now, he is almost 14 years old and is retired. He is the favorite member of our home.

KDH: How do your furry friends travel with you?

 KL: When we go out to the country, they curl up on the backseat using each other as pillows. When show dogs fly to different events, they are certified as pet therapy dogs and certain airlines will let them fly in the passenger cabin with you.

KDH: Gem and Miki look like supermodels. Do they follow a certain beauty regime?
KL:  Most importantly, the groomers always use a great cream rinse after shampooing so their coats don’t get tangles.

KDH: What type of food do your poodles eat? Are all meals home made?

KL: No, they eat canned Science Diet and the smallest Eukanuba biscuits which can be found at most pet stores.

KDH: Will you be writing more children’s books in the future?
KL: Absolutely, my next book is going to be about dogs that help children.

KDH: Are you currently breeding Standard Poodles? KDH readers would love to know.
KL: I am not breeding “Miki” and Gem… However, their grandchildren and children are still breeding. For example, [“Miki” and Gem’s offspring include] Music, Melody, and Tempo. Music is showing, and both Melody and Tempo have a litter. We will identify which puppies are show quality and if not, they will be adopted to loving homes- with scrutiny tests, who will love them as much as I do. [laughs]… All of the breeding and whelping is overseen by Wendell Sammet, in Massachusetts. Wendell is now 85, and is the most famous poodle breeder in America. He has been breeding and showing dogs for over 60 years!

KDH: “Miki” and Gem were spotted lounging at Mar-a-Lago recently. Is that one of their favorite destinations?
KL: Donald doesn’t love dogs, but because he thinks “Miki” and Gem are so beautiful, he lets them run on the lawn and stay with us at Mar-a-Lago.

KDH: You are enormously philanthropic, entrepreneurial, and are a devoted wife and mom to sons and championship poodles!  How do you do it all so well?
KL: I don’t say “Oh my goodness! I feel accomplished!” I am one of those worrying people. I fight not to be a perfectionist. If I can sit down and feel proud of something, it is my husband and children- that makes me the happiest and gives me the warm, fuzzy feeling that everybody needs.