Dogs Chase Cars to Chicago Auto Show

CHICAGO, Feb. 19 -- What dog doesn't love chasing cars? In a city where everything seems to be done on a larger, grander scale, dogs have not only chased, but corralled more than 1,000 cars on the floor of the 95th Chicago Auto Show, which ends Sunday, Feb. 23.

During the closing weekend of its 2003 run, the auto show will be directly across the McCormick Place Grand Concourse from the International Kennel Club show. In a strange switch of fate, the participating dogs have toured the auto show and have offered their thoughts for visitors to both shows. Canine judging of all vehicles was accomplished with both rear legs firmly planted on the sumptuous carpeting of the nation's largest auto show, which features no conventional fire hydrants.

While exhibiting aloofness typical of the French, Fifi the Standard Poodle complained that there were no Peugeot or Renault cars exhibited. Fifi conducted a protest, even though those vehicles are not sold in the United States. Ushers were dispatched to quell the demonstration and Fifi quietly surrendered.

Cassius, a toned Boxer, was ecstatic about the squared-off designs of the Scion Xa, Xb and Honda Element. Although these cars are in their first year of production for people, Brutus pointed out that in the dog world, they were already outdated 7-year-old designs.

Many of the dogs wanted to sit in the Cadillac XLR with the Nieman-Marcus leather interior because their owners continually shoo them off the sofas at home. Greyhounds expressed an interest in the chrome yellow Ferrari "Enzo," where the sleek racers could hang their head out the window at speeds exceeding 200 mph.

Without a doubt, though, the universal pick of "Best in Show" was given to the full line from Rover. Land Rover officials graciously accepted the plaudits and promised to cease sales of its vehicles to municipal animal control agencies.

Although most expected the leaping Jaguar cats to be the most avoided cars on the giant show floor, for obvious reasons the dubious honor was bestowed upon ... the 'Vette, of course!