Victoria Stilwell Named 2009 Trainer of the Year

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Victoria Stilwell, star of It's Me or the Dog, will be recognized on February 13, 2010 as the 2009 Trainer of the Year by Dog World® magazine at the 55th Annual Purina® Pro Plan® Show Dogs Of The Year® Awards Presented By Dogs In Review®. The 2009 Trainer of the Year award, presented by Dog World® magazine, recognizes a trainer who exemplifies excellence in canine behavior modification.

Due to the success of her international hit TV show It's Me or the Dog (airing in the US on Animal Planet) and her best-selling book of the same title, Stilwell is one of the world's more recognizable and respected dog trainers. Her book and TV show focus on sharing her insight and passion for positive, reward-based dog training with an ever-broadening audience.  Central to her philosophy is the idea that to communicate effectively with your dog, you must learn to "Think Dog". Stilwell was also one of the judges of CBS' Greatest American Dog and has written a second book Fat Dog Slim: How to Have a Healthy, Happy Pet, focused on the role proper food and exercise have on the general health and behavioral issues in dogs.

In addition to Ms. Stilwell's award, the Show Dogs of the Year dinner will recognize the seven show dogs with the greatest number of Group Firsts in 2009, most of whom are going on to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show next week.  Along with those dogs, there will be Special Industry Awards honoring individuals whose dedication to the dog world is incomparable. These individuals will be honored for heightening public awareness of canine well-being and to elevating respect for the industry at large. Awards include Groomer of the Year, Veterinarian of the Year, Shelter of the Year and Trainer of the Year.

About BowTie, Inc.

BowTie, Inc. is the leader in special interest pet magazines, trade magazines, books and websites dedicated to pet-loving consumers, pet-supply retailers, veterinarians, breeders, and pet professionals worldwide. Divisions of BowTie, Inc. include BowTie Magazines, BowTie Press, BowTie News, Thoroughbred Times Company, Global Distribution Services, and AnimalNetwork.Com.

About Dog World^®

With 95 years of tradition under its belt, Dog World is considered the "bible of dog magazines" and for good reason. Generations of breeders, exhibitors and handlers have cut their teeth on Dog World, gaining the knowledge that enables them to produce top-quality show dogs and performance dogs. The magazine's list of contributors reads like a who's who of dogdom -- world-renowned breeders and exhibitors, successful agility trainers, leading veterinarians and acclaimed judges. It is the resource to turn to for everyone from experienced trainers and handlers to novice owners just beginning to participate in dog activities and sports.

SOURCE BowTie, Inc.