Animal Zone: Best in Show: Paws, Applause & a Winning Chance - Season 16, Epiosde 11

AnimalZone heads to the spectacular Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort in Montecito for the 5th Annual Best in Show, where four-legged contestants and their equally enthusiastic humans take center stage—all to benefit Santa Barbara Humane.


This isn’t your traditional dog show. There are no points for perfect pedigrees or precisely measured paws. Instead, a panel of animal experts sizes up the competitors on what really matters: tricks, costumes, personality and, of course, general adorableness. And there is plenty of competition in that last category!

Presiding over the festivities is actor, comedian and singer Jane Lynch, who knows a thing or two about dog shows after appearing in the beloved comedy Best in Show. Jane talks with us about what it was like working with dogs on the film and shares stories about the animals in her own life, including her current rescue dog and two horses. She also reflects on the lessons animals can teach us—and why the bond we share with them can be so powerful.


We catch up with Kerri Burns, CEO of Santa Barbara Humane, who takes us through the organization’s remarkable history dating back to 1887 and looks toward its future. Plans are underway to transform a facility whose buildings date largely from the 1960s—when its primary role was that of a traditional animal shelter—into a state-of-the-art community campus designed to serve animals and the people who love them for generations to come.


Then it’s back to the competition! We meet some of the colorful canine contestants and their people, including Cliff and his handsome Rhodesian Ridgeback, Brix, and talk with Eric of K-9 Solutions, one of the judges faced with the decidedly difficult task of choosing among so many worthy contenders.


But eventually, there can be only one Best in Show.


This year that honor goes to a very special dog named Chance—proving that sometimes all you need is a little talent, a lot of personality…and a Chance!


Set against one of Montecito’s most beautiful backdrops, “Best in Show” is a joyful celebration of dogs, the people devoted to them, and an organization that has been looking after Santa Barbara’s animals for nearly 140 years.


For more information about Santa Barbara Humane visit SBHumane.org

Uploaded on Sep 20, 2026 at 12:13 am