Travis & Presley Win Greatest American Dog
Posted by REALITY REHASH on September 10, 2008 under CBS, Greatest American Dog | 
11 Comments to Read
Who would of thunk it? Greatest American Dog has revealed their winner every episode since the very first. I’ll explain more at the very end but for now lets get to the finale! Following the elimination of Teresa and Leroy it was down to the final three of JD/Galaxy, Laurie/Andrew and Travis/Presley. As they returned from the elimination the three owners discussed JD’s comments to Victoria, the head judge. They had a little spat last episode as she believed JD was using a mechanical method to train Galaxy, something Victoria highly disagrees with. As he was revealed to be safe JD said he would never threaten the “love of his life”, directed at Victoria’s statements. Back at the house Laurie told JD that she agreed with Victoria that he can be scary to his dogs. JD disagreed once again and walked away leaving Laurie and Travis to discuss it. They both agreed that he is threatening to his dog and he just doesn’t get it.
In the Best in Show Arena the three were told that they weren’t at the finals yet. One more would be expelled before the final two and it would be decided following a test from the judges. Laurie was up first and the judges grilled her on Andrew’s separation anxiety. Laurie told them its merely that he likes to follow her around and it was put the test. One of the judges, Wendy, then asked Laurie to leave and placed Andrew next to her own dog: Lucky. The two played for a bit but Andrew eventually ran back into the green room in search of his beloved Laurie. The judges had a good laugh about it and JD was up next. The judges told JD that he and Galaxy were the most experienced coming into the game but JD’s answer to that was to his disadvantage. By saying he learned nothing from the other owners and that Galaxy didn’t really grow throughout the weeks made JD seem rather arrogant and seemed to put the judges even more against him. Last up was Travis and Presley who were definitely the underdogs the entire show. The judges asked how Travis got his far and he said by watching the others. It was down to one final test that Victoria put Presley though. She put a treat first in her hand, next on the floor and finally on Presley paw. He didn’t even budge for it all three times and Victoria seemed to fall in love with Presley right then and there.
With all three test complete it was time for the last elimination of the show. When three returned to the arena a few comments were made following by JD and Galaxy being told they would not be in the final two. Everyone was stunned, especially JD. He let it be known to everyone that he should have won the game since his dog was the most experienced there. As the two left the arena JD had Galaxy do an odd, back leg clap. It was rather odd and a very odd way to leave the show. With JD gone that means either Andrew or Presley would be named America’s Greatest Dog. Their two owners, Travis and Laurie, celebrated that night with dinner and some conversation. They both exclaimed how it was odd for them to be in the finals as both dogs were very different. Presley is a large dog with a new trainer while Andrew is a small dog with an experienced trainer. It was going to be a showdown and both visibly wanted to win.
With the night over it was then time for the last Best In Show challenge to take place. It was all about the past as an obstacle course was constructed taking fragments from past challenges. Travis and Presley were up first and competed rather well. Presley quickly ran through the course, first going through the broken staircase, the tee-totter, the wobbly plank and finally the jumps. Presley only stumbled through the elephant obstacle as he didn’t retrieve his toy when Travis threw it underneath the elephant. The judges loved his athleticism though and overall the pair did well. When it was Laurie and Andrew’s turn it was time to show what little dogs can do. Although Andrew struggled through the first part of the course he made up for it by quickly jumping across the gaps. He also proved to be more brave then Presley as he quickly flew under the elephant to retrieve his toy. It was a close match but it was back into the Best In Show Arena to decide who would be crowned the winner!
Now that the last Best In Show challenge was complete it was time to crown the winner. Both Andrew and Presley deserved it but only one could win. With all those eliminated back the judges had their final critiques for the final two. It was similar comments as before with Travis being a new trainer and Presley being a puppy. Laurie was again told that Andrew was too attached and that was holding them back. After a few tears and some shots of the past players it was time to name the Greatest American Dog and who would take home the $250,000. With the judges envelope in hand, the shows host Jared announced that Presley was named the Greatest American Dog! Going from a new puppy to a trained dog during the show Travis surely deserved the win but all those who participated showed just how great dogs can be!
Now to what I mentioned above about how the winner was revealed since the very first episode. If you take a loot below you will see the logo before the show aired on the left and the final logo on the right. See the difference? Yup that’s right, the dog on the “new” logo is PRESLEY the winner of Greatest American Dog. Coincidence? I think not. What do you think?
The Badger Clan in TX said,
Travis is a nice guy, so I’m certainly glad that among the final three he ended up winning. And Presley did learn quite a bit while there. But the show is called “Greatest American Dog,” not “America’s Most Improved Puppy.” Let’s face it- the owner and dog that every one of the other contestants would have selected themsleves (except for egomaniacs Laurie and JD) are Bill and Star. No one was more respected, adored, and admired. All he did was help everyone around him every week, while demonstrating more love and devotion to his dog than anyone else on the show. And he had a “normal” life to boot! His dog, while older, was not only extremely talented but, I dare say, much wiser than the other dogs. She knew better than to risk needless injury on that silly zipline! Yet, she was discarded because her owner didn’t “push” her hard enough- a practice that they relentlessly punished JD for. The hypocrisy was unfortunate, and, if you ask me, Victoria Stillwell owes Bill a good $250,000, ’cause he was literally robbed!
Tracy said,
I think Travis and Presley deserved it. They did extremely well in the show. I am a Boxer owner, so I was pulling for them in the very beginning. Presley is absolutely adorable and so is Travis! :) I am happy knowing that Presley was crowned The “Greatest American Dog”. Boxers are the one of the best companions a person could ask for. They are smart and loyal dogs. Congrats Travis and Presley!!
ohiopatsfan12@yahoo.com
Christi said,
I did notice that the dog jumping through the “O” was a boxer. Glad to know that I wasn’t just seeing things. And I’m very glad that Travis and Presley won. Travis is a really sweet man and he did well with Presley.
Gina said,
I am sooo glad that Travis and Presley won! Not only because I have a boxer and they are the best breed ever but Travis is an awesome owner – the challenge where they had to stand on the tree stump – he called Presley off the stump because he knew he was uncomfortable rather than just worry about winning like Teresa did. Presley is so precious!
Lauren; Orange County, NY said,
I must agree, that Bill and Star were very much pushed aside and deserved to have won. I was rooting for them from the very start and although Travis and Presley had a tremendous start, toward the middle of the season, things began to go completely downhill for them. But, only because Presley is a puppy, and Travis a new dog owner. The show itself is entitled “Greatest American Dog”, being a dog owner myself, I believe that the greast American dog should be older in age than what Presley was, definitely better trained (per diem more experienced) and have a strong bond with their owner..and by strong bond, I mean a good sense of loyalty, but also a good sense of obedience, the two should balance out…Andrew’s attachment to Laurie, although sweet, was horrific!
…in conclusion, I say somebody better be writing a huge check & apoplogy letter to Bill McFarlin and Star as we speak…
Danielle said,
Although I’m happy for Travis, Bill and Star should have fun.
No question in my mind!
Danielle said,
should have WON I meant!
Bobbie Saratoga Springs, NY said,
Although Travis is cute and Presley is a very sweet PUP. Prior views are correct. Bill and Star should have won! Star in my view is the Greatest American Dog. Raised in a ‘normal’ American home and she displayed LOVE and DEVOTION to Bill as he did to her. No better Team was seen in my eyes. Either sternly speaking to their dogs or yelling in High pitched tones were the voices of all the others…Bill kept it light 99% of the time. I believe I saw one maybe two very short spots where Bill was trying to PUSH Star but that was because the JUDGES wanted him to PUSH her. The show was a decent show but next time please do the right thing, pick the right team! Bill and Star were robbed of their deserved Glory!
Jamie Steinberg said,
WIN A DATE WITH TRAVIS & PRESLEY FROM GREATEST AMERICAN DOG!
Every dog has its day, now it’s you and your dog’s turn! Were you a fan of Travis Brorsen and his dog Presley on the CBS network show “Greatest American Dog”? Ever wonder what it would be like to spend some time with this cute couple? Now your dreams can become a reality!
One winner and their pet will win a double date with Travis Brorsen and his dog Presley. All parties will attend the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Los Angeles Freedom Walk during the day. Then, at night, all will be reunited for a delicious and fabulous feast at The Colony Cafe. Transportation to and from events will be provided by EZ Limo. A gift package filled with goodies for both owner and pet will be provided as well!
For your chance to win, head to:
http://www.starrymag.com/contests.asp
Jennifer Hensley said,
I, for one, was thrilled to see Travis & Presley win the competition. I agree that JD’s rather arrogent and condescending comments only hurt him in the end. His comment about, “I didn’t learn anything from the others,” and “Well, I’m not about to tell THEM what they are doing wrong,” was just, well, too arrogant. Anybody can learn anything from anybody. And JD was certainly not the world’s greatest trainer.
I liked Travis from the start. He was very nice & humble and seemed amenable to taking everybody’s suggestions to heart. He was never arrogant or thought he knew everything. His comments, that, “I’ve learned a lot from everybody. I took little bits of advice from the others,” showed him to be a decent and humble guy. And, let’s face it, he’s as adorable as Presley. He seemed very sweet and sincere and, obviously has a good heart, which was obvious at the way he teared up easily when paid a compliment about his training techniques.
Yes, I do think Presley is America’s Best Dog because he did what was asked of him, he wasn’t overly attached to his owner (like Andrew & Laurie) but you could tell he loved and respected his owner, something any good trainer needs to be able to work with his dog, love and respect. Not fear, like JD thinks.
However, I was just wondering, since the revealing of the winner, why I haven’t seen Travis & Presley on any talk shows or getting any publicity. You would think after being crowned “World’s Greatest Dog” you would see them on the PR trail and making appearances. Has anybody else seen them make any appearances anywhere? If they headed by my neighborhood, I’d be happy to go see them and tell Travis I was rooting for them from the start.
Reality Rehash said,
I wish they would have brought this show back this summer!
Add A Comment