But Constance could hear the faint ring of another doorbell, down the hall, which set off a barking dog.

NEWYORKER: Shauntrelle

Two years ago Michael Vick sat in prison in the midst of a 21-month sentence for operating an illegal dog fighting ring.

FORBES: Is Michael Vick The Face Of The NFL?

Earlier this month in Dublin, Ireland, the star of the Gaelic football league was exposed as a director of an illegal dog fighting ring.

NPR: Black Men and Dogs: Don't Believe Vick

Already assured a place in the best-of-seven final ring at America's premier dog competition were an American foxhound, an affenpinscher, an old English sheepdog and a bichon frise.

WSJ: Best in show: Westminster set to pick the top dog