And What A Hoot It Will Be When Keanu Reeves Shows Up And Sees “Welcome Dogstar” On The Marquee

If you want to play a fun trick on someone — lecherous clients, people with annoying allergies, your loser alcoholic stepdad — book a hotel room for someone at the Hotel Pennsylvania this week:

The Hotel Pennsylvania went to the dogs yesterday, as canine competitors arrived with their owners and handlers for the Westminster Kennel Club’s 131st Annual Dog Show, which starts today at Madison Square Garden.

More than 2,500 dogs will compete at the two-day pooch pageant, which will showcase 156 breeds of tail-waggers who compete for best in breed as well for the coveted best in show prize. The lobby of the hotel, just across from the Garden, was like a mini-runway yesterday as humans and best friends checked into their rooms and used the time to acclimate the dogs to the noise, congestion and other pooches.

Dog handler Nancy Huether, of Cape Cod, Mass., said the whole process was an adventure, particularly staying with three bullmastiffs — including a massive 4-year-old named Vinnie — as well as a Saint Bernard in three hotel rooms.