Many of you may be subscribers to Big Geek Daddy’s “Video of the Day,” a feature that shares funny, interesting, and cool videos. The video that was shared for July 16th was the song, “Stand By Me” as performed by Playing For Change, musicians from around the world.​ It made us nostalgic because it was the exact same song we used for a very simple slide show that featured the dogs of Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show back in 2011.

The odds of getting permission to use the song were slim. We first had to determine who owned the song written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and originally performed in 1961 by King. Once we learned it was SONY in Los Angeles, we had to track down who at SONY could grant us permission, and then ask someone we pictured as being an LA mover and shaker in the music industry far too busy for the likes of us. We called the number, got the right person, meekly asked if we could use the music for a slide show of show dogs, and were told “they’d get back to us.” We figured we’d never hear from SONY again.

Five minutes later, SONY called back to give us permission, and with their blessing. Purebred dogs. They can break down barriers, you know?  The result is what you see below, and if you’re in the fancy, you just might recognize a few faces. The Scottish Deerhound in the slide show ultimately won Best in Show that year, and sadly, “Hickory” passed away about six weeks ago.

Be sure to watch the original version of Playing For Change’s wonderful rendition of “Stand By Me” here.

Photographs by Mary Bloom and Jack Grassa