You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks: Stump Wins At Westminster
What a cutie! After being nursed back from the brink of death a few years ago, a beautiful Sussex Spaniel named Stump took home the big prize last night at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and, in the process, became the oldest dog to do so:
At 10 years old, Stump the Sussex spaniel should be well into his dotage. Instead, the dog who technically retired four years ago took home Best in Show on Tuesday at the 133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club show at Madison Square Garden, becoming the oldest to win the award.
Stump, officially named Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, might have surprised aficionados, who had their eye on a giant schnauzer, but the crowd clearly preferred the jaunty spaniel. Stump was greeted with deafening applause each time he plodded around the ring.
It was the first time that a Sussex spaniel won the top prize, although the breed, which originated as a hunting companion in England, was among the first to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. [...]
Stump won the sporting group at Westminster in 2004, but in early 2005 fell seriously ill with an undetermined sickness, said Scott Sommer, Stump’s handler and an owner along with Cecilia Ruggles and Beth Dowd.
Stump eventually returned to health, and by last year he was looking quite good. Still, Sommer said he was not sure until last Wednesday that he would definitely show Stump at Westminster.
“I wanted to take him here and hope he showed good,” Sommer said after winning the group. “That was my goal.”
Awww!
I myself was pulling for the Scottie, because I love Scotties (part of my heritage), but also because I love to see a beefy guy leading a little doggie around the ring. I don’t know, it’s just the aesthetics of the thing. I thought Spirit the Giant Schnauzer would take it, mainly going on the buzz that she was the favorite…and, after all, the favorite took home the big cup last year. But when Stump won, it just felt right, y’know? What a great comeback.
I also thought one of the high points of the show was when they showcased Uno as not only a former champion but as a therapy dog, and the standing ovation given to the returning soldier who had lost both his legs and the little girl with cancer who had met Uno. They were there to bring attention to Angel On A Leash, which uses therapy dogs to bring joy to patients who need it.
Speaking of Uno, this brings his reign to a close, a reign where he was a very visible dog. Is travel in the plans for Stump as well?
Despite Stump’s charisma, Sommer hinted that the dog was unlikely to replicate Uno’s demanding travel schedule. And at his age, who can blame him?
“Stump’s going to travel back to Houston and kind of stay there,” Sommer said. “He doesn’t travel that much.”
So congratulations to Stump, and to all the dogs, who are all champions. These dogs are the best of the best of purebred canine breeds. As David Frey has said before, the ethical purpose of breeding purebred dogs by loving owners is to keep the standards of that breed alive, the things that each particular breed has been known for and bred to perform over millenia.
But there are so many unethical breeders and owners out there. Unfortunately many animals end up abused, hurt, neglected, and unwanted. We here at GlossLip are animal lovers, and if you feel you can responsibly take care of a new pet, we encourage you to make a visit to your local animal shelter when it comes time to choose a forever furry friend. At dogsrule.com (Pedigree sponsored the show), you can not only find a new adoptable member of your family, but you can also find ways to donate to help animals in need. You can also make a trip to your local shelter or rescue home with a bag of food and some doggie toys. Of course, donations of blankets, newspapers, money, and your time are always welcome. And, as always, spay and neuter your pets.
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All dogs rock, but could they pick an interesting breed for BOS just once? An Akita or Rhodesian Ridgeback maybe? A Basenji or a Portuguese Water Dog would be a nice change. My Shiba is peeved.
Comment by Pareidolius — February 13, 2009 @ 12:31 am