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.
