Minneapolis Woman Has 'Best In Show' Bragging Rights
LAKE MINNETONKA, Minn. (WCCO) -- The newest dog to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has a Minnesota connection. Hickory, the Scottish deerhound, beat out six other finalists including a Pekingese, a fox terrier and a black cocker spaniel.
One of her owner's lives in Minneapolis. So when Hickory won in New York City, the folks at the Lake Minnetonka Kennel Club were thrilled.
Among them is Carol Anderson, who has won plenty of ribbons with her dog Callie. And she credits friend, and fellow member, Sally Sweatt for helping bring them together.
"I told her what we wanted and she knew several breeders within the United States that we could talk with," said Anderson. "And she helped us secure the dog that we wanted."
Sweatt is also Hickory's quiet co-owner. She stepped in to help when the Scottish deerhound's Virginia owners were struggling with the costs of showing her. And it all paid off with Tuesday night's Best in Show.
"When her group won, we were thrilled to death," said Anderson. "And I did the same thing this morning -- got here and emailed her immediately and said 'It was just a magical evening and we were delighted.'"
Hickory was literally on top of the world today, posing for pictures at the Empire State Building and a steak lunch at Sardi's.
Still, with all this publicity, what if people want to buy this rare breed?
"If everybody fell in love with it, it would be a while before there would be that many puppies available," said Anderson. "There just aren't that many around."
Scottish deerhounds aren't for everybody, anyway. They're large dogs, averaging about 85 pounds, and need plenty of space and exercise. Still, on center stage at Madison Square Garden, this one was just right.
"It's just exciting," said Anderson. "And it's fun to see somebody from our club win."
