
AP/Reuters Photo
You can almost always count on Westminster for drama. First, Tuesday night's group winners were crowned:
Sporting Group-Sussex Spaniel
Working Group-Giant Schnauzer
Toy Group-Brussels Griffon
Then the most unlikely dog of all, the Sussex Spaniel, was chosen Best in Show. As "Stump", pranced the victory circle with his handler, the crowd went wild. And why was Stump the unlikely winner? Retired from the dog show circuit in 2004, Stump nearly died of a serious illness. His survival was described as miraculous. In December, Stump turned 10 (that's 70 in people years), and one week before Westminster, his owner decided to give him a final opportunity to compete in the prestigious show. Stump blew away everyone by taking best of breed, best of group, and then best of show. He becomes the oldest Westminster best in show winner, and the first Sussex Spaniel ever to take the title. Way to go, Stump!
I guess there's hope for "old dogs" after all!