Cynthia Childrey’s dog Abby went to New York City and won raves for being “best of opposite sex.”
Abby won the title Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed at the 2007 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 12. “Abby got a medallion and a pretty ribbon—or rather, I did,” said Childrey, dean and university librarian. “She couldn’t care less. All that motivates her are more treats.”
In the Westminster breed competitions, held in Madison Square Garden in New York City, the judges picked both a Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex. The Best of Breed for Smooth Collies, who went on to compete in the Herding Group competition, was a male. Abby won for Best of Opposite Sex, or the best female of the breed.
Meanwhile, Childrey dealt with the weather and the crowds.
“I knew there’d be a lot of people (at the Garden), but I just never imagined how scrunched they’d be,” Childrey said. “I don’t know if I’d call it a sea of humanity or insanity.”
The dogs hardly noticed. “There were all these people picking up their little dogs so they wouldn’t get run over in the madness,” Childrey said. “But the dogs just seemed to take it all in stride. The cameras flashing everywhere, the crowds—nothing bothered them.”
Childrey and Abby, along with many other Westminster dogs and their owners, got stuck at La Guardia airport on Feb. 13 when a large storm hit. “Everyone was camped out with their dogs,” Childrey said. “It was definitely an experience. We had a very fun trip.”
Watch the breed competitions or view photos of Best in Show and other winners online.