Local dog makes it big

Update Feb. 10, 2009

Local Midlothian dog, Buffet, (show name Fairwinds Son Of A Sailor) didn't win the Best of Breed in this year's Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The 2009 Best of Breed for the Welsh Springer Spaniel breed was Statesman's Winners Circle, owned by Vince Gill, Amy Grant, M. Helms, and P. Gilson.

Spaniel (Welsh Springer) 2009 Results

Spaniel (Welsh Springer) Entries

Feb. 06, 2009

There is something to be said about bonding with a canine. Sometimes it’s a quick pat on the furry head or scratch behind a floppy ear after the ritual human greeting for dogs – a hand outreached to be sniffed. For one particular Welsh Springer Spaniel named Buffet, the bond is found in bite-sized treats.

Co-owner Beth Holmes, a Chesterfield County resident, doesn’t mind for a few treats of Pedigree MarroBone® mini treats to prepare for the competition at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Feb. 9-10. He might just play for the crowd.

Holmes, and mother Judy, own the playful guy known as Fairwinds Son Of A Sailor that secured the invitation. “They’re in the sporting breed, you never see them,” Holmes said.

However, Holmes takes pride in the award-winning Buffet and his breed. She enjoys the competition of the dog show world, competing in ten of the 13 years she has attended since 1996. “This year it’s easy because I have a handler,” she said.

Warrenton-based handler, Angela Lloyd, who won “Best Junior Showman” in 1998, will be presenting Buffet in the ring. “He plays ball every night and run at a friends house so he can run, get exercise for good muscle tone,” Holmes added.

Holmes looks to have the judges notice several aspects. “He has a really pretty top-line that is nice and flat and look for his head,” she said. “A lot of Springers have big clunky heads. And he has really good movement when he wants to move,” Holmes added.

“He has to want it. He has to be out there and enjoying himself,” she said about “Best in Show.” Holmes would be more than satisfied if Buffet was able to take home “Best of Breed.”

For more information visit http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/.