German shepherd is crowd favorite
NEW YORK — She’s ranked as the No. 1 show dog in America. And listening to the crowd at Madison Square Garden chant her name, she easily was Miss Popularity, too.
“Let’s go, Rumor!” fans hollered shortly before the German shepherd ran rings around her competition.
That was Monday night at the Westminster Kennel Club. On Tuesday night, the 4-year-old who’s already won 101 best in show titles will try to add the crown at the nation’s most prestigious pooch event.
Provided, of course, she gets her proper exercise. Not always easy to locate enough space in New York City, especially with the recent snow.
“It’s hard to find green places to take her and keep her fit,” said handler Kent Boyles of Edgerton, Wisconsin.
“What’s most important is that she’s enjoying herself,” he said.
Only one German shepherd has ever won Westminster, the famed and fittingly named Manhattan in 1987.
Rumor was the perfect picture of a well-groomed champion in winning the herding group. Poised, she seemed to look at the crowd as she ran across the green carpet.
Only after she was picked did she break character and jump up a bit.
“She’s a sweet, beautiful animal. She wants to please,” co-owner Pamela Buckles said.
Rumor is fresh off her biggest win yet, at the AKC/Eukanuba show in Florida last December.
