Diamond Jim glitters at show
Certified therapy dog beats Cosby entry, takes top honors at Westminster event


By Ben Walker
The Associated Press

February 13, 2007, 11:45 PM CST

NEW YORK -- An English springer spaniel with a preference for chicken-and-garlic treats prevented America's top dog event from turning into "The Cosby Show."

Diamond Jim jumped into handler Kellie Fitzgerald's arms after being chosen Best in Show on Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club.

Dressed in a glittering copper top that perfectly matched her brown-and-white pet, Fitzgerald cuddled the 6-year-old certified therapy dog.

"I'm over the moon," she said.

Diamond Jim beat out a Dandie Dinmont terrier co-owned by entertainer Bill Cosby, as he did at the big AKC/Eukanuba event in December. The springer was the nation's No. 2 show dog last year behind Cosby's entry. Fitzgerald also repeated, having won it all at Westminster in 2000.

"Bill Cosby and I are good friends," she said. "We're both competitive. We both wanted to win."

Cosby's run of bad luck on the green carpet at Madison Square Garden continued. He'd lost with several top dogs in the past and avoided coming this time to stave off the jinx.

Judge Robert Indeglia said he wished he had ribbons to give to all seven final contenders. Yet with only one top prize, he pointed to Diamond Jim.

Diamond Jim beat out the Dandie Dinmont, a pair of poodles and a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, plus an Akita and a Bouviers des Flandres that pitted a husband and wife against each other. Larry Fenner handled the Bouviers and Laurie Jordan-Fenner guided the Akita.

With a few dogs barking and baying backstage, Diamond Jim was chosen out of the overall 2,628 entries in 165 breeds and varieties.

The dog, commonly called James, earned more than the silver bowl trophy—he also got to chow down. Fitzgerald said he didn't eat before the show. Once it was over, he snacked on goodies that fell on the floor.

This was his 51st Best in Show victory, and his last. He's retiring from the show world to live the life of a therapy and obedience dog. He's already worked with Alzheimer's patients.

Fitzgerald said James' win illustrated that Westminster is more than a beauty pageant for primped and pampered pooches.

"They're working dogs," she said. "He's not going to be just a couch potato."

This was the 100th time that Best in Show was presented at Westminster, and the sixth time that an English springer spaniel won.
Copyright © 2007, The Associated Press