Westminster Dog Show 2010 Results--A Shocker

The Westminster Kennel Club Show of 2010 ended with a real shocker last night. The coveted Best in Show award was split between two contestants. The contestants competed in absentia. They aren't dogs. They are both Gather members.

In an unprecedented move, judge Elliott Weiss awarded the title to two cats, Opal, a British Shorthair and Otis, a Scottish Fold. Weiss commented "It was impossible to choose between the two. Both eclipsed the canine competitors. The are superb animals."

Opal:

Otis:

Otis and Opal are the first Gather members ever to win the Westminster Kennel Club Show. Both took the honor in stride. Opal said "The other contestants were dogs and Otis. I'm not surprised although sharing the title with Otis detracts from my enjoyment." Otis said "I don't like leaving the house so I didn't go to the show. I figured I'd win anyway. Let's face it, when you're the most wonderful thing in the universe people are going to notice."

Comments: 21

Kris M. Feb 17, 2010, 12:34pm UTC

It should be noted that Spike, a three-legged domestic shorthair, did not wish to compete this year, as it would distract him from the picture window in his new home.

That second picture of Otis is terrific.

Nippy Katz (Not his real name) Demigod about Town Feb 17, 2010, 3:26pm UTC

Spike would have been a formidable competitor. The pic of Otis was a complete accident. I think most good pix of kids and animals are.

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Paul M. Feb 17, 2010, 12:56pm UTC

I think Smokey could have won if they had a Most Vicious category.

Nippy Katz (Not his real name) Demigod about Town Feb 17, 2010, 3:26pm UTC

They should have a Most Vicious quality. It would certainly inspire cats to compete. :)

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Lori F. Feb 17, 2010, 1:00pm UTC

I am not surprised.

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charles thiesen - gather's only god, proud to be from gay-supporting Massachusetts Feb 17, 2010, 1:52pm UTC

Chat "Munchie" Cousteau has asked me to lodge a protest on his behalf. If he'd known dog show judges were so discerning (how can anyone who would bother to judge dogs be trusted?) he would have entered.

Nippy Katz (Not his real name) Demigod about Town Feb 17, 2010, 10:49pm UTC

He should definitely enter next year.

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aniko Feb 17, 2010, 2:39pm UTC

The most deserving wins in the history of dog shows.

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M O. Feb 17, 2010, 3:06pm UTC

Somebody should let that perky little Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot, the Scottish Terrier, in on this. I think she absconded with the silver bowl. Perhaps Opal and Otis should procure longer, more regal names.

Nippy Katz (Not his real name) Demigod about Town Feb 17, 2010, 3:24pm UTC

The Scottish Terrier is a nice looking dog. I have no idea about the details of breed standards so I always root for the dog I personally like the best. If the judge and I agree it's a coincidence. I'd really rather see one of those herding breeds win because they're bred for herding ability.

M O. Feb 17, 2010, 3:45pm UTC

"I'd really rather see one of those herding breeds win because they're bred for herding ability. "

Terriers are supposedly bred for hunting out small, rat-like creatures, aren't they? My brother has two Jack Russells - brothers themselves. They could care less about cats or even rabbits. Put a squirrel in their paths and they go absolutely crazy. Their teeth are perfect for chewing around small holes to, I would imagine, get at the vermin hiding within. Give them a chew toy made of anything less structurally sound than stainless steel and it will be in a thousand minute pieces in a wink of an eye. I'd say that was pretty precise breeding right there.

Nippy Katz (Not his real name) Demigod about Town Feb 17, 2010, 10:50pm UTC

Some terrier breeds have heavy cosmetic requirements in the breed standard. Most of them are great at chewing, digging, and chasing things too.

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M O. Feb 17, 2010, 3:46pm UTC

Extremely coy picture of Opal there (second one obviously). She must have wanted badly to manipulate something out of her master or mistress at that point in time.

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Tracy Fabre Feb 18, 2010, 9:46am UTC

(I would watch the WKS if it had cats instead... though maybe not: I think I fear the dog owners/walkers more than the animals themselves.)

It's no surprise Opal and Otis took home the honors, and also no surprise they didn't have to be there to win.

Nippy Katz (Not his real name) Demigod about Town Feb 18, 2010, 11:14am UTC

I'd like to go to a cat show some time. I saw a TV documentary on cat show people a few months ago. I learned some marginally interesting stuff. E. g. a good way to decide whether a cat can stand up to the stress of a show is how it behaves around a vacuum cleaner. If the cat runs and hides it probably won't do well. If it can sit calmly and ignore the vacuum it probably can handle the pressure.

Tracy Fabre Feb 18, 2010, 1:32pm UTC

Cat Show People... coming soon to a theater near you.

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Susan G. Feb 18, 2010, 11:59am UTC

I used to have a little half-Scottish Terrier mutt (other half=handsome stranger.) She was the best little dog ever. I am now owned by three color-coordinated cats (a calico, a tortoiseshell, and a long-haired orange and white tabby.) I can see the merits of all three claimants of the crown. : )

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Randall C. Feb 18, 2010, 1:40pm UTC

Wow, incredible cats...and congrats to the winners

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Westminster Dog Show 2010 Results--A Shocker

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