Mt. Pleasant's Michelle Muffin Chaney wins big at Westminster!

For most dog lovers, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Madison Square Garden, New York City, is the Super Bowl of dog shows. This year, since it was the 150th Anniversary, was a special draw. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second longest running sporting event in the United States — the first being the Kentucky Derby.

So, when Muffin Chaney, co-owner with her husband Hal, of a dog-grooming-and-boarding business, Chaney's Canine Country Club, south of Mt. Pleasant, showed her Yorkshire Terrier, Tiffany, at this year's Westminster, it's big news. Real big.

She went to Westminster last year also, with Tiffany's half brother, Travis. Travis, being in the top five Yorkshire Terriers, was invited. He showed well but didn't make it into the ribbons.

Muffin received her first Yorkie as a birthday present in 1986. She has been breeding, raising and showing Yorkies across the United States since 1988, winning lots of ribbons. Muffin's Yorkie, Tiffany, was entered into Westminster this year by lottery drawing. There is a point system for rating dogs according to how well they do in national competition. The first five point winners in each breed are invited to Westminster. The rest are drawn by lottery. Tiffany was fortunate to be drawn.

Muffin flew to New York City with her close dog-showing friend, Sherri Spieth from Indiana, who also raises Yorkies. Sherri's Yorkie is a male, Shaggy, and was first place in the point system for Yorkshire Terriers, so he was invited. Lo-and-behold, Shaggy won Best of Breed (BOB), at Westminster! Tiffany, won Best of Opposite Sex (BOS), that highlights the best dog of the opposite sex that was not the winner. Sherri uses a handler, Zach Watkins, to show her dog, while Muffin does her own showing. Muffin and Sherri were delighted to be able to fly home with the Best of Breed Yorkie, and the Best of Opposite Sex Yorkie, or the best two Yorkies. Small dogs like Yorkies fly under the seat with their owner.

While at Westminster, Muffin and Sherri were able to go backstage and view everything that goes on behind the scene before the dogs go out in groups. They stayed at the New Yorker Hotel in Manhattan, which is a block-and-a-half from Madison Square Garden. The hotel was filled with dog owners, dogs, handlers, and dog people: a doggone event! Mastiff meet Chihuahua. LOL! No cats allowed! The hotel provided an exercise room for the dogs in the basement.

The 150th Anniversary for Westminster had one of the best lineups for Best of Show ever. All of the different breeds performed to perfection. It's every breeder's dream to step on that green carpet. A Doberman Pinscher, Penny, won Best of Show.

Back home, Muffin's husband Hal held down the fort. He is Muffin's biggest supporter, always encouraging her to pursue her dreams.

Muffin was at work the next day, grooming and caring for dogs. Her right-hand person, Hannah, was terribly excited for Muffin. Muffin is fortunate to have Hannah who can run the grooming business, and Teresa, who takes care of the Yorkies left at home, and the boarding business in Muffin's absence.

Muffin's plans and/or dreams for the future? She wants to work less, travel more with Hal, and continue breeding and showing Yorkies, with the ultimate goal of owning the number one Yorkshire Terrier, and even a Best of Show.

If you think you can, you can!

Have a good story? Call or text Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526 or email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com. Curt is available for public speaking.