WSU veterinary technician Denise Waiting and her Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Witton, returned to the Palouse from New York City with a ribbon and great memories after competing at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Witton took home the title of Select Female, the runner-up prize for her breed.
“Witton showed well and we made a great team that day,” Waiting said. “I just wanted her to have a good time.”
Denise and Witton navigated through early mornings, 15-degree temperatures and big-city traffic to find themselves in the Westminster competition ring on show day, Feb. 1. The pair were up and ready to go at 4 a.m.
“It wasn’t very far from the hotel, but New York traffic is scary,” Waiting said. “It was very busy even that early in the morning.”
After arriving at the famous gold- and purple-decorated event center and some routine pre-show grooming, Denise and Witton made their way onto the competition floor.
“Both Witton and I were nervous, but a lot less than I thought,” Waiting said.
“There were 13 other Cardigans in her class, all beautiful and also ranked in the top 20 Cardigans across the U.S.,” Waiting said. “She was awarded Select Female, which in layman’s terms is second place of all the girls. Doesn’t sound like much, but I was ecstatic to be in the final lineup of some beautiful champion Cardigan Welsh Corgis.”
The pair spent the rest of the day relaxing after the stressful morning as Witton received praises from a few of her fans.
“Once we show, all the dogs are in the benching area for spectators to come visit them. Witton loved this part too and got lots of treats and pets,” Waiting said.
After a long, eventful day and a hearty dinner of kibble and chicken breast, Witton climbed into bed on four tired legs and crashed.
Waiting told The Evergreen that she and Witton had an amazing trip. At the end of the day, regardless of judges’ outcomes, Waiting feels she is always taking home the best dog.
“My dogs have taken me to many new places, but rest assured, they are my pets first,” Waiting said.
Upon returning home to Pullman, Witton is back to her roots, doing what a herding dog does best.
“The first thing Witton did when she got home was run to the barnyard to help with putting the chickens away for the night and sassing the goats,” Waiting said.
Although a nice break back home is in order for the two, Waiting is excited for events to come and the future of her and Witton’s showing career together.
“Witton will be shown in the breed ring once in a while, but we plan to explore more herding, obedience, tracking and agility,” Waiting said. “And of course, long walks with my best friend by my side.”
