Three of a Kind

'Stump,' this year's Westminster Best in Show winner, is one of three dogs from The Kennel at Champions, near Houston, to win the coveted prize. Stump and 'J.R.,' the Bichon Frise who won in 2001, were handled by Scott Sommer. The earlier winner was 'Lacey,' the Wire Fox Terrier who won in 1992.

Winning Best in Show at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with Sussex Spaniel CH Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee was like "taking my pet for a walk," says owner-handler Scott Sommer.

Without the stress that often accompanies handling a top-ranked dog, Scott set out to show "Stump" the best he could, and have fun doing it. After all, the spaniel had retired from dog shows five years ago.

As the rich golden-liver-colored spaniel with long, silky ears plodded around the ring, his som­ber expression disguised the playful, loving personality underneath. Many watching the show recognized the familiar little Sussex who had won the Sporting Group at the Garden in 2004 — a first for the rare English breed.

"He's been to a lot of shows," Scott says. "He was revved up and ready to go."

When judge Sari Brewster Tietjen chose the spaniel, she surprised many.

"I was definitely surprised," Scott says.

Back home in Houston, Scott's mother, Sibyll Som­mer, and sister, Patricia Som­mer, were "mad" they were not there to share in the excitement.

Even Tietjen was surprised to learn she had bestowed the prize on the oldest dog ever to win Westminster. "He doesn't show like an old dog," she said. "He has a sound, beautiful head and represents so much breed type. He is in fabulous shape. In the end, I couldn't say no."

As photographers surrounded Scott and Stump, snapping images that would appear worldwide, co-owners Cecilia Ruggles and Beth Dowd stood a few feet away. "It really is a tribute to Scott that a 10-year-old plus dog could win Westmin­ster," Ruggles said. "All the dogs at his kennel are kept in tip-top shape."

At the post-show press conference, members of the media wanted to learn every morsel they could about the winner. As memories and facts began to weave together, a picture formed of a dog that has led an extraordinary but ordinary life.

"We do nothing different today than when Stump was being campaigned," Scott explained. "He still gets weekly baths. He gs every day for a walk down the street. His routine has changed little."

Though Stump was entered for Westminster by the December deadline, it was not until "the Wednesday before that we decided to bring him," Scott told the press. "We were concerned because he is older and would have to fly in the cargo section. He is too large to meet the size requirement to fit under the seat."

A life-threatening illness nearly took Stump's life four years ago when he contracted a bacterial infection that spread to his heart. Veterinarians at Texas A&M Univer­sity worked for 19 days to save him. Stump's beautiful, glossy coat was shaved on his back and hind legs, even his ears. Finally, he rallied back.

Scott recalls how he became Stump's handler. Doug Johnson, who breeds Clussexx Clumber Spaniels, called him. "I've got a great dog for you," Johnson said. "The best I've ever seen."

Stump was flown to Scott in Houston. The first time in the ring, Stump lost.

Scott called Johnson. "If he's so great, why did we get beat in the breed?" he asked.

Stump went home with Scott to The Kennel at Champions, outside Houston, where he soaked up fresh air and sunshine while playing in an exercise paddock. Two weeks later, just before the next show, the spaniel's coat had lightened, turning the golden red color for which the breed is known.

"Stump only lost the breed one other time in his whole career," Scott says.

Excitedly waiting back home for Stump and Scott to return from New York were countless well-wishers, many who are clients at the 100-run boarding/show kennel. They personally know the famous Sussex whose daily routine includes a 10-minute ride with Scott and "J.R." to the kennel.

"Stump gets out of the car, walks into the kennel and takes his place in the first run — the same one that was his when he was being shown," Scott says.

J.R. is an 11-year-old Bichon Frise and, like Stump, a housedog who lives with Scott. CH Special Times Just Right! won Best in Show at Westminster in 2001.

While Stump's favorite spot in the kennel is the first run, J.R. likes to sit on a grooming table, where he barks to say hello to everyone who enters. The two males "tolerate each other," Scott says. "They are pretty jealous. I have to be careful what I give one, I also give the other."

J.R. and Stump are not the only Westminster Best in Show winners from The Kennel at Champ­ions. A Wire Fox Terrier, CH Registry's Lonesome Dove, was the first. "Lacey," who won in 1992, was handled by Michael Kemp, with whom Scott trained for 15 years.

"I raised her and started her," says Scott. "I won her first three Bests in Show — Michael was committed to another dog — and her last three."

The last three helped Lacey become the winningest dog in history, giving her 216 Bests in Show, enough to top the record of the Scottie CH Brae­burn's Close Encounter handled by George Ward. Though the record has since been broken, Lacey's comeback after battling lymphoma was moving.

"Lacey was retired but needed three more wins to set a record," Scott says. "Michael had moved East, so I handled her. She had lost all her coat while undergoing treatment for lymphoma, but we got her back into shape."

Today, life is busy at The Kennel at Champ­ions. Scott and assistants Adam Peterson and Klayton Harris care for 26 dogs being campaigned on the circuit. Kennel manager Joann Rubin oversees the boarding kennel along with Scott's sister, Patricia Sommer, former show assistant Carlena Lindeen, and pet groomer and massage therapist Michelle Smith. Did we mention that Stump and J.R. regularly get massages and that they love them?

Two of Stump's sons, "Root" and "Forest," and his daughter, "Myrtle," live at Patricia Sommer's house. She raised the litter for Scott. Root is a finished champion, while Forest needs a major and Myrtle needs four points to finish.

"Without all these people helping me, none of the things I do would be possible," says Scott, a professional handler for 16 years. "It's not easy to find people to work this hard."

By the way, on the return trip from New York Stump flew first class with Scott.