Path to Westminster: Curry Keeps Cooking

Earlier this month, we introduced you to Curry, a strawberry blonde Glen of Imaal Terrier who is hoping to strut her stuff at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February 2010. To qualify and be guaranteed a spot at Westminster, Curry must -- by October 31st -- earn enough points to make the list of Top 5 Glen of Imaal Terriers in the country.

The last time we checked in with the three year-old pup and her owner, Bruce Sussman, they were preparing to travel from New York City to Pennsylvania to compete at a four-day competition called "Montgomery Weekend," otherwise known as the "Terrier World Series." The event was Curry's opportunity to acquire more points and solidify her chances at qualifying for Westminster.

So how did Curry fare at Montgomery weekend?

"We were pretty much the bridesmaid, but not the bride," reports Sussman, who unfortunately caught a cold and only showed Curry three of the four days.

While she didn't win Best of Breed on the days she showed, Curry consistently placed in the final group of 4 to 8 dogs being considered for the top honor. On two of those days, Curry was given an Award of Merit, signifying that the judge was considering her for Best of Breed.

"Curry did great," Sussman says proudly. "I thought she was a cracker. She was 'on' and responsive and moved like all get-out. Every time the judge came over and leaned in to look at her and check her mouth and eyes, Curry kissed the judge on the nose," laughs Sussman. "It's not exactly what she's supposed to do -- she's supposed to be still -- but it usually works."

While it was disappointing not to secure the points needed for Westminster, something that Sussman predicted could occur at Montgomery Weekend actually did. "Remember when I said that someone, out of the blue, could show up and win; changing the rankings dramatically?" Sussman asks. "That's exactly what happened this year."

Dermot, a 9-year-old Glen of Imaal Terrier who had not competed much all year, showed up at Montgomery Weekend and won Best of Breed on three of the four competition days. While Dermot is the new number one Glen of Imaal Terrier in the country, Sussman says there are still four or five dogs, including Curry, "knocking on the door."

Sussman and Curry now have until October 31st to find other opportunities for Curry to show and win points. If there aren't any such opportunities, or if Curry doesn't prevail, Sussman will apply through an open entry process that gives champion dogs the chance to show at Westminster by the luck of the draw.

"The month isn't over and there are other opportunities," says Sussman. "If there are shows on the East Coast and within a decent day's drive, I would consider entering Curry. We'll have to wait and see what develops over the course of the next couple of weeks until October 31st."

Check back after Halloween to see where Curry stands with respect to Westminster!

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