The Rehoboth
Reporter
MARCh 2013 Volume 25, no. 3
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Serving the Residents of Rehoboth, Seekonk and Surrounding Communities Since 1989
Going to the Dogs at Westminster: Spaniel’s Award is “Community Event”
Avis Prior and her award-winning American water spaniel Violet.
Johnson and Wales Inn 213 Taunton Ave, Seekonk
March 12th, 13th & 14th 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm.
more info on page 20
by Leslie Patterson Banana Joe, the little affenpinscher that won the Best in Show award at Westminster Kennel Club’s big show in New York last month, is getting a lot of attention from the media. This cute little canine star is co-owned by Dr. William Truesdale of the Central Avenue Veterinary Clinic in Seekonk and his wife Tina. The Truesdales live in Attleboro. Joe’s other owner lives in Holland and the little dog will be retiring from show business there. But only one dog can win Best in Show at Westminster and there are many other great dogs that win a coveted award at this show, including the Best of Breed award. One such dog is Violet, an American water spaniel from Rehoboth, who won a BOS (best of opposite sex, the second place award) for her breed at Westminster in February. Four-year old Violet, a sweet spaniel with curly brown hair, belongs to Avis Prior of Rehoboth. Violet competed at Westminster with the help of three other Rehoboth residents. Norman Grenier of Greystone Kennels is her handler, Lynn Pray of Pineridge Kennels is her groomer, and Blanding Library staff member Sue Robert braved the snowy roads to drive Avis and Violet to Manhattan in a grueling one-day round trip on Feb. 12. “It was really a community event,” says Avis. Violet’s main competition at Westminster was her half-brother Hot Diggity Dog, from Wisconsin, who won the Best of Breed competition. “My dog is good but Digger is wonderful. He’s won seven Best in Show awards at various dog shows,” she said. “I have a rare breed. “Most people don’t know about American water spaniels. This is a real American breed that originated in New London, Wisconsin.” Avis, who has lived in Rehoboth for over 50 years, has been showing dogs since she was 14 and has participated in the American Kennel Club sponsored show at Madison Square Garden three times. Violet (whose AKC name is Champion Kylends Bon Vivant) is the daughter of another one of Avis’ champion dogs, 10-year-old Joyia. continued on page 6...
Happy Spring St. Patrick’s Home & Day! Garden See Events on pg 31...
See page 68