Banana Joe, the Westminster Dog Show's "Best in Show" winner. Photo by WPRO's Kim Kalunian.
By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
High-pitched barks echoed through the lobby of the Providence Marriott Monday as flashbulbs went off and fans struggled to catch a glimpse of Banana Joe.
Banana Joe, or "Joey" for short, was named "Best In Show" at last week's Westminster Dog Show in New York City. The five-year-old affenpinscher is used to the fame — he's competed in the U.S. for the past three years — but he's never taken home the coveted "Best in Show" title before.
Banana Joe is co-owned by breeder Mieke Cooijmans of The Netherlands and Tina Truesdale of Attleboro.
"It's a cherished win for the rest of my life," said Truesdale of Banana Joe's recent success.
Handler and trainer Ernesto Lara showed off Banana's Joe signature mug; it's a pushed-in face that gets the breed the nickname "monkey dog."
"This dog, himself actually, he creates so much love around him," said Lara. He said affenpinschers, particularly Banana Joe, have human-like personalities.
"I don't know what it is about his charisma," he said, "It's something that nobody taught him, he's just like that."
Banana Joe will now retire to The Netherlands with Cooijmans, though some of his offspring reside with Truesdale in Attleboro.
