English Springer Spaniel Diamond Jim would rather have you call him James and give him some chicken-and-garlic treats while you'e at it.
James received Best in Show honors at the 131st Westminster Kennel Club show in New York this week, outdoing the rest of the canine rivals. Robert Indeglia, a Rhode Island cardiothoracic surgeon who judged the pooch best in show over the other six finalists had no reserves in calling him a 'fabulous dog', according to the New York Daily News.
Not vain, but greatly affectionate, the therapy dog jumped into handler Kellie Fitzgerald's arms after being picked for best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club. Fitzgerald was beyond herself with happiness.
James managed to beat out Bill Cosby's Dandie Dinmont, Harry, who was named instead best in breed and group en route to the best in show finale. Harry was warmly congratulated by Cosby's daughter Erinn after the competition:"I'm so proud of you. You had shout-outs. People were screaming."
All of Jim's hard work received its due recognition, as judge Indeglia declared "He's a fabulous dog. He conforms to his breed standard closer than any dog I've ever seen. Go to the standard, look at him, and everything is on the button. He's a great dog."
He added: "I had a lot of great dogs to choose from. But this one stood out. He had that look in his eye that said, It's my night" He had great temperament. It was an honor to judge him."