GETTYSBURG — Loud doggy snores could be heard throughout the Fitzpatrick house Tuesday afternoon as the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show champ recovered from his busy week.

Malachy, the Best in Show Pekingese, lives in East Berlin with his handler, David Fitzpatrick. Malachy won the top dog title on Valentine’s Day at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“It was two days long. It started with breed judging on Monday, and there were four Pekingeses. Then he won best in the toy category, which was also on Monday,” said Fitzpatrick.

Tuesday was the big night, as Malachy competed against six other dogs and ultimately won the Best in Show title.

“It really was a dream come true,” said Fitzpatrick.

After his win, Malachy and Fitzpatrick celebrated.

“After he won, we went to the Westminster Kennel Club party. Then around 12:30 or 1 a.m. I made my way back to the Affinia Hotel to have another little party with all of our friends. We finished around 3:30 in the morning,” said Fitzpatrick.

The next two days after that were just as busy as Malachy and Fitzpatrick went out on the town.

“They sent the car for us real early the next morning. We went to Fox & Friends, The Today Show and Martha Stewart. We were whisked in and out of so many places,” said Fitzpatrick.

The 11-pound Peke also visited one of New York’s most famous buildings.

“Look. Someone even gave Malachy this King Kong toy when we were at the Empire State Building,” Fitzpatrick said as he picked up the stuffed gorilla.

Instead of the traditional steak dinner, Malachy enjoyed a chicken and rice entree served on a silver platter at Sardi’s Restaurant on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

“We were happy he ate. Sometimes the dogs get there and they are tired and not hungry,” said Fitzpatrick.

While at Sardi’s, fashion mogul Michael Kors took a picture with Malachy.

Kors told the New York Daily News that “us fashion people would never have time to groom such a beautiful animal.”

Malachy, with the help of Fitzpatrick, rang the bell for the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday Feb. 16.

“The New York Stock Exchange gave him a medallian. Luckily, the stocks went up that day and everyone was happy Malachy gave them some good luck,” Fitzpatrick joked.

Donald Trump even spent some time with the winning pooch.

“It was really funny. Trump said he and his wife had been rooting for Malachy.

When we were there, someone even made a joke about who had the best hair, Malachy or Donald?,” Fitzpatrick said.

After all of the media blitzing and interviews, the dog and handler duo were exhausted.

“We had a really good time, it was enjoyable. Malachy has the personality for all of it. But he was one pooped little Peke. I think today is the first day that we both feel back to normal,” said Fitzpatrick.

The 2012 WKC Dog Show was the second time that Malachy tried for the ultimate win. In 2011, Malachy was one of the seven finalists.

“We won our group last year, but we were beaten by a Scottish Deerhound,” said Fitzpatrick.

Malachy is a well-known peke with 115 Best in Show wins.

“He has won at the Detroit Kennel Club Show, International Kennel Club of Chicago, Eastern Dog Club in Boston, Atlantic Kennel Club, Houston Kennel Club, Louisville Kennel Club and Del Valle in California. His second greatest win would have to be for Best in Show at the Morris & Essex Kennel Club Show in New Jersey, which was started by Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge,” said Fitzpatrick.

Malachy is owned by Fitzpatrick, Iris Love from New York City and Sandra Middlebrooks from Mobile, Ala. “They are really supportive. I have known them for years and they help out with travel expenses and stuff like that,” said Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick purchased Malachy in England when the dog was just five months old.

“I was judging a show in England in 2008. The kennel, Palace Garden, just kept bringing in these beautiful, correct Pekingese dogs and won most of the prizes that day. I sent them an email because I needed a new stud dog. It was just an added bonus that he was perfect for shows. I could not believe that someone would send me a dog like him. They follow everything we do on the computer,” said Fitzpatrick.

Now that Malachy has won the top title in the prestigious show, it is time for him to retire.

“Malachy just turned 4 on Jan. 24. He has worked so hard and won these titles over the past two years, he has had a good run. He is going to retire and just be a pet,” said Fitzpatrick.

Malachy will live the good life at home, but will still be used as a stud dog for breeding.

“He has been used as a stud before. He has nine champion offspring already,”

said Fitzpatrick. “I hope to have some of his children to show in the fall.”

Fitzpatrick said that breeding can be difficult at times, because the stud and female dog have to be ready and at the same place at the same time. Fitzpatrick also said that he enjoys raising the champion bloodline pups until they are rehomed as pets or prepared for show.

 

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