CALGARY – A Calgary canine will be competing in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City this month.
Blackberry, a black and white sheltie, will be among more than 3,000 dogs competing in the events of Westminster Week, which includes the all-breed dog show, its 3rd annual Masters Agility Championship and the inaugural Masters Obedience Championship.
Blackberry has already won numerous competitions throughout Canada.
WATCH:Meet the furry Calgary canine who will be competing at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City
His owner, Karen Linkletter, admits the canine has been an unlikely show dog; although he finished his Canadian championship easily as a puppy, Blackberry had to take several years off to recover from multiple surgeries after ingesting objects like socks, bath mats and garbage.
According to Linkletter, Blackberry spent so much time with a shaved belly that his vet joked they should perhaps install a zipper.
Linkletter said they’re ready to go, albeit she’s a bit nervous.
“It will be exciting. He’s travelled a fair bit with me so I don’t think he’ll care. He’s happy to do whatever, go wherever.”
“I’ll be competing against a lot of professional handlers, and I’m certainly not. I just do this for fun,” Linkletter said.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will be held on Feb. 15 and 16.
– With files from Dallas Flexhaug
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