By Fred Stabbert III
NEW YORK CITY — February 19, 2002 – Rocky, Sullivan County’s star showdog, continued to shine in the ring as he repeated as “Best of Breed” at the 126th Westminster Kennel Club’s Dog Show last Monday at Madison Square Garden.
“Rocky was presented by Kim Pastella, a world renowned dog handler, who also bred him.
“Rocky is as perfect example of his breed as I’ve ever seen in 25 years of showing dogs,” Pastella said.
The two-year-old Miniature Pinscher lives and trains in the Beechwoods section of the Town of Delaware with Howard Schwell, his proud owner. Schwell is timeshare director at the Villa Roma Country Club.
Twenty of the world’s best champion Miniature Pinschers shared the ring with Rocky, who strutted his stuff with a confident attitude and appeared to have his game face on, according to his owner.
“Rocky will be presented in the up and coming dog show in Monticello at the racetrack on Friday and Saturday, March 1 and 2,” Schwell said.
He hopes a large crowd will “come on down and support our local celebrity.”
In all 2,500 dogs competed in the Westminster show, and each must be rated a champion to compete.