Wow! Take A Bow, Peggy Sue -- Woodinville Scottish Terrier Wins Dogdom's Biggest Prize

NEW YORK - "She's never performed better," said Vandra Huber of Woodinville last night, while accepting the silver bowl symbolic of winning dogdom's biggest prize, the Westminster Kennel Club best in show.

Champion Gaelforce Postscript, a 4-year-old Scottish terrier who answers to Peggy Sue, wowed the Madison Square Garden crowd of 8,150 with a charismatic performance that helped judge Jacklyn Hungerland of Carmel, Calif., make a decision.

It's a fairy-tale ending for a dog that was the third pick of a litter and might have become an ordinary pet.

"It kinda restores your faith in miracles" said Huber, "and what a lotta hard work can do."

"She just pleaded to be picked," said Hungerland. "I've judged her before, and every time she's been razor sharp. That Scottie had a determined look in her eyes and pizazz in every move."

Peggy Sue, co-owned by Huber and Reidsville, N.C., veterinarian Joseph Kinnarney, was the third Washington dog since 1978 to win the top prize.

Cede Higgins, a Yorkshire terrier owned by Charles Switzer and his wife of Seattle, won in 1978, and Kabiks the Challenger, an Afghan hound owned by Chris Terrell and his wife of Anacortes, was the 1983 titlist.

Huber, a University of Washington School of Business professor, and husband, Mike, a software engineer, were on the edge of their seats during the judging.

"When she finally pointed to Peggy Sue, I couldn't believe it. We came back here concentrating on winning the breed. Anything after that was a bonus.

"I'm thrilled for Seattle," Huber said. "This is the Super Bowl of our sport and we're bringing it home. It's a true reflection of the quality of dogs our area produces."

And Peggy Sue?

"We'll retire her," said Huber.