news - 11/12/2002 AKC Eukanuba National Invitational - United States
by Lisa Croft-ElliottKerry Blue Terrier CH Torums Scarf Michael, aka "Mick", earned the title National Invitational Champion at 2002 AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship show at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Fla. The show will be taped by cable television's Animal Planet network for broadcast Jan. 25, 2003. Last year's airing of the AKC/Eukanuba American Dog Classic was the fourth highest rated show in Animal Planet history.
Earning a cash prize of $50,000 and the coveted title of National Invitational Champion, Mick was crowned the event's top dog at the conclusion of the AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship presented yesterday (Dec. 11) in Orlando.
Mick is owned by Marilu Hansen, of Acampo, Calif., and was bred by Ron Ramsey. He is handled by Bill McFadden. Judge Constance M. Barton of Middleburg, Va., awarded the Best in Show National Invitational Champion title to Mick.
This event also served as the first qualifying event for US dogs to be able to compete at Crufts in 2003, a show that Mick already has in his long list of Best in Shows, having handly defeated 28000 dogs to gain that honor in 2000.
More than 1,500 top dogs of every AKC recognized breed and variety competed in the 2002 AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship for $225,000 in cash prizes and prestigious titles. The event is the largest prize money dog show in the world and has been dubbed by many as the "Oscars" of dog shows.
