Banana Joe

I know many of you fellow dog lovers spent some of your time like me watching the 137th Westminster's Kennel Club Dog Show, which climaxed with this year's Best in Show being none other than Banana Joe, an Affenpinscher.
Yes, that's right, a small black cute 5 year old Affenpinscher won the coveted title.  It was the first ever Westminster Best in Show for the toy dog breed.
Affenpinschers are noted for their monkey-like faces...."Affe" means monkey/ape in German where the breed originated.

 "GCH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari"

 Banana Joe

also known as Joey

Maybe you had a favourite, but who could resist that face?

Banana Joe and his handler Ernesto Lara

 

His handler Ernesto Lara is overjoyed at his winning the top title of Best in Show

Judge Dougherty said. “He’s a fantastic Affenpinscher, with a fantastic face, a great body. I’ve never had my hands on a better Affenpinscher. Ever.”  

 

Well done.... look at the size of his trophy

Part of his victory prize - a lovely filet mignon dinner at the legendary Sardi's restaurant in NYC.

As we know lots of publicity appearances comes with stardom.

Once in a lifetime cameo appearance as Macaco the dog

in the Rupert Holmes "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" performed by

The Roundabout Theatre Company in NYC.

A Broadway musical comedy murder mystery

Banana Joe ringing the opening bell (with his paws) at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Trading Floor on Valentine's Day.

 After his Grand Champion win, he will now retire from the ring, and return to his home in Holland to bask in his glory.

His handler says, “This isn’t a breed you train,"  "He’s like a human. You befriend him.”

Believe it or not, his handler also says that Banana Joe understands four languages namely, Dutch, French, Spanish and English, so Congratulations are in order four different ways....

Gefeliciteerd Banana Joe!!  

Félicitations Banana Joe!!

Felicidades Banana Joe!!!


Congratulations to you Banana Joe!!!

***Please note that all images were borrowed from various news stories on the internet, and are not mine.