Fans of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show were left with a sour taste in their mouths on Tuesday evening as crowd favourite Daniel the golden retriever lost out on being named ‘Best in Show’ to a very chic black standard poodle named Siba.
Drama unfolded at the annual event in New York City as coiffed pooch Siba trotted her way to victory, leaving dog show fanatics crying out for justice for loveable Daniel.
Daniel captured the audience’s attention after he leapt up to give his trainer Tammy Tomlinson a hug after winning his category. And, as judges deliberated, the crowd even began chanting “Daniel, Daniel, Daniel…”.
However it wasn’t to be as good boy Daniel ultimately lost out on the coveted ribbon to pedigree poodle Siba, while the Reserve Best In Show prize went to a whippet named Bourbon.
THE WINNER IS THE POODLE!! I had a feeling but I HAD HOPED FOR DANIEL! pic.twitter.com/QTGKDxcMh9
— Kristin Chirico (@KristinChirico) February 12, 2020
Daniel’s plight not only captured the hearts of those in attendance at the 144th Westminster show, but also those of people who watched at home and a Twitter hashtag even began circulating, calling out the so-called injustice of Daniel’s defeat.
Twitter users began tagging their messages with #Danielwasrobbed following the event and many took to social media to share their outrage over the situation.
One wrote: “This dog was the obvious winner. He deserved it. Shame on Westminster for choosing any dog over Daniel. This country needed the warmth and comfort of a win for Daniel. And who was the judge to not pay attention to that? #danielwasrobbed“
Another said: “Its sad to see … that the totality of Daniel’s performance was lost on the poodle. Daniel gaited loose lead, happy, and confident. It should always come down to WHO still has IT for BIS. Big D. had it ALL!!”
Good boy alert! Daniel the Golden Retriever is a crowd favorite in the Sporting Group. #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/BGanCyCqBD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 12, 2020
While another joked: “I was there and got to see both dogs up close. Daniel was robbed and everyone was rightfully pissed about it. As far as I am concerned he is the rightful #BestInShow.”
Meanwhile the New York Times checked in on the loser on Wednesday, with proud owner Tomlinson telling the news outlet: “He is happy to be home and just hanging out.
“This morning, he dug himself a nice hole in the backyard and decided to lie in it.”
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