NEW YORK (AP) — A German shepherd that survived a brutal highway accident a few years is out of Westminster, and his show career might be over.
Fanucci was unable to walk into the ring Monday, the first day of two days of America’s most prestigious dog show.
His owners think he might have been nipped by a playful puppy recently, or perhaps he shook his ear too hard and broke a blood vessel.
The 5-year-old was considered by many the nation’s top German shepherd. But his left ear, the one closest to the judge, bubbled up and knocked him out of the competition.
Fanucci’s right rear leg was shattered in 2014 when he jumped out of a van that was being towed. He was injured so badly his owners considered euthanizing him.
Today's the day! The 142nd #WKCDogShow officially begins LIVE from New York City. View the full streaming and TV schedule: https://t.co/v3rO9v8eA8 pic.twitter.com/xxwOI437yN
— Westminster Kennel Club (@WKCDOGS) February 12, 2018
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