Contributed report

The 2012 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will be the club’s 136th annual show.  It is the second longest continuously held sporting event in the country, just one year behind the Kentucky Derby, and is viewed each year on television by millions. 

What’s in a name?
Madison, a 19 month old male Havanese, is named for Madison Square Garden, where Scott and Michelle met each other in 2010 at a fundraising event for the Take the Lead charity which is held annually in connection with the Westminster Kennel Club show. Scott and Michelle are very excited that Madison will be competing at the place where they met and for which he is named.

Pup’s off to a stellar start
In his first year of competition, Madison has done extremely well.  He started his career with a flourish by winning the Havanese Sweepstakes (a competition for dogs under 18 months old) at the prestigious Havanese Club of Greater New York’s show in February 2011.  That same day Madison won Best of Winners at the highly regarded Progressive Dog Show that precedes the Westminster show.
Madison secured his place in Havanese history by becoming the youngest Havanese ever to become an AKC Grand Champion.
Madison also has won the Sweepstakes at the Havanese Club of America’s 2011 show by defeating 86 other Havanese. 
Madison regularly wins the Havanese breed at dog shows, including the prestigious National Dog Show in Philadelphia in November 2011.  Madison also has received multiple top group placements when competing in the Toy Group.

Owner has distinguished pedigree of
her own
Michelle Soave has been a professional all-breed dog handler for more than 25 years and has bred and shown some of the top Parti-Colored Cocker Spaniels in the country.  Michelle is Madison’s exclusive handler, and Michelle will show him at Westminster.  Scott Tomassi has been an avid dog show fan for most of his life and will be ringside rooting for Madison and Michelle.  Madison is Scott’s first show dog.