A German shepherd who recovered from a shattered leg to become one of the favorites at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show had his comeback cut short on the first day of competition Monday.
The ownership team of Fanucci, a 5-year-old who lives in Farmingville, New York, pulled him out of the event because a hematoma on his left ear caused pain and made it flop, co-owner Stephanie Schrock told HuffPost.
“It was in the best interest of the dog to not compete,” she said. “We are very disappointed but the dog’s well-being comes first.”
In 2014, Fanucci jumped out of a towed van going at high speed on a highway, breaking his right rear leg in several places and nearly dying. Vets put together his limb with rods, pins and screws, and a regimen of acupuncture and therapy helped him to rehabilitate, according to Good Morning Tampa Bay in the segment above.
A Bichon Frise stands on a grooming table in the benching area before competition at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, February 13, 2017.
A Brussels Griffon relaxes on its owner's lap backstage at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, in New York City, U.S. February 13, 2017.
A bulldog rests before competing at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, February 13, 2017 in New York City.
A Norwegian Buhund is seen backstage at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, in New York City on February 13, 2017.
A Chinese Crested and handler Lydia Frey pose in the Judging area during Day One of competition at the Westminster Kennel Club 141st Annual Dog Show in New York on February 13, 2017.
An Italian Greyhound competes during the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, February 13, 2017 in New York City.
Beagles line up in the judging area during Day One of competition at the Westminster Kennel Club 141st Annual Dog Show in New York on February 13, 2017.
A Lhasa Apso is seen in the benching area during Day One of competition at the Westminster Kennel Club 141st Annual Dog Show in New York on February 13, 2017.
A mini dachshund begs for a treat ahead of the dachshund judging category at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 13, 2017 in New York City.
A Maltese sits in the benching area during Day One of competition at the Westminster Kennel Club 141st Annual Dog Show in New York on February 13, 2017.
Diamond, a Standard Smooth Dachshund wears a coat and jewels before competition at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, U.S., February 13, 2017.
A Toy Poodle is seen in the Benching Area during Day One of competition at the Westminster Kennel Club 141st Annual Dog Show in New York on February 13, 2017.
A Bulldog is seen in the benching area during Day One of competition at the Westminster Kennel Club 141st Annual Dog Show in New York on February 13, 2017.
Pugs stand in the ring during competition at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, February 13, 2017.
A Border Collie competes in the Masters Agility Championship Finals competition during the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, U.S. February 11, 2017.
Dogs take part in the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, U.S.A on February 14, 2017.
A Keeshond hugs its owner backstage at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, in New York City on February 13, 2017.
A handler kisses a woman as he stands with a Dalmatian before competition at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, February 13, 2017.
Rumor, a German shepherd, stands next to Kent Boyleshis, the handler after it won 'Best in Show' at the Westminster Kennel Club 141st Annual Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York February 14, 2017.
Dan Wetzel, Ross Dellenger & SI’s Pat Forde react to the huge performance this weekend by Texas QB Arch Manning, Michigan and Notre Dame's spring games, Jaden Rashada entering the transfer portal, and more
Trump is entitled to an additional 36 million shares if the company's share price trades above $17.50 "for twenty out of any thirty trading days" over the next three years.
Our final 2024 mock draft projects four quarterbacks in the first five picks, but the Cardinals at No. 4 might represent the key pivot point of the entire board.
Vincent Goodwill and Amin Elhassan react to (just about) every Round 1 game of the NBA Playoffs after the first games have been played over the weekend.
