Prized Paws

Fans of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show — or of dogs in general — have an extra reason to tune in to watch pedigreed pups on Monday and Tuesday. See 35 pounds of pure poise from local dog Artemis, who will be competing during this year’s 150th anniversary of the show. She’s the No. 1 female Boykin Spaniel in the country right now and fourth overall in the breed. Owner Joy Donat says she has always loved watching the show and told herself if she ever had a prestigious dog breed, she’d give it a shot. “They’re the best of the best,” she says. 

You won’t see Joy on stage; Artemis will be working with her trainer, Samantha Stafford. “We have too much fun with our dogs. I don’t think Artemis would take me as seriously. I would need to go to training,” laughs Joy. Joy even hides behind something when its Artemis’s time to shine, so the pup doesn’t get too excited and distracted.

• Fun(?) fact: If you’ve ever wondered about the show’s potty situation, Joy says “it’s extremely well done,” with separate stalls set up inside and a large area where dogs do their business. Owners still have to scoop the poop, because even champions can’t dodge doody duty.

Artemis has spent the last several months prepping with Samantha in Tennessee, the longest she’s been away from home. The competition takes place in New York. “We’re just so excited to see her compete,” says Joy, “and after this, Artemis gets to come back to Moore County and just be a dog.” If you’re looking for her during the show, her official AKC registered name is Bronze Grand Champion Larley’s Artemis.