Originally published February 14, 2012 at 4:18 PM | Page modified February 14, 2012 at 6:35 PM
Couple marry at Westminster after their dog wins best of breed
A local couple married at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Tuesday just after their Tibetan mastiff, Major, won best of breed in the competition.
Seattle Times staff reporter
SETH WENIG / AP
Debbie Parsons, left, and Brad Slayton kiss their dog, a Tibetan mastiff named Major, after they were married at the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012. Best man Tony Carter looks on at right. Carter is Major's handler and he won Best in Breed this year at the dog show.
When their Tibetan mastiff won best of breed at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday, the excitement had just begun for Brad Slayton and Debbie Parsons.
The local couple married at the dog show Tuesday, surrounded by their winning pooch, Major, along with close family, friends — and more than 100 members of the media assigned to cover the renowned canine competition.
When Slayton told his fiancée she could plan their wedding, he wasn't expecting it to be at Madison Square Garden, at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show or on Valentine's Day.
Earlier Tuesday, Major competed in the ring against five other Tibetan mastiffs and trotted away with the win. Then the couple had their moment in the spotlight.
"It was fabulous," Parsons said. "We couldn't have had a better day if we'd paid for it."
With Major at their side, the two married in Westminster's benching area, where dogs stay when they're not competing. It's a chaotic mix of canines, handlers, owners and spectators who are invited to walk through the benching area to learn more about the breeds.
"Oh my god, it was a smash," Parsons said. The couple later had a reception in the press room, Parsons said.
The dogs that take first in their respective group competitions will compete for best in show.
Lark Turner: 206-464-2761 or lturner@seattletimes.com. On Twitter @larkreports.
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