Grand Champion show dog returns home to Green Country

TULSA - A 4-year-old Norwich Terrier reunited with his owner Monday after placing first in last week's Westminster Dog Show.

Decker beat out dozens of other dogs in his breed to take the title for the third year in a row.

Owner Dr. Sharon Esposito says she's excited to have him back home.

"I've been waiting to bring him home for two and a half year years and now I thought it would never come, "Esposito said.

Esposito says for the past two years Decker has been living with his handler training and preparing for competitions.

"Every month, I fly to a dog show where he is for a four day dog show usually. I've used all my vacation for the last three years going to dog shows to watch him and keep connected with him," Esposito said.

The show dog has been to nearly half the states competing in dog shows.

Esposito says the dog is now semi-retired.

"He's got another, 11 or 12 years to sit on the couch and watch the animal planet," Esposito said.

In the two and a half years Decker has competed in dog shows, Esposito says she has paid thousands to enter him into competitions and to make sure he is taken care of.

"It is a hobby. It's like sending your dog to college. I don't have any children, but I'd basically paid a college worth of education  for him," Esposito said. 

Decker has won over seventy awards in his short career.

"What he's done is just really its hard to appreciate what he's done and how unique and special he is ... It's not really about winning things or getting money. It's just about loving the dogs and spending your free time in the company of dogs," Esposito said.

Esposito says she is grateful for all Decker has done and all he has accomplished.