One of the nation’s top dog handlers is being forced to skip the famed Westminster Dog Show, after his car was rear-ended en route to the contest, according to a report.
Bill McFadden was driving with 10 dogs in a van along a road in Laramie, Wyoming when a truck smashed into his vehicle Tuesday, as it had stopped in a construction zone, his wife Taffe McFadden said.
The dogs weren’t hurt, but McFadden was briefly hospitalized and is now recovering at his California home instead of appearing in the 145-year-old competition, which is being held for the first time outside Manhattan due to the pandemic.
“I’m really glad to be here. I wish my husband was with me,” said Taffe McFadden as she got the couple’s dogs ready with the help of assistants. “It’s a highly coveted dog show to be at, and for them to work this hard to make it happen is pretty awesome.”
Bill McFadden, who handled a bichon frise named Flynn who won best in show at Westminster in 2018 and other championship pups, was constantly checking in during Saturday’s competition, his wife said.
Bill McFadden pictured with Flynn on the Empire State Building in 2018. Jeff McMillan/APWith Post wires
