Red Sox Catcher’s Prize-Winning Dog Competes At Westminster

When the Red Sox acquired catcher Ryan Hanigan for third baseman Will Middlebrooks this offseason, they weren’t just getting a dependable veteran catcher with Massachusetts roots. They also inherited a legacy of winning — on the dog show circuit, that is.

Hanigan, an Andover native, and his wife, Jasmine, own several prize-winning Australian shepherds. Their crown jewel is Vivian, who received an official award of merit at this year’s Westminster Dog Show.

That’s actually a bit of a step down for Vivian, the 4-year-old Shepherd who competes under the more official-sounding name “Copperridge What’s Your Dream?” in honor of Copper Ridge farms, where Vivian was born. At last year’s Westminster, Vivian managed to win Best in Breed, beating out 42 other Australian Shepherds for a chance to compete for Best in Show.

Here’s a few photos of Vivian in action, both at home and on the podium.

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The winner of the 2015 Westminster Best in Show will be determined tonight, but an early favorite, Nathan the Bloodhound, the same dog that won the National Dog Show many of you watched (and we extensively covered) over Thanksgiving, is already out, losing the hound group to Miss P, a 15-inch beagle.

Here’s hoping Vivian’s winning ways can rub off on her owner.