No slip-ups: Banana Joe greets Prov.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Dog fanciers are going bananas for an Attleboro native -- this year's Westminster Kennel Club top winner, Banana Joe -- who met with his adoring public in Providence Monday afternoon.

Handler Ernesto Lara and co-owner, Attleboro's Tina Truesdale, took reporters' questions at a meet-and-greet and news conference at the Providence Marriott. Their charge, an affenpinscher, is originally from Attleboro but has been splitting time between Massachusetts and Bowmansville, Pa.

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While cameras clicked, the guest of honor barked readily and scampered among admirers' and journalists' feet.

"He's probably one of the best affenpinschers you'll ever see," said Truesdale. "Not that you've seen too many of them, I'm sure!"

It's been a whirlwind journey since the win, with Truesdale figuring one of the most exciting appearances was Joe's opening of the New York Stock Exchange.

It's the 86th time Joe has won a best-in-show title overall. The Westminster win carries no prize money for the pooch, but a silver bowl is awarded. Instead, Banana Joe's next stop -- the Netherlands, for retirement -- is likely to include a life of breeding to go with his prestige.