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Colorado trio co-owns Best in Show winner

When 9NEWS stopped by to meet the fancy pet, the family was home but the prince was off greeting his subjects in California.
Best in Show winner Flynn, a Bichon Frise, poses for photos at the conclusion of the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at The Piers on February 13, 2018 in New York City.

KUSA – You could trace the roots of royalty in Patrina Odette’s Denver home.

“This is Roxy. She’s Flynn’s mother,” Patrina said, petting the bichon frise that her friend Lindsay Van Keuran held in her arms.

“[Roxy] just wants us to know she’s here,” Lindsay said. “That’s a bichon.” Roxy milked the moment of attention.

In the living room, Patrina’s husband Bruce sat with their 11-year-old son Adam and patted another puffball of a pup.

“This is our Ruby. She’s the house dog,” Bruce said. “She is Flynn’s cousin.”

The royal family was home, but the king was away greeting his adoring subjects.

“Oh, Flynn! We’re missing Flynn!” Patrina laughed. “Flynn is in California with our dog handler Bill McFadden.

There’s a reason Flynn’s owners consider him royalty.

“He won the Westminster Dog Show,” said Adam.

“He’s the second bichon to win it,” said Lindsay.

Lindsay Van Keuran and the Odettes are co-owners of Flynn, the 5-year-old bichon frise that took home the title at the super bowl of dog shows last Tuesday night.

“We’re kind of speechless,” Lindsay said. “We’re kind of pinching ourselves. We can’t believe this happened.”

Flynn and his co-owners had a long night filled with countless pictures and interviews.

“On that night that we won, [Flynn} wanted to sleep the whole day because he was tired.” Adam said.

Flynn’s big win at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show marked the pup’s 42nd best in show title.

“I was just so happy for these breeders that have spent their entire life working for just a dream that this may come true for them,” Bruce said.

Flynn was born in Michigan at the home of breeders, Lorrie Carlton and Larry Letsche. The husband and wife are also co-owners. Patrina Odette said Flynn’s success has been an incredible team effort. Flynn competed three times at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. He capped off his second Best of Breed title on Tuesday with the overall Best in Show win.

“It’s amazing,” Patrina said. “It’s what everybody hopes and prays and dreams about.”

Flynn is currently in California on a media tour with his handler, Bill McFadden. They’re not traveling alone.

“[Flynn] has fulltime staff 24-7. He’s a king,” Patrina said smiling. “Probably four assistants catering to him.”

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was likely Flynn’s last competition.

“He’s only 5 years old," Lindsay said. "He’s got a long life ahead of him.”

After he soaks up the sun and attention in California, Flynn will return to Michigan to live the rest of his days with Lorri Carlton and Larry Letsche. In the meantime, he’ll keep being treated like a king.

“He is now, but I’m not sure if he’ll be treated like a king when he’s a house dog,” Adam said.

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