THE LEASH CONNECTION
MEET OUR NEW RESIDENT VETERINARIAN
DR . TREYTON DIGGS
WKC ’ S 2024 VETERINARIAN OF THE YEAR
The Westminster Kennel Club is pleased to introduce our first-ever Resident Veterinarian , Dr . Treyton Diggs of Boutte , Louisiana . In 2024 , Dr . Diggs was the recipient of Westminster ’ s third annual Veterinarian of the Year Award and was recognized for his unwavering values , dedication , and moral compass in animal care .
As Resident Veterinarian , Dr . Diggs will create a series of video and written content , exploring topical canine lifestyle topics from choosing the right pet for your family to traveling with your pet , as well as health , nutritional , and preventative care tips to keep your dog in top performance shape and build awareness of common canine issues such as joint health , dental care , and heatstroke in dogs .
Dr . Diggs received his DVM from Tuskegee University and was extensively trained by top Board-Certified veterinary specialists across the country in Small Animal Internal Medicine , Cardiology , Emergency and Critical Care , Neurology , Neurosurgery , Surgery , Dentistry , and Radiology . After completing his studies and dedicating five years as part of a group practice , Dr . Diggs ultimately founded Allstar Animal Clinic in 2013 , where he has a special interest in orthopedic surgery , soft tissue surgery , and theriogenology ( reproductive medicine ).
In his role as Resident Veterinarian , Dr . Diggs aims to enhance our educational mission by creating informative and engaging dog-related content for distribution across our digital channels and at in-person events . Dr . Diggs will serve as a trusted authority within the dog sport community and a valuable resource for dog owners , allowing him to provide virtual support and expert counsel for Westminster ’ s global community .
THE LEASH CONNECTION
In early 1925 , John Bates , Hubert Brown , and Stanley Halle met for lunch to brainstorm ways to engage with the AKC and help further its efforts . They gathered a short list of gentlemen with a high interest in the breeding and exhibition of purebred dogs , and on June 3 , 1925 , The Leash was born at a maisonette on 143 East 52nd Street in New York City .
After World War II , the clubhouse relocated to 41 East 63rd Street , where it has remained ever since as an exclusive place for gentlemen with sporting hobbies to gather . The Leash has navigated the decades with the help of several extraordinary presidents , some of whom were also members of The Westminster Kennel Club .
Today , there are still Westminster members who are also members of The Leash . The two clubs ’ long histories and traditions remain intertwined with a bi-annual Joint Outing event , which began in 1971 and still continues today .
In 2021 , the 31st match was celebrated and instituted the inaugural Bishop Memorial Cup . The perpetual trophy commemorates Louis F . “ Jerry ” Bishop and his wife , Alexandra “ Sandy ” Bishop . They epitomized the rich traditions of both clubs as Jerry served on the Boards of both clubs and was a former President of the ASPCA . Jerry ’ s wife , Sandy , played a pivotal role in supporting the Joint Outing for over four decades .
WESTMINSTER . There ’ s only one ® 45