ORLANDO (Dec. 12, 2002) - And the winner is . . . CH Torums Scarf Michael, commonly known as Mick, a Kerry Blue Terrier!

Earning a cash prize of $50,000 and the coveted title of National Invitational Champion, Mick was crowned the event's top dog at the conclusion of the AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship presented yesterday (Dec. 11) in Orlando.

"The American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Iams Company are so happy to be able to recognize all of the exceptional dogs who competed in this one-of-a-kind event," said Ron Menaker, AKC Chairman. "By winning the title of National Invitational Champion, Mick forever will be known in the dog world and beyond."

Mick is owned by Marilu Hansen, of Acampo, Calif., and was bred by Ron Ramsey. He is handled by Bill McFadden. Judge Constance M. Barton of Middleburg, Va., awarded the National Invitational Champion title to Mick.

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"Winning the AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship represents a supreme achievement for the breeder, owner, and handler," said Maggie Heile, Group Manager, Influencer Marketing, The Iams Company. "We are delighted to have Mick as our National Invitational Champion."

More than 1,500 top dogs of every AKC recognized breed and variety competed in the 2002 AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship for $225,000 in cash prizes and prestigious titles. The event is the largest prize money dog show in the world and has been dubbed by many as the "Oscars" of dog shows.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship will be broadcast Jan. 25, 2003, on cable television's Animal Planet. More than 1.24 million viewers tuned in for the broadcast of last year's inaugural event. It was the fourth most-viewed program in Animal Planet history.

NOTE: A photo of the winner is available at akc.org

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The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. Its rules and regulations govern more than 15,000 competitions each year. The Iams Company, founded in 1946, is committed to enhancing the well being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods. Launched in October 1996 and now available in over 70 million homes, Animal Planet offers a wide range of television entertainment including dramatic, reality-based series, talk shows, original fictional programming, high-quality children's shows, documentaries, and more. For more exciting news on the AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship, visit www.akc.org and www.eukanuba.com.