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Image: Charlie the Skye Terrier Best in Show

This Thanksgiving, 1,612 dogs from 175 breeds and varieties (including seven newly recognized breeds) competed for the chance to take home the Best in Show title at the 14th annual National Dog Show. But there could be only one winner: Charlie, the Skye Terrier!

Charlie, whose registered name is Ch. Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie, is a 4 1/2-year-old Skye Terrier who hails from Ocala, Florida. "He is a lovely example of the breed," Best in Show Judge Elizabeth Sweigart said of Charlie in a media release. "He is in impeccable condition, hard-muscled with a beautiful coat. For his breed, he really shows personality.”

Those of you who follow the dog show circuit may recognize Charlie as the Reserve Best in Show winner at the 2015 Westminster Dog Show and the Best in Show winner at the 2014 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Overall, this accomplished Terrier has 78 Best in Show titles and 200 first-place finishes in the Terrier Group. Plus, he was the No.1 Terrier and Skye Terrier in 2014 and 2015.

With so many wins under his belt, we have a feeling that Charlie will be a prime contender at the 2016 Westminster Dog Show in February.

The Reserve Best in Show title went to Rubi, a 2-year-old French Bulldog from New York City who has won five Best in Show awards in the past.

In order to win the National Dog Show, Charlie had to beat out six other Best in Group winners, which is no easy feat. These were the other canine contenders:

Image: Rubi the French Bulldog wins reserve Best in Show at National Dog Show

• Matt, the ASCOB Cocker Spaniel (Sporting Group)
• Winslow, the Newfoundland (Working Group)
• Zack, the Bearded Collie (Herding Group)
• Rubi, the French Bulldog (Non-Sporting Group)
• Sonnito, the smooth-coat Chihuahua (Toy Group)
• Chelsea, the Scottish Deerhound (Hound Group)

If you missed NBC’s Thanksgiving broadcast of the dog show, don’t worry, NBC will air an encore presentation of the competition on Friday Nov. 27, from 8 to 10 p.m. And be sure to check out our exclusive behind-the-scenes gallery below for a chance to see what you won't see on TV.

EmbeddableSlideshow: Behind the Scenes National Dog Show 2015

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After spending nearly half of her life with her beloved Jackie, heartbroken tennis star Serena Williams shared an emotional tribute to her 16-year-old dog on Instagram. Williams said she was 17 when she brought the Jack Russell Terrier home, just two weeks before she won her first Grand Slam. “She had a way of telling me it was time for me to be brave and let her go. With my dad by my side we were able to say a loving goodbye ... I feel so lucky to have such a special friend. Give your dog, cat, pet a big hug,” she posted Tuesday, with several photos of Jackie. Condolences have been pouring in from her followers. — Read it at People Pets

Nov. 25, 2015: We've scoured the Web to find the best and most compelling animal stories, videos and photos. And it's all right here.

Image: Shadow saves family from fire

Lab Credited With Saving Family

An Indianapolis family has a four-legged best friend to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. They’re crediting Shadow, a Labrador Retriever-Terrier mix, with saving them from a fire that started early Tuesday morning, while the family was asleep in the home. Shadow, who’s pregnant, nudged Dallas Bailey awake when a fire started with a space heater near the foot of his bed. Dallas ran out of the room to tell the rest of his family, who all got out safely. Officials say the fire caused about $70,000 in damage to the home, and the Red Cross is working to help the family find a place to stay. “She's amazing for doing that," Dallas’ brother Thaylon Bailey said of Shadow. “I’m thankful for her,” said his mom, Theresa. — Watch it at The Indy Channel

Officials Rescue Orphaned Panther Kitten

Wildlife officials in Florida rescued an emaciated 4-month-old panther kitten in Naples early this month. They believe her mom was struck and killed by a car. Florida Fish and Wildlife received several reports about the kitten, and they were able to lure her in to a trap in order to help her. The kitten is now staying behind the scenes at the Naples Zoo while the FWC works to find her a permanent home. Sadly, said she won’t be able to return to the wild because she was orphaned at such a young age. — Read it at CBS Miami

African Penguins Get Help Finding Mates

Endangered African penguins have been paired at zoos based on recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival program. That’s usually based on which of the birds are least related to each other. But in reality, the penguins’ preferences rarely align with the AZA’s plans. That means it’s up to their keepers to try to convince certain birds they’re a good match for each other, while distracting them from other potential partners. “Some people would say that’s not fair or nice, because you’re taking a bond that has previously formed and you’re breaking it up, but we’re not seeing any negative repercussions to it whatsoever,” said Glenn Dobrogosz, director of the Greensboro Science Center in North Carolina. “Their new bonds seem to be happy. They’re getting along, they’re building nests together, they’re cooperating, they’re switching off laying on the eggs. Ultimately, 10, 20, 30 years down the road, it’s better for the species.” — Read it at The New York Times

Image: Serena Williams and Jackie

Serena Williams Mourns Her Dog

After spending nearly half of her life with her beloved Jackie, heartbroken tennis star Serena Williams shared an emotional tribute to her 16-year-old dog on Instagram. Williams said she was 17 when she brought the Jack Russell Terrier home, just two weeks before she won her first Grand Slam. “She had a way of telling me it was time for me to be brave and let her go. With my dad by my side we were able to say a loving goodbye ... I feel so lucky to have such a special friend. Give your dog, cat, pet a big hug,” she posted Tuesday, with several photos of Jackie. Condolences have been pouring in from her followers. — Read it at People Pets

Rare Tiger Cub Born in Miami

A critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub was born Nov. 14 at Zoo Miami. The baby boy has been in seclusion with his first-time mom, Leeloo, since his birth, and the zoo says it’s been taking extra precautions to help the two establish a strong bond. They plan to allow the cub to remain isolated with Leeloo with little or no contact from the staff for the next several weeks. There are believed to be fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild. — See photos from Zoo Miami on Facebook and see more cute zoo baby photos

By: Dr. John de Jong, Board of Directors Chair; Dr. Joe Kinnarney, AVMA President; Dr. Tim Montgomery, House Advisory Committee Chair; Dr. Ron DeHaven, AVMA Executive Vice President Following up on the promise made in September to share a synopsis … read more >

As members of your AVMA House of Delegates prepare for their regular winter meeting in January, this is an opportunity for you to find your delegate’s contact information through our online HOD Directory and let them know what’s on your … read more >

The stage is set for the Economics of Education Summit that will bring together an expected 200 participants from around the country to tackle the issue of student debt and the many factors that affect the overall economic picture of … read more >

To provide a look at where and how often the AVMA has been mentioned in the media in the past week, the AVMA Media Relations Division has developed this weekly AVMA@Work blog series, “AVMA in the News,” showing the number … read more >

As part of our ongoing efforts to provide our members with resources that enhance your ability to better serve your clients, we’re happy to share with you the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA) Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment and Treatment … read more >

The Center for Animal Health in Appalachia (CAHA), whose mission it is to improve both animal and public health throughout Appalachia, held its first national conference on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine (LMUCVM) on Oct. 14-15. … read more >

Congress is debating how much money to provide federal agencies that support key veterinary and agriculture programs. The AVMA is taking the opportunity to highlight the programs that are important to animal and public health. On Nov. 5, the AVMA … read more >

The CDC’s Get Smart About Antibiotics Week is Nov. 16-22 and is dedicated to raising awareness of the threat of antibiotic resistance and the importance of using antibiotics appropriately. Yesterday, we shared a link to our quiz to help you … read more >

To provide a look at where and how often the AVMA has been mentioned in the media in the past week, the AVMA Media Relations Division has developed this weekly AVMA@Work blog series, “AVMA in the News,” showing the number … read more >

Want the opportunity to develop public policy that will impact the veterinary profession while also advancing your career? If so, the AVMA’s Fellowship Program is right for you! From recent veterinary school graduates to veterinarians with years of experience, every … read more >

Looking for a new way to connect with current and potential clients? The CDC’s Get Smart About Antibiotics Week is Nov. 16-22, and we have tools you can use to incorporate this observation into your social media and your conversations … read more >

Forty-nine veterinarians will soon be serving in rural communities across 26 states thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recent announcement of $4.5 million in loan repayment awards. The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), administered by the USDA’s National … read more >

Nov. 13, 2015: We've scoured the Web to find the best and most compelling animal stories, videos and photos. And it's all right here.

Image: Olly the cat in supermarket

Cat Snags Store’s Candy Shelf

Olly has a favorite spot to sit and watch the world go by — in the middle of a candy display at his local London supermarket. The cat has become a regular at Sainsbury’s, and this week customers captured his antics on video and in photos shared on social media. “Cat just chilling in Brockley Sainsbury's,” Jenny Stevens Tweeted with this photo of Olly on the candy shelf. “Security tried to remove him. He sauntered straight back in.” After his photo went viral, Olly’s owner, Adam Oliver, made sure everyone knew the cat had a loving home. The store doesn’t seem to mind making Olly its resident cat. “Looks like there was a mix up with our Kit Kat delivery,” a spokesman joked. — Read it at the U.K.’s Independent

Animal Shelter Cleared Out in Adoption Event

After its 6^th annual adopt-a-thon Saturday, the halls of Summit County Animal Control shelter in Akron, Ohio, were completely silent. For the first time ever, every single animal at the shelter had been adopted. “People were coming from pretty far away and I asked them how they knew about the event. Of course it was social media," said shelter director Christine Fatheree. There was one special part of the event that the staff didn’t reveal until it started Saturday morning. An elderly couple who could no longer have pets of their own sponsored the adoption of the first 50 animals. Some new pet owners were moved to tears when they were told about the touching gesture. — Read it at ABC News

Plus: If you want to help empty the shelters, there’s a great opportunity this weekend. Petsmart Charities is hosting its National Adoption Weekend, and will have thousands of pets in need of homes ready to meet you at its 1,400 stores nationwide. The event aims to find pets homes in time for the holidays, and beyond. While getting pets into homes in time for the holiday season is wonderful, remember that giving pets as gifts isn’t always a great idea. — Find out more from Petsmart

Image: Giraffe Calf Dublin Zoo 2015

Endangered Giraffe Born in Dublin

A beautiful male Rothschild giraffe was born Oct. 25 at Dublin Zoo. One of nine subspecies of giraffe, the Rothschild is one of the most endangered, and close to becoming critically endangered. “The calf was born in the giraffe house with the other female members of the herd present. The team watched the birth unfold on our closed circuit cameras. The birth took over an hour and we noticed that the herd was very attentive each step of the way,” said the zoo’s Helen Clarke-Bennett. The baby boy weighed in at nearly 100 pounds and stood 5 feet tall at birth. — Read it at Zooborns and see more cute zoo baby photos

Kitten Rescued by Fire Lieutenant

A tiny kitten who found himself in a tight spot in South Florida was rescued Tuesday. The kitten was discovered stuck between a cement wall and a brick pillar at an office park in Miami-Dade County. People who heard the kitten’s cries called Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for help. Lt. Lisa Wood, who works in the venom unit, responded and managed to free the kitten, who was named Marky Mark. "It was a very small space to have my hand in, and I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to get ahold of him to get him out, but luckily he cooperated, and I got him," Wood said. She later brought Marky Mark to the Humane Society of Broward County, where she volunteers and fosters kittens. He’s now available for adoption. — Read it at Florida’s WSVN

Nov. 12, 2015: We've scoured the Web to find the best and most compelling animal stories, videos and photos. And it's all right here.

Image: Bella and George

Great Dane Becomes Girl’s BFF

Bella, an 11-year-old girl who once relied on crutches to get around, is now walking — and even running — with the help of her Great Dane service dog, George. The Massachusetts girl was born with a rare genetic disorder that causes problems with development and growth. Two-year-old George was trained to help people with mobility issues. Bella first met him in January, and they quickly become best friends and constant companions. He now goes to school with her, walking her from class to class and sleeping at her feet, and keeps her company during her weekly 6-hour infusion of a medicine that gives her energy. "I don't remember the last time I watched my child run through the yard," said Rachel Burton, Bella's mom. "Seeing her just run was amazing to us." Next month, Bella and her family will travel to Florida, where George will be honored by the American Kennel Club for his impact on the family. — Read it at Today and watch it from WABG’s Tanya Carter in Massachusetts

Study: Chimps Found Caring for Disabled Infant

Japanese researchers discovered a chimpanzee mom caring for a “severely disabled” infant chimpanzee in the wild in Tanzania in 2011. They recorded the troop’s behavior for two years, observing how the mother and the infant’s sister helped her survive for 23 months in the wild. The mother and sister were observed supporting the baby’s body while she nursed. "Usually, a chimpanzee baby can hang onto their care-giver by itself, but this infant's legs were not powerful enough," said Michio Nakamura, associate professor at Kyoto University's Wildlife Research Center. "It is the first time it was observed in the wild that a disabled chimpanzee was receiving social care." The young chimp then disappeared, and sadly, researchers believe she died. Researchers hope the study, which was published in the journal Primates, will help in understanding the evolution of social care in humans. — Read it from Agence France Presse via Yahoo

Dog Unscathed After 25-Foot Fall Into Well

Firefighters in Taunton, Massachusetts, used a system of harnesses with ropes and an extension ladder to lift a scared Goldendoodle from the bottom of a 25-foot well in his yard. Owner Lorienn Higgins called for help when she realized Buddy had tumbled into the unused well Tuesday morning. "Thank God there was only a foot of water in that well," said Taunton Fire Lt. Tom Bernier. Amazingly, Buddy wasn’t injured in the incident. "I was just so happy that he was OK," Higgins said. The fire department recommends homeowners check for unused wells on their property and make sure they are secured. — Read it at Boston’s WCVB

Image: ASPCA Kitten graduation 2015

1,500 ASPCA Kittens Graduate

With two dozen caretakers wearing orange mortarboards and carrying adorable kittens, the ASPCA celebrated the graduation of 1,500 kittens from its Kitten Nursery Tuesday. All of the babies had made their way through the nursery since it opened for kitten season in May. More than 50 members of the ASPCA’s staff worked 24/7 in 9-hour shifts to care for kittens who were too young to survive on their own. “The road you faced was one of uncertainty, but now you are ready for the next phase of your life — adoption,” Gail Buchwald, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Adoption Center, told the feline graduates. “We can’t give these kittens diplomas, but we can get them into safe and loving homes.” — Read it from the ASPCA

Retired Military Dog Gets New Home on Veterans Day

Bullet, a retired mine detection dog who served with the military in Afghanistan, had some “emotional challenges” to overcome when he was returned to the U.S. and taken in by the non-profit group Mission K9 Rescue. They gave him some time to “decompress” while searching for the right home for him. On Veterans Day, he happily went home with his new owner, Dave Scott, a former canine handler. “Happy Veterans Day sweet Bullet!!! Enjoy your retirement! You deserve it!” Mission K9 Rescue posted on Facebook Wednesday. — See photos from Mission K9 Rescue on Facebook

In the majestic, snow-covered backcountry of Denali National Park in Alaska, not all of the animal residents are wild. About 30 to 35 of them are part of the park’s staff.

Denali is the only national park in the U.S. to use canine rangers on its millions of acres — and the sled dog program is a long-standing tradition started by the park’s first superintendent in 1922. Perhaps not surprisingly, these working dogs are one of Denali’s most popular attractions.

We checked in with Denali kennels manager Jennifer Raffaeli to find out more about the Huskies, how they help maintain the park’s unique environment — and the close bond they develop with their human co-workers. Click through the gallery below to learn more and to see some gorgeous photos of them.

EmbeddableSlideshow: EMBEDDABLE SLIDESHOW Denali Sled Dogs

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Nov. 11, 2015: We've scoured the Web to find the best and most compelling animal stories, videos and photos. And it's all right here.

Image: Peach at the Shedd Aquarium

Abused Pup Goes to Shedd Rehab

She was found tied to a dumpster in the South, with a scar that runs the length of her back — likely from exposure to the sun or the hot dumpster. Peach, a 10-month-old Dachshund and Terrier mix, then got a new lease on life. Volunteers removed her from a high-kill shelter and transported her to a rescue group in Chicago, where she was identified as a good candidate for the Shedd Aquarium’s special rescue and rehabilitation program. She’s the sixth dog to go through the Shedd’s training program for dogs since 2013. Two of the dogs have gone on to live with families, but there are three other pups there now who will be Peach’s companions. All of the Shedd’s rescue dogs are named for characters in the Disney movie “Finding Nemo.” Despite her rough start at life, the staff says Peach has “immediately proven to be very sweet and interactive with people and playful with toys inside Shedd’s dog lounge, where daily training and enrichment for all dogs occurs.” — Read it at Zooborns

Chinese Team Decodes Elements of Panda Language

After five years of observations, scientists in China say they’ve identified 13 vocalizations that pandas use. For example, they said that male pandas make a “baa” sound when courting, and females reply with a “chirp” if they’re interested. They also said they found distinct sounds that panda cubs make. They said "wah wah" means unhappy; "gee gee" means they're hungry; and "cuckoo" means all is well. The research was done at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. — Read it at Discovery News

Plus: With mom Mei Xiang watching closely, cameras captured the sweet moment when her 2 ½-month-old panda cub, Bei Bei, took his first steps Monday at the National Zoo. — Watch it at YouTube

Officer Saves Injured Owl From Highway

A police officer in Norman, Oklahoma, came to the rescue of an owl he saw injured and unable to move on the side of I-35 Thursday morning. Sgt. Darin Morgan carefully swaddled the great horned owl, placed her in his backpack in the front seat of his police car and drove her to WildCare Oklahoma. The group is now caring for the owl’s broken wing and says Morgan saved her life. In an update on Facebook, the police department shared a photo showing the owl’s wing wrapped up with a special message written on the bandage: “Thanks Sgt. Morgan.” — Read it at People Pets

Image: Bunny MBTA

Bunny Hops Into Seat on Subway

There was an unusual commuter on the T in Boston last week — and an adorable one, at that. The MBTA transit police tweeted a photo of a fluffy rabbit sitting on the Blue Line, its carrier tucked under its seat. But the authority was using the picture as a reminder of the rules. “‪#MBTA Etiquette: please keep your rabbits inside their carrier while traveling on the T. Thank you,” the MBTA tweeted with the photo, and a thumbs-up sign. — Read it at Today

Maine Coon Stuck in Car Engine

When a Tempe, Arizona, driver turned on his car engine Sunday, he heard frantic meowing coming from the vehicle and quickly turned it off. He opened the hood of the Volkswagen Beetle, and saw a 2-year-old Maine Coon staring up at him. He called the Arizona Humane Society, which sent its emergency animal technicians to help free the large cat from his spot in the engine near the fan belt. Nicknamed Vee-Dub for the car he was found in, the affectionate feline is now recovering at the Humane Society. "He's one lucky kitty, he's got a full throttle purr," said the shelter’s Ashliegh Goebel. Once Vee-Dub has healed, he’ll be ready for adoption. — Watch it at Arizona’s Fox 10