In the News
From the Boson Herald.
“Arriba!” was the word as the speedy pups took over the Norwood PETCO for the annual PETCO Unleashed Chihuahua Races.
“It was pretty crazy,” said manager Jim Magile of the race involving the pint-sized thoroughbreds.
Winning pup Cuppycake (bred by me) and owners William and Elizabeth Estlick of Mashpee will jet to San Diego in August to go up against 14 other regional chihuahua champs at PETCO Park between innings of a San Diego Padres game.
Cuppy Cake was one of 195 canines to compete on the 35-foot-long PETCO track this year.
This is the Norwood location’s second time hosting the event, though PETCO has held the races for four years. Magile estimated three people were with each pup.
At the Downs, meanwhile, the ponies were eager to go and the crowd was juiced for Derby Day.
Cape Cod Times
MASHPEE — She shrieks at strangers, cuddles up on her bed with her favorite toys, and smothers her older sister with kisses.
Cuppycake may seem like a normal Chihuahua, but this 8-month-old pup is officially the speediest of her breed in the Boston region.
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Hometown: Mashpee
- Favorite hobbies: Collecting twigs, running on the beach, chewing on pig snooters
- Winning time: 2.4 seconds
On May 3, Cuppycake took home a first place ribbon at the Petco Chihuahua race in Norwood.
She blasted past the other finalists, finishing the 35-foot course in 2.4 seconds.
This summer, she will travel to San Diego to compete against 14 other dogs for the ultimate prize — the title of fastest Chihuahua in America.
"I hope this doesn't go to her head," said her owner, Elizabeth Estlick, a Mashpee resident. "She's quite the little starlet."
Estlick and her husband, William, were immediately taken by the then-8-week-old puppy when they met her in November.
They went home that Saturday night, and while reading about the breed on the Internet, a background song on one of the Web sites caught their attention.
It was from the "Cuppycake song" that a name was hatched — her full name is actually My Cuppycake Sugarplum Fairy.
The next day, the couple returned to East Falmouth to pick up their new pet. The couple also has a 13-year-old chocolate Poodle named Sabrina, who acts as a coach for her little sister.
About a month ago, Elizabeth decided to take Cuppycake to a socialization class at Petco. While she was there, she learned about the race and decided to let Cuppycake have her chance at glory.
Her hopes were not exactly high for the dog's chances, but Cuppycake pulled through, taking first place in all three heats.
In the months ahead, Cuppycake will continue her training on the beach. Family members and friends are gearing up for the August trip — the couple's first visit to California. William, Elizabeth, and Cuppycake will travel on Petco's dime, the prize for winning the regional competition.
And they can't forget their secret weapon.
They hope a stuffed toy named "Mr. Greensleeves," a snowman decked out in electric green fur, will again attract Cuppycake's attention and send her running in the right direction. Of course, having Elizabeth at the finish line can't hurt either.
"I said nothing, she just came," said Elizabeth of this month's race. "The bond with the dog is the most important."
Stephanie Vosk can be reached at svosk@capecodonline.com.
People who have bought our puppies:
Thank you for the pictures! He is such a sweetheart. what a good dog he is. He is so loveable and calm, what more can you ask for. he is also great with my kids. I love this dog so much already you have no idea. he was fine on the way home. he didn't even drool. he sat with me for a few minutes then he wanted my daughter. he was licking her face the whole way home. i really cant believe how well he has already adjusted to his new home. as soon as he came in he acted like he has been here forever. he is not nervous or scared at all. i thought he was going to be scared to death. he also loves my other dogs. especially my foxy chihuahua. they play together already! he had a good night. he slept in bed with me (of course) =) i am so happy for finding him online and choosing him. he is exactly what i have been looking for in a chihuahua inside and out. and i really cant thank the two of you enough for him. but i will definitely send you some pictures and keep you posted on how he is doing. but so far so good....THANK YOU for everything. Talk to you soon, Jen.
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