ohmidog!

First the New York Post reported that the city health department had called an end to the annual tradition of Westminster’s winner enjoying a lunch at Sardi’s.

Then the New York Times reported, the same day, that the celebratory meal for Westminster’s Best in Show would be allowed to continue.

Who’s a dog to believe?

After this year’s best in show winner, a Pekingese named Malachy, enjoyed a lunch of chicken and rice, served on a silver platter, word came down from the city health department Wednesday — which apparently had somehow not noticed the annual tradition, despite all the pomp and publicity accompanying it, during the previous 30 years.

Starting next year, the health department said, Sardi’s could no longer invite Westminster’s winner to a meal, except maybe to go. “We can’t be expected to just roll over for the champ. Our primary concern is making sure people and pets follow the doggone rules — ideally without whining or begging,” said city Health Department spokesman John Kelly.

His bad quips did little to appease those upset with the ruling.

Restaurant owner Max Klimavicius pointed out that his special guest was served in a private room on the second floor and said he was sorry to see the ritual end, according to the Post.

Then came word from the Times that the Health Department had discovered a loophole: It’s okay if the department’s commissioner signs a waiver.

(I suggest every New York dog owner request one, today.)

The department said a waiver would be granted to Westminster’s winners in coming years.

An 11-pound fluffball named Malachy took the Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last night.

It was the fourth time a Pekingese has won at Westminster, according to the Associated Press:

“This little stump of a dog beat out the likes of a Dalmatian, German shepherd, Doberman pinscher, Irish setter, a Kerry blue terrier and wire-haired dachshund. A 4-year-old pompom, Malachy wobbled to his 115th overall best in show title.”

Malachy, one of more than 2,000 purebred competitors at Madison Square Garden — representing 185 breeds — won the toy group Monday night.

“Super dog, and he had a stupendous night,” Judge Cindy Vogels said after picking him as best in show. “There’s a lot of dog in a small package.”

Malachy chilled out after his win, resting on a cooling cushion.

David Fitzpatrick, Malachy’s handler and part owner, said the dog will likely retire now in East Berlin, Pa. 

“He’ll probably chase squirrels and he’ll be pampered,” Fitzpatrick said.

(Photo: Seth Wenig / Associated Press)