REBECCA BARNETT | The Roanoke Times;Roanoke Kennel Club members cheer during the Westminster Kennel Club dog show at Lucky Dog Pub and Deli in Cloverdale on Tuesday night. Their hero, Peyton, won best of breed and placed third for the second year in a row in the sporting group, which represents 30 breeds of dog.

Alas, Peyton, the hometown favorite to win the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last night, came up just short of the coveted prize.

The gorgeous spaniel, bred by a couple that lives just outside of Vinton, did take third in the sporting group and, I think it’s safe to say, first in the hearts of the patrons of the Lucky Dog Pub last night.

And my living room, too, where my family was cheering him on.

Click here to read Liana Bayne’s story about the party in Peyton’s honor as he competed last night.

In case you missed it, a German wirehaired pointer named Oakley took the top spot in the sporting group, but he was no match for Banana Joe, an affenpinscher, who was named top dog last night.

Congratulations to Banana Joe, Oakley and the other five finalists for Best in Show and, of course, congratulations to Peyton for a strong finish.