(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

To counter this morning’s depressing doggie news, here’s a much more happy-go-lucky puppy post: Hickory, the Scottish deerhound who won Best in Show at last night’s Westminster Kennel Club show, is a local who resides on a 50-acre farm in Fauquier County.

“She’s not used to lights, camera and noise,” handler Angela Lloyd said.

Whatever, Hickory will get a couple of Manhattan treats on Wednesday – steak at famed Sardi’s restaurant and a trip to the top of the Empire State Building.

The 5-year-old Hickory became the first of her breed to capture the purple-and-gold ribbon and shiny silver bowl.

The purebreds are so much better in Warrenton, Virginia.