A pet who lives with Tampa Bay Rays catcher Ryan Hanigan earned an early ribbon Monday at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

Of the 44 Australian shepherds entered, Hanigan's Copperridge What's Your Dream was picked as the best of its breed.

"It's incredible that she went from my No. 1 bed buddy to best of breed at Westminster!!!'' Hanigan wrote in a text message to The Associated Press.

Hanigan was traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the Rays in December.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.