From The Publisher
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The recent passing of Jane Forsyth left me with a whirlwind of thoughts, not only about the historic importance she and Bob hold in our sport, but also about the way Mrs. Forsyth influenced so many of the top exhibitors and judges who grace the show ring today.
I have to start by saying the passing of so many people I admired as a young man makes me feel old and a bit mortal. Anyone who showed dogs in the ‘80s and ‘90s probably had the privilege of showing to Jane, Mike and Annie. They were the best of friends and their reputations as handlers and judges only added to their aura that, for a young exhibitor, was a bit intimidating. I learned over time why they held an iconic stature in our sport.
I can’t claim to have known Jane as a friend. I knew her well enough to talk to her; like so many of us know those we meet at shows, where you have basic knowledge of someone because you have something in common. I always enjoyed discussing the dogs she judged that day. There was no nonsense, or silly descriptions that would give away those who don’t know dogs. She talked dogs in the purest sense, in a way only someone with her experience could describe them. I felt like I was back in school hearing a guest lecture from an expert in her field.
Now that Annie, Mike and Jane are gone, I wonder who will take their place, as if anyone can. It seems we have lost not only a significant part of the living history of our sport but also much of the brain power associated with those who spent their lives studying purebred dogs. This is something you can’t replace.
When you read the biography of Jane Kamp Forsyth, you realize the experiences that made her a force in the world of purebred dogs cannot be duplicated today. The way she grew up with dogs, the demands that were placed on her and those she placed on herself made her and Bob the dominant force in dogs during their heyday. This knowledge made the transition to judging somewhat natural.
Have we seen the golden era of show dogs pass? Will we ever see dog fanciers the caliber of Mrs. Forsyth? Only time will tell.
My guess is there’s no Janie, Annie or Mike on the horizon.
Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=87728
Posted by ralbee
on Sep 12 2015. Filed under Current Articles, Editorial, Featured.
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