Happy Labor Day

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Several comments I have read in social media circles about the Reserve Best In Show have been very negative. Some have written: it is like “kissing your sister”, meaningless, lost in the shuffle of awarding BIS, superfluous. As the process is currently designed and implemented, I believe awarding RBIS is paramount to an “afterthought”. I will try to highlight my opinion in this article.

Show Name: Cedar Rapids KC Location: Amana, IA Show Date: 9-2-12 Total Entry: 1022 Best In Show Judge: Dr Steve Keating Dog Reg: GCH Scylla’s Small Kraft RE-Lit Breed: Matlese Handler: Tara Martin Rowell Owner: Debbie burke and Ron Scott and Tara Martin Rowell Reserve [...]

Show Name: Marquette Kennel Club Location: Marquette, MI Show Date: 9/1/2012 Total Entry: 331 Best In Show Judge: Dr. Robert D. Smith Dog Reg: GCH CH Imagine Loves Second Chance Breed: Chow Chows Handler: Kathy Beliew Owner: Deborah & Thomas Spence & Kathy & George Beliew Reserve Dog Reg: [...]

On occasion it is surely an appropriate and salutary exercise for us, as connoisseurs and self-appointed guardians of the pedigreed dog, to reflect upon the prevailing condition of our animals from a long-term and multidimensional perspective.

I hope I haven’t let the cat out of the bag, but as I retired from handling 15 years ago, maybe things have changed, and that saying is no longer their mantra. If it is still relevant, I am sure the problems would be multiplied; with syndicates now owning some top winning dogs, how does a handler please them all?

The American Kennel Club and Eukanuba are pleased to announce that the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will become an open show awarding Championship and Grand Championship points. This new format will begin with the upcoming AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on December 15-16th, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. “We’re [...]

There are those we have known for their successes in the show ring, for their contributions as a breeder, or as a great evaluator of stock. (Be it formally in the ring or informally outside of it) We had amongst us a person who did all three without question.

Puerto Rico, the beautiful “Isle of Enchantment” welcomed judges and exhibitors to our “Tropical Treat Cluster” All-Breed & Obedience shows held from April 26-29, 2012. There were competitors from different areas of the United States, and South America as well as a large group representing Puerto Rico. Beautiful dogs of various breeds put on an outstanding show for the spectators and when judge Dr. Gerard C. Penta made his final decision for Best In Show on Thursday, he chose the beautiful Smooth Fox Terrier, GCH. Wedigit Paparazzi.

On occasion it is surely an appropriate and salutary exercise for us, as connoisseurs and self-appointed guardians of the pedigreed dog, to reflect upon the prevailing condition of our animals from a long-term and multidimensional perspective. The aim in doing so may be viewed as potentially remedial and possibly even curative.