A heads-up to those that are attending the Ocala shows this weekend. The possibility of severe weather associated with the tropical storm could occur on Thursday and/or Friday. Please note the shows cannot operate if winds exceed 35 miles per hour. Keep your eye on social media for updates from the clubs. Weather is expected to be beautiful for the weekend!!
By Amy Fernandez
In the immortal words of John Lennon, “Strange days indeed.” Although there’s no shortage of daily weirdness to confirm that sentiment, the thought of Westminster cutting ties with NYC ranks very high on that list. Even so, there’s no question that the club has gotten restless in recent years. After splitting the show between MSG and the Piers for several years and another couple of shows in Tarrytown, the club has finally revealed the location of Westminster 147–and no one would’ve put bets on this choice. Welcome to Queens!
If there was any doubt about the camaraderie between fanciers, this past weekend brought home who we are and what we are about. After the tragic loss of a young member of our sport who was loved by all, fanciers from all over the country changed their profiles on social media to honor Jamie Donelson. Saturday, October 29th was Wear Pink and Pearls Day to honor the memory of Jamie. Exhibitors walked into dog shows across the country and made a sea of pink and pearls last Saturday. Remembrances were held at many shows, and even those who were not at the shows wore their pink and pearls in Jamie’s honor. Let us all remember to be kind just like Jamie Donelson!!! Rest In Peace beautiful girl. You are missed by your dog family.
At the most recent AKC Board meeting, several changes were approved. Foreign judges will be allowed to judge 16 all breed AKC dog shows instead of the current 8. The policy, effective immediately, will continue the policy of not limiting the number of specialties foreign judges can judge.
Grooming reservations for the Kennel Club of Palm Springs opened and closed in less than an hour!!!! I hope this is a sign of large entries for one of the most beautiful shows in the country! I look forward to opening the 2023 show year at one of my favorite shows of the year, and I hope to see you there. Stay tuned for more show-related information and updates.
Peggy Browne did an excellent job of describing Montgomery County. She said, “MCKC is the best terrier weekend of the year. Friends revisited, missing other friends unable to come. Beautiful dogs. People in awe of others talent. Dreams coming true. Breeders sharing knowledge of their breed standard. Hopefuls of the future making their debut. Nothing better! Take advantage of every minute! Watch and listen!” Well said Peggy, well said!!!
Family, friends and many in the sport of purebred dogs are mourning the sudden, unexpected passing of Jane Flowers. Jane was a well-known and highly regarded professional handler along with her husband, famed professional handler Stan Flowers. Based in Buffalo, Minnesota, their Evergreen kennels has produced numerous top dogs and Best In Show winners in various groups and breeds.
The perpetual question is whether this sport has gotten harder or easier over the decades. There is no end of opinionated discussion on both sides of that argument. However, everything is relative. Case in point, prior to 2015 there was non-stop talk about revising the Triple Crown requirements because no one had conquered that challenge since Affirmed crossed the finish line at Belmont way back in 1978.
Congratulations to Vicki Seiler-Cushman on the birth of grandbaby number 2! Welcome to the world Jemma Widmer, born at 7lbs. 14 oz. Best wishes to Vicki’s daughter, Courtney, and her husband, Erich Widmer.
