Closet Confidential — March Madness
Click here to read the complete article 220 – May, 2026 Curated By Elaine Lessig Click here to read the complete article 220 – May, 2026
“Author Archive”
Inside Their Minds – Insights From The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Breed Judges
“Westminster has always been the pinnacle of our sport. I have attended Westminster as an assistant, handler, breeder, owner, exhibitor, spectator, and ring steward in the past, and have loved each experience and opportunity. There is something just magical about the venues, crowds, spectators, exhibitors, and beautiful quality entries from around the world. I was extremely honored and humbled by the invitation to judge at this iconic event’s historic 150th anniversary.
Feng Shui And Your Dog: Ancient Wisdom For The Home, The Kennel, And The Show Ring
Feng Shui (“fung shway”) is an ancient Chinese art and philosophy rooted in Taoism, Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. By arranging our spaces to flow with Qi—the vital life force—we shape our health, relationships, and luck. These eternal principles, which uplift human lives, can also work wonders in our dogs’ world.
Many Tails, One Truth
The Västgötaspets is an ancient breed of Sweden, known internationally as the Swedish Vallhund.
Travel With Jackie
A longtime friend lost her husband of 30 years. A week later, her beloved Cavalier died. Her grief was beyond tears. She begged me to find a young Cavalier to ease her pain. Initially, her heart was set on adding a Blenheim to her household. My search was a failure because most Cavalier puppies were promised a forever home at Christmastide. After exhausting my contacts in the U.S. and Canada, a nearby breeder friend reached out to me. She owned a black and tan Cavalier bitch who was beautiful and structurally sound but rather small. Having recently become a widow herself, she understood my friend’s pain and decided to place little “Jackie O” with my grieving friend.
Knowing When To Be A Chief And When To Be An Indian
Some of the top setups in the country share one thing in common: they have at least one live-in assistant, and if they are fortunate, they might have several assistants on the weekends. Learning how to work alongside co-workers–not only at dog shows, but also in everyday life–is an invaluable skill.
Did You Know… You Have The “POWER”!
As I started to pen my next article, I had a very different thought in mind. But after a four day set of shows in Western Canada last week…I had an epiphany of sorts.
Rarefied Heirs – Andy Linton
Rarefied Heirs is going to take a brief detour from Rare Breeds… to Rare Talent. Andy Linton has kindly agreed to offer the fancy a few articles with his insights and recollections gained over a lifetime in our sport. It’s an exciting and humbling thing to have the opportunity to share these interviews with our readers here. I hope the writing rises to the worth of the subject.
Are You Showing The Judge A Polished Picture?
When you sit and watch Groups, do you pay attention to the basics of presentation? How the dog is presented is the first impression the judge gets, and often it’s not a great impression.
Striking A Balance For Success In The Juniors’ Ring
We are rapidly approaching the back-to-school season, and it comes at the same time that many of our young people are looking forward to their favorite fall show circuits. This is a time for new opportunities to compete in the juniors’ ring, and a renewed focus on academics.
