“Author Archive”
Stories written by ralbee
Conformation shows and clubs are struggling with declining entries. Exhibitors and club members seem to be older now than they used to be, purebred registrations are a third of what they were 20 years ago, and there are few newcomers to the scene. These are all clear indicators that our culture has changed. Prevailing cultures and societal values generally drift slowly, but sometimes single events or factors at the right time lead to a more sudden paradigm shift. Malcolm Gladwell wrote a book on this phenomenon, The Tipping Point. Was there some single event that turned the tide of change in the public’s attitudes towards purebred dogs?
September 20th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
Breed standards are written with the purpose of describing, in as much detail as possible, the mature dog. I believe we would all be hard pressed to find any fault with that assumption. But let me ask, have parent clubs been remiss in not addressing the need for breed standards for puppies? Most dogs are purchased at ages far younger than where they could reasonably be expected to have achieved the maturity described in the breed standard.
September 19th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
If it’s September…it must be Raleigh!
September 18th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
About Responsible Dog Ownership…
When we aim to help dogs to have a better, happier life, we have to explore what causes most of the problems that can crop up. And also where most of the problems stem from originally.
September 17th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
This intriguing oil-on-canvas painting depicts a seated, smartly dressed man – a “Sacramento Indian” – two Dalmatians, a cock and a hen, in a charming landscape with a river and mountain in the background.
September 16th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
Planning for your dogs in your will…
While at a conference in Portland, Oregon, I met with women in the pet industry and presented my MAAP Program, Navigating Short and Long Term Care Plans for Your Beloved Companions.
September 15th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
It was major network news when the world learned that Uggie the beloved Jack Russell Terrier had succumbed to advanced cancer on Wednesday August 7. His banner headline came via the role of Jack the Dog in the acclaimed 2012 silent film The Artist, which won five Oscars including Best Picture. Countless rave reviews acknowledged Uggie as the anchor point of the film’s success.
September 14th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
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.
September 12th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
I can feel the warmth of your head on my foot down under my desk as the keyboard for my computer clicks along typing this. I could just tell you these things but then no one would know except the two of us. Written words always seem more permanent and somehow more meaningful although perhaps that’s just my bias since I make my living putting words on paper.
September 11th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
A once-in-a-lifetime dogs comes along, well… once in a lifetime.
September 11th, 2015 | Posted in Current Articles,Editorial,Featured | Read More »
