IMHO By Elaine Lessig
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By Elaine Lessig
Virginia Lyne – AKC Judge
From afar, what are you currently seeing on the judging scene in the USA that is working well and why?
It is hard to really get a grasp of what the reality is like for those who have returned to showing and judging. There are more shows happening in the USA compared to Canada where on our West Coast there has not been a show since March. Ontario has been able to host a few shows with very regulated procedures. In the States, you seem to have been able to welcome back some of the handlers and exhibitors even though your COVID-19 numbers are much higher than Canada’s, and the mask and social distancing requirements appear to be successful. You should be very proud that the determination and inventive ideas have made this a successful return for a few shows.
I most sincerely hope that 2021 will enable us to return to some resemblance of the past joy we all shared at our exhibition of thoughtfully bred and wisely judged purebred dogs.
What is giving you concern and why?
I am concerned that when we do return there will be handlers and exhibitors who have moved on to other activities, found regularly paying employment, and even stopped breeding dogs. It will take us a while to reach out and welcome new fanciers and owner handlers back into our sport. I hope that there will be a sincere attempt to be kinder and friendlier as we all flock back to showing and winning or losing as it may be. I am seeing many new names awarding Groups and Best in Shows when I peruse the results. I know so well our aging judges are slowly retiring. I do hope that the new crop brings with them the true passion to seek out and find the very best example of breeding stock and not become dazzled by exaggerations and skilled handling. We are losing the icons and role models of our sport.
Sandra Lex – AKC Judge
What are you currently seeing on the judging scene in the USA that is working well and why?
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