Looking Around with Lee

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54 – May, 2020

By Lee Canalizo

What a terrible week March 14-21 was for our dog show family. This is being written as our world is faced with the expanding threat of a Pandemic. As we prepare to deal with whatever that will bring… events in our lives still march on seemingly oblivious to the pandemonium. Three of our lifelong friends have left us. One was very painful for the Afghan Hound fancy. Floyd Gale passed away on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. His loss shouldn’t be overlooked. He represents so many in our sport that gave much for their chosen breed. I write this for him and those like him we have lost.

Floyd was a special person in so many ways. He, together with his longtime partner, Tony Saia, was a stalwart of the Afghan Hound breed for many, many years. Together, they bred many Champions, group winners, Specialty and Best in Show winners. It was my honor to present Floyd with one of those Best in Show awards with their beautiful black bitch, Ch. Beachbrooks It’s Raining Men, better known to her friends as Sprinkles. As it happened, it was raining–prinkling to be exact–when I entered the ring to find my best of the day. It was the first BIS from a breeder-judge for the guys. It was very exciting and memorable for all of us!

Floyd was one in a million; kind, knowledgeable and I would almost call him a dog whisperer. He loved his Afghans and they certainly loved him. He had a keen eye for the breed and was a talented handler as well. His timing and grace always made his exhibit look it’s best. He (nor Tony) had formally entered the ranks as judges….but in our breed his opinion was much sought after and he did all the important National Sweepstakes and/or Futurities. Many breeders used Floyd and Tony’s dogs in a breeding program, and they were generous in starting out a beginner with a good dog. People like Floyd make up 80% of the dog fancy…real solid Breeder/Owner/Handlers who held their own at every level.

When the guys settled in Florida, after their days in California and on the east coast, we had the opportunity to spend much more time together! Many dinners in the quaint little town of Dunedin, lots of get together at their charming home in Gulfport, which is about an hour from my house. So many good times with them and our mutual Florida Afghan Hound friends.

I’m sad about the end of an era but happy for the good times we shared. I, like so many of the Afghan people, was blessed to know and spend time with such a special, wonderful man. We will all miss our dear friend, Floyd Gale.

Here are some thoughts and memories from some of the friends who loved Floyd so much.

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54 – May, 2020

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Posted by AnthonyA on May 17 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.