Santa Barbara Wrap-Up
- Photo courtesy of Holloway Photo · Vicki Holloway
by Richard Meen
When is a dog show not just “another dog show”? : when it is a celebration!
This year’s event may have given the Olympics a run for their money in that regard. Thanks to the incredible commitment of the Santa Barbara Kennel Club members an innovative, enthusiastic program was developed that extended far beyond the routine evaluation of purebred dogs.
Of course, the legacy of Santa Barbara extends from many decades past, and these precedents keep the pressure on those organizing the current shows to preserve a standard of excellence. We all know that Tom and Anne Stevenson are watching us all closely.
Exhibits and exhibitors came to Santa Barbara from around the globe, and they were all honored. An international panel of judges rendered their opinions over a weekend of outstanding competition. The regular classes concluded with the Wire Fox Terrier as the BIS choice on Sunday and the Standard Schnauzer was the final pick on Saturday. A truly magnificent trophy table contained treasures of the past and present: Bronze statues and silver antiquities abounded,each having its own individual history from ages past.
It is my opinion that our humanity in this day and age of computers and robots is at risk and that its only hope of survival is through mankind’s relationship with canines and art. Several years ago, Afghan Hound enthusiast and artist Terry Chacon created a painting to represent the SBKC. This year we saw the third painting (of a planned series of eight) appear on the catalogue and carry bags for us all to treasure. The original was auctioined and now is the proud possession of a very lucky owner. Copies of the previous renditions were duplicated and adorned the rings in the arena. Art and dogs seem to belong together and this year was no exception with SBKC presenting the best of both forms.
Several years ago the Breeders Sweepstakes and the Foreign Bred Competition were introduced to great acclaim. Due to the fantastic support of Purina and The Canine Chronicle, these events have continued on the Saturday enhanced by a banquet at ringside for all exhibitors that gives new definition to the word celebration. Wow! The entries were, once again, awesome in all of the groups and the guest judges really had their jobs cut out for them. Many required considerable anti-anxiety interventions prior to entering the rings to adjudicate. This year the Border Terriers rose to the top. Saturday saw the intorduction of a totally new event: The Bullyganza. BOB, BOS AND BW of all the Bully Breeds came in the ring together for an independent judge to pick the top 4 and two awards of merit. This inaugural event saw the French Bulldog snatch the BIS ribbon. Just think what the future holds for possible spotlights. Any suggestions I am sure would be readily accepted by the club.
Homo Sapiens, as a species, unfortunately does not have a good breeding record but fortunately when it comes to preserving their “best friend” clearer goals, other than lust, govern the decision making; thus breeds have been preserved with consistency down through the ages. SBKC honors the dedication of the nation’s finest breeders each year. The honorees are household names in the dog world and represent each group with pride. 2012 was no exception with Marjorie Martorella representing the Sporting group, Dr. Asa and Karen Mays the Hound group, Mike and Cathy Dugan the Working group, Walter Goodman (the last of the great gentlemen of the sport in my opinion) the Terrier group, Mary Day and Barbara Brown the Toy group, Michael Gadsby and Jason Lynn the Non-Sporting group, and the Herding Group was represented by J. Frank Baylis – all noted breeders’ in their own rights from across America and Great Britain.
Lifelong passion to the sport of purebred dogs is shared by few in this day and age of quick fixes, quick wins and short attention spans.The late Lillian Schwartz kept her passion alive and vital all of her life on both sides of the United States. She was ever-present at ringside whether it be at Montgomery County Kennel Club, Wesmiminster Kennel Club or the Santa Barabara Kennel Club. SBKC was privileged to have “Lil” as a member and rightly dedicated these shows to her. Her memory will remain with us always.
Photo courtesy of Julie L. Mueller
As the sun set on the Sunday show, there were many exhausted people, many thrilled people, and some disappointed ones as well; but all were pleased to be a particpant in this truly great sport preserving not only our dogs heritage but our own.
Who knows next year will bring? Just like the Olympics, the closing show may even warrant fireworks, too!
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