2020 Westminster Kennel Club Judging Panel

 
RETIRED NAVAL OFFICER TO DECIDE BEST IN SHOW AT THE 144TH ANNUAL WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW!

Mr. Robert H. Slay of Cary, North Carolina has been given the most prestigious judging assignment in the sport of purebred dogs — deciding who will be the Best In Show winner at the 144th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. Mr. Slay brings extensive experience and dog knowledge to the sport. Anchoring Westminster Week, this iconic annual dog show has been held continuously in New York City since 1877.

Mr. Slay grew up in southeastern Mississippi where his family owned a working farm and he gained respect and appreciation for several types of hunting dogs. Although he has owned several different breeds, he loved, bred and handled champion German Shepherd Dogs for many years. In 1964, while stationed in Charleston, South Carolina as an ensign in the United States Navy, he purchased his first German Shepherd Dog. She easily achieved her American Kennel Club championship and Mr. Slay was forever hooked on the sport. He was married to the late Jane Vassar “Candye” Slay and has one son and two grandchildren.

Mr. Slay is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and the United States Naval Officers Candidate School. He served five years on active duty afterwards obtaining the rank of Commander in the Naval Reserves. In addition, he also attended the Yale University School of Executive Management Leadership Program. He has always been active in his community. Mr. Slay was elected to public office for three terms serving as chairman of one of the largest public school systems in South Carolina. He chaired a United States Department of Energy Advisory Board for five years and served several years as the South Carolina State Chairman of the Morris Animal Foundation. He was also a member of the original steering committee for the AKC Museum of the Dog. In 1983, the North Carolina governor awarded his highest honor to Mr. Slay by inducting him into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society for service to his state and community.

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Posted by Alex on Jun 21 2019. 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.