On a happier note, Don Powell and Liz Holle were married this past weekend on the beach in Duck, North Carolina. I understand it was a lovely venue for a quaint wedding. We wish the popular couple all the best for many happy years to come!
The dog world was saddened by the news that Joe Tacker passed away on August 27, 2016. Joe was a fixture at dog shows for nearly 60 years as a judge becoming one of AKC’s few all-rounders. He judged less over the past several years, but he could still be found in the ring several times per year. A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Joe found a career as a commercial airline pilot. We will all miss his friendly smile and kind demeanor at our shows.
Best wishes to Cassie Clark, former assistant to Bruce and Tara Schultz, as she brings her catering business, The Cozy Kitchen, out to the hunting lodge owned by Jim & Janet Moses. Cassie is such a talented lady. We know she will do GREAT! Hurry back, Cassie: We miss you already!
The place to go to if you have a question about a problem or proper etiquette at dog shows.
Regarding that point I was so encouraged to hear Marissa Clark’s intro before she judged the Sussex Spaniel specialty on Friday. Prior to the start of judging, she addressed all exhibitors outside the ring calling their attention to the heat and giving all the license to wet their dogs down and keep them cool: She comforted all by saying she is familiar with coated dogs and would NOT negatively view anyone who wet their dog down. She then gave all of the exhibitors the choice to go at a faster pace to minimize the length of time these dogs would be in the heat. Much to my delight all agreed to go at a rapid pace for the sake of the dogs. Kudos to Marissa Clark and the Sussex Spaniel folks!!!!!
Congrats to Larry Cornelius and Marcelo Veras on their nuptials over the weekend. Larry and Marcelo were married in Key West in a small ceremony with close friends. We wish nothing but the best for this wonderful couple.
The flooding has hit many of the dog fanciers we know and see around the rings each weekend. According to Daryl Martin, longtime breeder and exhibitor Shannon Moberly lost her home, car, motorhome and personal belongings. Luckily, she was able to save herself and her dogs along with her late husband’s ashes, but the rest of her possessions are gone.
I received sad news this past weekend and wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Katherine Wurtz-Smoot on the loss of her mother. She had been battling cancer for some time. I was also very saddened to hear of the passing of Ralph DeLaFuente. Many of you remember Ralph as a long-time Shar-Pei enthusiast who owned Ch. Grayland’s Starlite Margaret aka “Margaret”. Margaret was the multiple Best In Show winner, who was shown to perfection by Vicki Seiler.
Congratulations to Bob Busby and Erika Bigott on their recent engagement! It will be great to see Erika stateside again. Speaking of stateside again, Scott Kipp paid a visit to Wisconsin from his new home in Germany recently.
The Fiesta Cluster, previously held in February at West World in Scottsdale, AZ has moved venues and dates. The cluster will now be held in November at a new location in Scottsdale that is said to have much better turf, and will be more exhibitor-friendly. Stay tuned for more information.
