Morris & Essex and Montgomery County week is right around the corner! If you have not gotten your entries in, you have until Friday, September 17th! MB-F is the superintendent. If you do not have your outfit picked out and need some pointers on what to wear, check out the most recent Closet Confidential segment with Elaine Lessig on Canine Chronicle TV (www.caninechronicletv.com). You can also get the scoop on Morris & Essex from show chair Wayne Ferguson.
I had the pleasure to attend the Blue Grass Cluster at the Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park this past weekend. It has been several years since I had the pleasure of going to the horse park AND attending the cluster. Those of you who have not had the opportunity to go to the Kentucky Horse Park [...]
Great handlers understand the fine line that separates expert presentation from sharp salesmanship. Careers and reputations hinge on the ability to showcase a dog without crossing that line. Handlers often cultivate a distinctive personal image to reinforce the impact.
“Although she came from a background in this sport, it was obvious from the start that Janie’s enthusiasm and dedication was off the charts. Even then, she demonstrated an exceptional ability to focus on the big picture and apply her talents, first and foremost an exceptionally good eye for dogs.”
It is with a very heavy heart that I report passing of poodle breeder and popular judge Peggy Hauck (http://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/remembering-peggy-hauck/). Peggy passed away last weekend after a valiant fight against illness for several months. We will miss Peggy’s smile and cheerful demeanor dearly, as will those who were so close to her. We extend our condolences to her husband, Guy.
Regrettably, the American Boxer Club has been forced to cancel their 2021 National Specialty. It was rescheduled from May to September due to venue challenges. ABC had no choice but to cancel this year’s show as a result of the hotel not being able to fulfill their contract. The volunteers of ABC work tirelessly to hold a premier national specialty and this comes as a huge disappointment to all involved. 2022 is right around the corner my friends, and I am sure that it will be a fantastic National Specialty.
Some of you may recall that back in May, Blizzard, a Miniature American Shepherd, got away from her handler at the Midland, Texas shows. Despite many exhibitors working very hard to try to find her and get her home–they even used a drone and an animal tracker–she was not found. Blizzard was new to dog shows. I believe this was the first time she was off the farm, and she was scared. Fast-forward nearly three months and a dog that resembles her gets stuck in a farmer’s fence nearly 5 hours away! A friend of the farmer posted the photograph on a Lost Pets group on social media, and that post was seen by a lab fancier nearby. That got the ball rolling. I am very pleased to report that Blizzard was reunited with her owner, Kayla Starnes, on Monday! This happy ending is due to so many people’s efforts and the power of the positive use of social media! Thank you to everyone who had a hand in helping to find Blizzard! Here’s hoping Kayla and Blizzard have a lot less excitement the next time she ventures off the farm!!!
Southern California fanciers lost a familiar voice this past weekend with the passing of Dick Vail. Dick was the announcer at most of the Southern California dog shows for many years and was loved by all that knew him. Dick’s son, Bill, has taken over his duties in recent years, but he still came to visit whenever possible. Rest In Peace, Dick. The Southern California shows will not be the same without you.
Those wishing to honor the memory of Connie can donate to the Golden Retrieve Club of America Foundation or Brighton Hospice.
