One would have to be far out of the loop if they weren’t catching some of the controversy that has been escalating of late when it comes to the topic of the Owner vs. the Professional Handler. I think my recent articles may have precipitated others to pen their thoughts on this hot button. Oh well…I might have been one of the first…but I won’t be the last to try and figure out what the disconnect on this might be.
There was a shortage of stewards in Mason City, Iowa this past weekend. Some judges had to handle their ring on their own. These situations are more prevalent than normal due to the current crazy times. If you are available during the day, or have a few-hour break, checking in with the show chair to see if you can help out would be appreciated! If we all pitch in a bit, clubs will not get frustrated and throw in the towel!
AKC exhibitors have become accustomed to new breeds popping up in the group lineups. In many respects, their presence represents a refreshing turnaround from AKC’s traditional begrudging reluctance to admit new breeds. They didn’t do it very often, and when they did, the process was generally a chaotic affair. Over the years, breeds have been admitted to the studbook sans viable gene pools, written standards, or organized clubs.
Buggs first tested his mettle mid-summer when his owners took the daring step of shipping him by air via Western Union’s newly launched messenger service. Cargo holds wouldn’t be temperature-controlled or pressurized for decades, but Buggs survived the two-hour flight from New York to Boston. From there, he traveled by hired car to Rhode Island for the Newport show and promptly confirmed his potential by taking Breed from the classes.
The lives lost there have been compounded by the many workers and first responders that sacrificed their health and, ultimately their lives, after the fact. Especially in the early days, Ground Zero was a treacherous place to be. The initial forays through the wreckage were primarily K9 Search and Rescue teams. Hundreds of them descended on NYC from all over the world. And like their human teammates, many of them suffered as a result of that hazardous job. My point is that Man’s Best Friend regularly proves his mettle. Like I said, I’m all for dog monuments.
So many in our sport missed being at Montgomery County, Devon and Hatboro this past weekend. Not only did they miss attending these great shows, but this year was also the year Morris and Essex KC was scheduled to hold their quinquennial (once every five years) event.
Uniformity and predictability are familiar allegations leveled at our sport by purebred detractors. Among the breeds frequently targeted to illustrate the detrimental impact of that objective is, rather ironically, the Bulldog.
The Fiesta Dogs Shows scheduled for November 19-November 25th at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler, Arizona will open RV and reserved grooming at noon on Friday, October 2nd. Those interested should go to the website at www.fiestadogshows.com.
The entry limit for the National Dog Show Hosted by the Kennel Club
of Philadelphia has been increased to 600 dogs.
The Tri-State Kennel Club and Rolla Missouri Kennel Clubs are proud to present The Turkey Trot Cluster
