It’s no secret that “purebred” has lost its cachet among the dog-buying public. At this point, the downward trend seems unstoppable and that is truly troubling. Possibly, the most ironic aspect of it is the fact that purebred ID remains the gold standard of buyer expectations. That hard-won brand image should be a source of pride. Instead it’s fast becoming fuel for that media bonfire. Let’s unravel this paradoxical mess.
Every time we pull out of the driveway, it’s imperative that we are driving a safe, reliable vehicle. This doesn’t mean it has to be a brand-new, shiny rig with every bell, button or whistle. It simply means it should be clean, reliable, well-maintained, and serviced. This also means having the appropriate type of vehicle to accommodate the number of dogs you intend to carry, your passengers and, of course, all of the necessary supplies and equipment. This is PRIORITY #1.
According to the IRS, AKC falls into the 501 (c) (4) nonprofit category: “Civic leagues, social welfare organizations and local associations of employees, created to promote community welfare for charitable, educational or recreational purposes.”
Have you ever stopped to consider that we have all been born with a particular gift of spirit? Some of us are healers, some are artists, others among us may be teachers, communicators–the list goes on. An old world legend tells how right before sending each of us to earth, God kissed His index finger and placed it upon the soft tissue just below our nose. The indentation that we all wear is how our special gift was infused into our bodies. “Born of free will,” the legend continues, “none of us may ever realize our gifts” and if we somehow stumble upon them, they may seem insignificant even though in years hence, one tiny, action grows into a mighty force. It’s not always a great act of heroism that advances understanding in the world. It’s often the small things that we do–one little ripple that spreads across a pond. And that is how I blend the lives of two of my favorite characters in Dogdom, Rudolph Tauskey and Maribeth O’Neill.
In a sport where results are based on the opinions of an individual guided by their knowledge of a breed and their interpretation of the breed standard, it’s easy to understand why there is so much discussion about judges. As we all know, depending on the results each day, the discussion about any particular judge at the show will trend positive or negative in short order.
In the 61 days of this coming August and September, 416 Best in Shows will be awarded. There’s nothing unusual about those particular 61 days, they just happen to be the numbers for the next two months. Any eight- or nine-week period will give you a similar number of dog shows to attend. You’ll have 147 chances to win a Best In Show in August and 269 chances to win one in September. At more than a few of those 416 dog shows, you’ll only have to defeat 250 dogs to take home the set of Yeti cups.
For you newcomers, there is a “seat at the table” at one of the dog clubs in your area. Quite frankly, it’s rather important that a local breed or all breed club welcomes new blood. It’s a two-way street for all involved. A newbie will gain experience in a number of different ways and a senior member finds someone to pass on their knowledge. All-Breed and Specialty clubs are in great need of a dose of new blood.
From inside and outside the rings at the ‘real’ BIG E, there were great summer outfits galore among the exhibitors, judges, club members, and officials. Here is just a taste of the best of the best during the days of Glam Cam coverage. Do you have a fav?
Will Alexander Drops Some Knowledge About What’s Happening in the Sport of Dogs. It’s Deep… It’s Humorous… It’s Provocative… It’s Will Unfiltered! Will Alexander has an in-depth conversation with Bruce Schwartz. Click here to watch on Canine Chronicle TV!
Click here to read the complete article 10 – August, 2023 GCH Hearthmore’s Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB GCHG Ingebar’s Tynan Dances With Wildflowers x GCH Nightline Heart Of Delarive CGC “Monty” Click here to read the complete article 10 – August, 2023
