In Memory of Lee Canalizo

We received the very sad news that Lee Canalizo of Palm Harbor, Florida passed away on December 22. Lee was a retired AKC judge, breeder of Sighthounds, artist and silversmith. She was a kind, talented smart lady whose smile always lit up the room.

Lee began breeding Afghan Hounds in the 1960s and Salukis shortly after. She prided herself on the generations of typey correct-moving Afghans she produced that can be found in the pedigrees of dogs today. Beyond her Sighthounds, Lee had a deep love for her German Shepherd Dogs.

Lee began judging Afghan Hounds in the 1970s. At the time of her retirement, she was approved for five AKC groups and various other breeds. Appropriately, her last AKC judging assignment was the Afghan Hound Club of America National Specialty in 2013. Lee judged at every prestigious event in the USA including Westminster Kennel Club, the AKC National Championship and many others.

Lee was also an accomplished artist and silversmith known for her beautiful pieces often including her beloved Sighthounds. Above all else, Lee was always a bright light and a joy to be around.

“Lee was a dear friend who never met a stranger,” said Tom Grabe, Publisher of The Canine Chronicle. “Her prowess as a judge was matched by her ability to ‘talk dogs’ with anyone. She is a person that every judge should remember and model their behavior after. Everyone loved Lee. I am fortunate to have known her and her husband, Jim, and to have called them friends.”

In her son, Michael’s, words, “Her bright light, endless smile and love of her family in dogs and the art world made her complete.” Anyone who wishes to donate in her memory may donate to Take The Lead, or the Afghan Hound, Saluki or German Shepherd Dog rescue.

The Canine Chronicle extends our deepest condolences to Lee’s family, her children Michael, Patrick and Ronni, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=254181

Posted by Gia on Dec 22 2022. Filed under Breaking News, Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.