Getting To Know Us is especially happy to write about long-time friends and fellow fanciers Mr. and Mrs. Herman L. Felton, owners of the Mandith Kennels in Marietta, Georgia, where more than 50 famous champions have been housed during the Felton’s years of activity in the world of purebred dogs.
Could Manhattan and Mystique be as successful if they were competing today? The breed has evolved, Moses says
The virus came in deadly silence. One by one, it stalked its victims. There was no immunity against it. Clinics and hospitals around the U.S., and the world, soon were overwhelmed with patients; fatality rates soared. Sound familiar? It should: the canine parvovirus outbreak in the late 1970s did to dogs what the 2020 coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak is doing to humans.
Frank Baylis of Bayshore Kennel and Farm in Toms Brook, Va. has lived the equivalent of several lives in his six decades. “If I ever write about my life, I think I’ll call it ‘Life in the Fast Lane,’” he says.
She became Mrs. Sam Warner in 1925 and in 1929 she would be the star of movies and productions directed by the likes of Frank Capra and Cecile B. DeMille.
Russell is just such a breeder. When asked if she’d like to talk about her kennel’s records or wins that were especially cherished, she simply replies “no.” Not that there aren’t accomplishments of which to be proud. Her website gives the statistics, but Russell admits that it’s out-of-date—she’s well past the 22 generations of her own breeding and more than 400 champions the site indicates. She’s been a board member of the Siberian Husky Club of America and was named their breeder of the year for three consecutive years. Her dogs have won their breed at Westminster and the Siberian Club of America National. But this is not what is important to her—rather, it’s the breed itself.
“She sure has an eye for a dog” is a compliment and an expression of respect. This honor and accolade is reserved for those few people who seem to be able to identify unerringly the highest quality dogs coming closest to the standard in many and even most breeds. Is this eye for a dog a natural gift, is it developed over time, and can anyone acquire it with enough time and effort?
Dog showing is an interesting sport, or game, or as many call it, a fancy. It brings together a melting pot of people who are rather obsessed with dogs and in particular their breed and their dogs. It showcases fabulous dogs and you get to meet friends who share your crazy passion. It sure is something which can be tons of furry fun!
There are numerous stories of heroic canine rescues and dogs that either have been trained or have learned to detect seizures, low blood sugar and some forms of cancer among other health issues. We all know that dogs are sensitive to our emotions. If there is tension and stress in the house or happiness, dogs respond. If you are having a good time, the dog always gets in on the fun. If you are feeling down or having a bad day, they seem to know and will put their head on your lap or a paw on your knee. If you are angry, they know to stay out of your way. But what about all those occasions when dogs do something intuitively, in many cases, things for which they have never been trained or taught? There are times when dogs display a “sixth sense” that is downright spooky.
Everyone has heard the phrase “the wind at your back”. It has been used by sailors and those struggling to succeed for decades. The idea is straightforward.
