Thank you to Carol White-Moser for sharing her experience during and regarding the devastating tornadoes in East Texas last week.

By Carol White-Moser

I want to thank everyone who checked in with me after the tornado that blasted through East Texas. Most were very concerned; I think some hoped secretly that I had ‘bought the farm’. The devastation resulting from F4 wind is stunning. A young man had just built a brand new Dodge truck place, fancy and fully stocked, ready to begin his life – there was not a piece of metal left that measured longer than two feet and a woman who took refuge there off of I-20 in her car was found dead in a creek behind the dealership.

My small town of Canton (pop 3500) has 11 dead, 49 injured and 5000 buildings destroyed or damaged. Have not seen FEMA, the Red Cross has been remarkably ill tempered, but the Salvation Army and the churches here have shown heroic efforts. Speaking of heroes, the hundreds of power trucks here from six states have been amazing. I had forgotten over the past few years how much of a country of competent, meet any situation, we are. I watched ten trucks completely reestablish a half mile line down a state highway in a half hour. Everything that had been before, trees, frences, houses, barns, had simply vanished.

Fortunately, not many animals seem to have been harmed. We had the Texas Task Force 2 Search and Rescue squadron here with their search and rescue dogs, but they were able to wrap up in two days. Two of our veterinarians lost their ranches, but within ten hours dozens of people were driving pickups in their pastures pulling stock trailers, and with their horses and herding dogs were rounding up all the livestock and taking them to safety. I am proud of my community and my church, and I remember now why I love my country so much.

May 2, 2017 – I just left my favorite Mexican restaurant. They just got power today and are serving a free buffet to all. The power guys are here stocking up on coffee and food and heading right back out. They are tired and dirty, but they are not quitting. Given a chance…people are good.

By Cheslie Pickett

The Smoky Mountain Cluster held their shows last weekend, October 31st through November 3^rd at Chilhowee Park in Knoxville, Tennessee. The Smoky Mountain Cluster is comprised of the Oak Ridge Kennel Club and the Tennessee Valley Kennel Club. These clubs should be commended for hosting a meticulously planned event full of extracurricular activities that were of great enjoyment to exhibitors.  The proceeds of all events held during this cluster were donated to Take the Lead and The Children’s Hospital of Knoxville.

Friday morning opened with a bake sale. The table was beautifully decorated with many unique and delicious items for sale. There were gourmet cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, and homemade cakes, pies and cookies, as well as various other pastries. Linda Pitts, Jackie Beaudoin and Franco Licciardi spent the day working at the bake sale, along with several other club members. The bake sale completely sold out, raising a hefty amount for the two charities.

“Chuck a Duck” is always a fun activity for exhibitors. For this activity, exhibitors and spectators purchase rubber ducks, then attempt to throw them on to a target in the center of the Best in Show ring prior to Best in Show judging. The person who throws their duck closest to the target wins half of the money raised selling the ducks. “Chuck a Duck” was held prior to Best in Show several days during the cluster.  To the delight of exhibitors, each day there were several armband drawings for gas gift cards. The winning armbands were pulled through out the group judging. Also during Friday and Saturday, the clubs hosted a raffle, offering some exciting items. Some items included flat screen television, designer handbags and gift cards, however two of the most coveted raffle items were a trip to an elite luxury golf resort and a trip to a mountain bed and breakfast. The raffle drawings were scheduled for Saturday night, during the Mexican fiesta dinner.

The club’s final benefit was the Mexican fiesta dinner, catered by Moe’s Southwest Grill. In addition to the delicious Mexican food, there was a fancy dessert table with various candies and a tiered cake. During the dinner, there was music, games of bingo and the raffle drawings. This dinner was an awesome event full of camaraderie and fun among the exhibitors.

Overall, I would highly recommend attending the Smoky Mountain Cluster next year.  This cluster offered so many fun events for exhibitors to enjoy, all of which benefited two very worthy causes, Take the Lead and The Children’s Hospital of Knoxville.

As a first time attendee to the Hatboro Dog Club, Devon Dog Show Association, and Montgomery County Kennel Club dog shows, I was extremely impressed by the obvious commitment that each show committee gives to running these celebrated and prestigious events. All breed and terrier enthusiasts alike gathered from all over the world to be a part of these unique events. Their energy and enthusiasm was felt throughout the show each day.

The Hatboro Dog Club held their show on Thursday and Friday, October 3^rd and 4^th in Wrightstown, Pennsylvania.  This club hosts a multitude of specialties and supported entries, for many terrier breeds, but also for Greyhounds, Salukis, and German Shepherd Dogs.  The judging panel included many breed and group specialists.  There were notable entries of all terrier breeds, but topping the show were 83 Miniature Schnauzers on Thursday and 86 Kerry Blue Terriers on Friday.  Many of the terrier breeds took an entire day to judge, making the Terrier Group to be the last group judged.  The crowd gathered each day to watch the Terrier Group and Best in Show judging.  On Thursday, Mrs. Keke Kahn awarded GCh. Afterall Painting The Sky Best in Show. Sky is a Wire Fox Terrier handled by Gabriel Rangel for owners Victor Malzoni Jr., Torie Steele, Diane Ryan and S and M Olund. Her Reserve Best in Show was the Portuguese Water Dog, GCh. Claircreek Impression de Matisse.  Matisse is handled by Michael Scott for owners Milan Lint, Peggy Helming and Donna Gottdenker.  On Friday, Mr. Desmond Murphy awarded the aforementioned Wire Fox Terrier Best in Show and the Afghan Hound, GCh. Tells Matrix Reloaded Reserve Best in Show. Matrix is handled by Chris Manelopoulos for owner Missy Ann Galloway.

Exhibitors and spectators then made the drive to Ludwigs Corner Horse Show Grounds for the Devon Dog Show Association on Saturday, October 5th. This was the largest of the All Breed shows held this weekend, with over 2000 dogs entered.   Mr. Clay Coady had the honor of judging this esteemed event’s Best in Show. He awarded top honors to GCh. Shaireab’s Bayleigh Maid of Honor, a Welsh Terrier, handled by Luiz Abreu for owners Sharon Abmeyer, Keith Bailey, T Lee and X Xie. His Reserve Best in Show was the Irish Water Spaniel, GCh. Whistlestop’s Riley On Fire, who is handled by Richard Krieger for owners Tom and Bethany Urban and Gregory Siner.

The illustrious Montgomery County Kennel Club was the finale event, taking place on Sunday. Crowds surrounded each breed ring, with some rings attracting crowds of five people deep. Many of the breed judging was a day long event, beginning in the morning, breaking for lunch, and finishing in the afternoon – with some breeds, such as Wire Fox Terriers finishing only a few minutes before Best in Show judging which began at 4:00 pm. There was a mournful announcement before Best in Show judging that Mr. Walter Goodman, Skye Terrier icon and President Emeritus of the Montgomery County Kennel Club, had passed away that afternoon.  There was a moment of silence in his memory, followed by a hearty round of applause for Mr. Goodman.

Mrs. Roberta Campbell was center stage for the judging of Best in Show. Her procedure for each exhibit was a down and back, and then a go around to the center of the ring to free stack. This was quite dramatic and also allowed the entirety of the crowd to see each Best of Breed winner well.  She awarded the Wire Fox Terrier, GCh Afterall Painting The Sky, Best in Show, following with the Russell Terrier, GCh. Goldsands Columbus, the Miniature Schnauzer, GCh. Allaruth Just Kidding V Sole Baye, and the Lakeland Terrier GCh. Larkspur Acadia Save Me A Spot.

As a first time attendee to the Santa Barbara Kennel Club, I was looking forward to the trip with great anticipation. I had only heard the most gushing of comments about the show – the high quality of dogs, the opulence of the special events and the special attention to detail to all facets of the show. I must admit that I was very impressed by the show and that the experience lived up to my great expectations.

The show is held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. The show site is spread out with various areas for outdoor rings, an indoor building for most Toy and Terrier breeds, and an arena used by the Santa Barbara Kennel Club for special events and various judging.  The show site is neatly manicured and is especially beautiful in the typical California weather.

The Friday show kicked off with the Simi Valley Kennel Club hosting on Friday, August 23^rd.  Mrs. Anne Savory Bolus judged Best in Show and awarded Best in Show to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, GCh. Coventry Allure at Wyndstar. “Allie” is handled by Jenny Wornall-Rangel and owned by Alexandra Geremia and William Shelton. Mrs. Bolus awarded Reserve Best in Show to the Wire Fox Terrier, GCh. Afterall Painting The Sky. “Sky” is handled by Gabriel Rangel and owned by Victor Malzoni Jr. , Torie Steele, Mary Olund and Diane Ryan.

The Santa Barbara Kennel Club’s show was updated the grounds from the previous date with banners and landscaping. The committee members were dressed to the nines and ready for a full day of regular breed judging, as well as special events.  The club had a stunning trophy table for the winners of the show, special events, and Breeders Showcase.  The regular classes ended with Mr. Luis Pinto Teixeira from Libson, Portugal awarding the previous mentioned Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Wire Fox Terrier Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show, respectively.

The evening judging started with the Bullyganza and Sight Hound Spectacular events taking place in the arena. These particular events invite the Best of Breed, Best of Winners, and Best of Opposite Winners from Saturday’s breed judging in all sight hound and “bully” breeds to participate.  These two events ran simultaneously in large grass rings and attracted a large crowd. Both events offered cash prizes to the first through fourth placements, as well as to the Award of Merits. Mr. Marcelo Veras awarded first in the Bullyganza event to the White Bull Terrier, Bestuvall Take It Easy, owned by David Merriam and Jan Dykema. Mr. Bo Bengston awarded first in the Sight Hound Spectacular to the Greyhound, GCh. Grandcru Phelps Insignia, owned by Melanie Steele, P Caddell, C Dabbs, Amy Phelan, and her handler, Rindi Gaudet.

The Breeders Showcase was next on the schedule. It was held in the same manner as the previous special events, as two groups run simultaneously, while exhibitors and spectators that are not showing enjoy a fabulous dinner sponsored by The Canine Chronicle.  The Breeders Showcase begins on the group level, with pairs of dogs with one common breeder. The breeder does not have to be a handler in the event. The judges of this event were only the most premier breeders from across the country.

The major awards of this evening included Ms. Lynda Gall awarding the Sporting Group to a pair of German Wirehaired Pointers bred by Franz Neuwirth and Christine Whitmore. The Hound Group was one of the largest of the night and was topped by a pair of Norwegian Elkhounds bred by Mrs. Patricia Trotter, judged by Mrs. Susan LaCroix-Hamil.  Ms. Sylvia Hammarstrom awarded a pair of Boxers first in the Working Group, with the common breeder of Kimberlie Steele, while Ms. Connie clark awarded the Terrier Group to two Airedale Terriers bred by Georgia McRae & Barbara Fakkema. Mr. David Fitzpatrick awarded a lovely pair of Toy Poodles the Toy Group, bred by: Ray & Sharon Stevens. Dr. John Reeve-Newson awarded two Bulldogs the Non-Sporting Group, bred by Dennis and Terri O’Conner. These bulldogs would eventually be awarded Reserve Best in Show, to the Herding Group winners, the Pembroke Welsh Corgis, bred by William Shelton, Steve Leyerly and Beckie Williams. The pair of Pembroke Welsh Corgis also included the Best in Show winner from the Friday and Saturday regular judging. The Herding Group was judged by Mr. Guy Jeavons.

Mr. Geir Flyct-Pedersen from North Carolina and Mr. Augusto Benedicto Santos from the Phillipines were given the job of choosing between the seven lovely pairs of dogs. The Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Bulldogs walked away with the major awards of the evening, plus $1500 and $1000 cash prizes.

Sunday’s judging ended with Dr. John Reeve-Newson judging Best in Show. He is a long time member of the Santa Barbara Kennel Club and attended his first Santa Barbara event in the 1970s. He awarded the Wire Fox Terrier, GCh. Afterall Painting the Sky, Best in Show. He also awarded the French Bulldog, GCh. Lebull’s El Morocco At Lecirque, Reserve Best in Show. He is owned by Alexandra Geremia and handled by Christian Rangel.

Previous to the Best in Show judging, Mr. Marcelo Veras and Mr. Larry Cornelius judged the Foreign Bred competition. In this special event, the two judges eached judged half of the entries and made a cut of dogs to return to the final judging. The final judging awarded the Standard Poodle, GCh. Del Zarzoso Salvame From Afterglow, first place in the Foreign Bred Competition. “Dino” is handled by Amy Rutherford for owners Sloan Barnett, George Sinderman Sr., Michael Gadsby and Jason Lynn.

The Conejo Kennel Club hosted the final show on Monday. Many of the judges returned from the Friday Simi Valley Kennel Club.  The Simi Valley and Conejo judges were able to play tourist during the weekend of the Santa Barbara Shows. Mr. David Bolus awarded Best in Show to the Saluki, GCh. Aurora’s The Song And Dance Man, owned and handled by Eugene Blake and Julie Mueller. Reserve Best in Show was the Maltese, Ch. Scylla’s Small Kraft Re-Lit, handled by owner Tara Martin Rowell, for owners Ron Scott and Debbie Burke.

Kudos to the Simi Valley Kennel Club, the Santa Barbara Kennel Club, and the Conejo Kennel Club for organizing this top class event. Local exhibitors and visitors from a far raved about this special show, with it’s unique competitions and it’s out of the ordinary panache.

Labrador Retriever

Judge: Mr. Robert Eisele

Best of Breed: Ch. Doubleplay’s It’s Time To Fly

Owner: Kim Riggins

Pharaoh Hound

Judge: Mrs. Houston Clark

Best of Breed: DC Bija Kamaraj Triton of Galadrial SC BN

Owner: Sheila Hoffman & Margaret Worth

Whippet

Judge: Mrs. Houston Clark

Best of Breed: GCh. Bo-Bett’s Quick Pick

Owner: Carol Harris

Boxer

Judge: Mr. Bruce Voran 

Best of Breed: GCh. Winfall I Dream of Style

Owner: C & K Robbins, T Porter, L Stanton & J Pinson

Great Dane

Judge: Mr. Chuck Winslow

Best of Breed: GCh. Longo Miller N Lore Diamond Lil

Owner: T Long0, J Miller, L Matherly & C Crawford

Smooth Fox Terrier

Judge: Mr. Robert Black

Best of Breed: Ch. Laurelton We Dig Sin City

Owner: Doris Carder & Scott Sturgill

Norwich Terrier

Judge: Mr. Robert Black

Best of Breed: Ch. Roserock’s Atticus Finch

Owner: Alejandro Garza & Manuel Edgar Lopez

Chinese Crested

Judge: Mr. Chuck Winslow

Best of Breed: Ch. Pegasus Ace In The Hole

Owner: Tracey Watson

Miniature Pinscher

Judge: Col. Joe Purkhiser

 Best of Breed: GCh. Kisa The Iceman Cometh V Marlex

Owner: Larry & Penny Dewey

Papillon 

Judge: Col. Joe Purkhiser

Best of Breed: GCh. Involo The King of Pop

Owner: Madeline Mosing & Gia Garofalo

Boston Terrier

Judge: Miss Virginia Lyne

Best of Breed: GCh. KC’s Just Out of Reach

Owner: Karen Bogenholm & Judy King

French Bulldog

Judge: Mr. Robin Stansell 

Best of Breed: Ch. Bandog’s Major League Homerun At TX Star

Owner: Nancy Shaw & Craig Stephens

Australian Shepherd

Judge: Mr. Dana Cline

Best of Breed: Ch. Harmony Hill’s Money Talks

Owner: Leon Goetz & Heather Braddock

Shetland Sheepdog

Judge: Linda Riedel 

Best of Breed: Ch. Kismet’s Amazing Grace

Owner: Sandra Benton & Guy & Thelma Mauldin

Saluki

Judge: Mrs. Robert Forsyth

Best of Breed: GCh. Sandstorm Blue Nile Bubbles of Jatara

Owner: Sandra Middlebrooks, J Harrington & S Winsted

Whippet

Judge: Dr. Kenneth Levison

Best of Breed: Ch. Bretica Not To Be Forgotten

Owner: Renice Zimmerman & Penny Lewis

Akita

Judge: Mrs. Robert  Smith

Best of Breed: GCh. Ruthdales Candy From A Baby

Owner: Richard & Linda Stark

Doberman Pinscher

Judge: Mrs. Robert Smith

Best of Breed: GCh. Tiburon Ariel Bella Dona

Owner: Melinda & Tommy Moyer & Kathy & Jerry Drake

Smooth Fox Terrier

Judge: Mrs. Robert Forsyth

Best of Breed: GCh. Lil’Itch Steeplechase

Owner: Madeline Aroney, A Harwood-Aroney & Trudy Haines

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Judge: Mrs. Houston (Toddie) Clark

Best of Breed: Ch. Kinvaar Make Pretend

Owner: Gayle Reardon

Long Coat Chihuahua

Judge: Mr. Charles Trotter

Best of Breed: GCh. Tamerlane Queso Loco

Owner: Alex Moore & Beth Overstreet

Smooth Coat Chihuahua

Judge: Mr. Charles Trotter

Best of Breed: Ch. Krispin Ever Done Good

Owner: Jackie Breazeale, S F Guthrie & Beth Overstreet

Miniature Pinscher

Judge: Mrs. Robert Forsyth

Best of Breed: GCh. Marlex Kisa Wildfire

Owner: Kim Noel, Joanne Wilds & Armando Angelbello

Bulldog

Judge: Mrs. Patricia Trotter

Best of Breed: GCh. Mytoys Epic Against The Wind

Owner: Dennis Scott, T & Linda O’Conner & A McDearmon

Chinese Shar-Pei 

Judge: Ms. Donna Conod

Best of Breed: Ch. Xu-Fei N O-Na-Pei Keep On Dreamin

Owner: Dorothy Schuerman & Ann Cookson

French Bulldog

Judge: Mr. Randy Garren

Best of Breed: GCh. Bandog’s Major League Homerun at TX Star

Owner: Nancy Shaw & Craig Stephens

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Judge: Dr. Robert D. Smith

Best of Breed: Ch. Riverside Telltail Coco Posh

Owner: Dina Planche, Deborah Shindle & Julie Divens

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Judge: Dr. Robert D Smith

Best of Breed: Ch. Coventry Just A Little Crush

Owner: J & J Johnson, B Shelton, S Leyerly & B Williams

Shetland Sheepdog

Judge: Dr. Robert Smith

Best of Breed: Ch. Kismet’s Serendipity Caress

Owner: Patricia Dody & Guy & Thelma Mauldin

Italian Greyhound

Judge: Mrs. Sally Ray Baugniet

Best of Breed: Ch. Fiore Lorenc Gimme Gumbo At Peeks Bayou

Owner: Darin Peek

Pointer

Judge: Mrs. Linda Riedel

Best of Breed: GCh. Chesterhope State of T Art

Owner: Jennifer Mosing & Jordyn O’Neil

Golden Retriever

Judge: Mr. Charles Trotter

Best of Breed: GCh. Rush Hill’s Drama’Geddon JH

Owner: Mark & Tonya Struble & Cathy Meddaugh

Giant Schnauzer

Judge: Mrs. Robert Forsyth

Best of Breed: GCh. Skansen’s Havannah

Owner: Stephen & Cynthia Sansone

Great Dane

Judge: Ms. Donna Conod

Best of Breed: GCh. Longo Miller N Lore Diamond Lil

Owner: T Longo & J Miller & L Matherly & C Crawford

Havanese 

Judge: Mrs. Sally Ray Baugniet

Best of Breed: Ch. Knapdale More Than Dancing

Owner: Ellen Payne

Papillon

Judge: Mrs. Robert D Smith

Best of Breed: GCh. Wildfire On The Record

Owner: Nancy Shaw & Angela Pickett & Cheslie Pickett

Border Collie

Judge: Mrs. Linda Riedel

Best of Breed: GCh. Tang Dynasty Rocky

Owner: Tang Nan & Henry Su

Bouvier des Flandres

Judge: Ms. Beverly Capstick

Best of Breed: GCh. Stonepillars Steele Blu

Owner: Julianna & Daniel Garrison & Elaine Paquette

Pointer

Judge: Miss Virginia Lyne

Best of Breed: GCh. Chesterhope State of T Art

Owners: Jennifer Mosing & Jordyn O’Neil

Labrador Retriever

Judge: Miss Virginia Lyne

Best of Breed: Ch. Doubleplay’s It’s Time To Fly

Owner: Kim Riggins

Weimeraner

Judge: Mr. Houston Clark

Best of Breed: GCh. Win’Weim’s It’s My Grey Goose Brom 

Owners: Dr. Dana Massey & Susan Line

Great Dane

Judge: Mr. Robin Stansell 

Best of Breed: GCh. Longo Miller N Lore Diamond Lil

Owners: T Longo, J Miller, L Matherly & C Crawford

Long Coat Chihuahua

Judge: Mr. Dana Cline

Best of Variety: GCh. Tamerlane Queso Loco

Owners: Alex Moore & Beth Overstreet

Smooth Coat Chihuahua

Judge: Mr. Dana Cline

Best of Variety: Ch. Promenade Ring O Fire

Owner: Linda Hughes

Papillon

Judge: Miss Virginia Lyne

Best of Breed: GCh. Wildfire On The Record

Owners: Nancy Shaw, Angela Pickett & Cheslie Pickett

Border Collie

Judge: Mrs. Patricia Trotter

Best of Breed: GCh. F Si A Ge of Fu You Uyan Kennel

Owners: Jennifer Mosing, Jing Li & Nan Zhang

Whippet

Judge: Mrs. Robert (Polly) Smith 

Best of Breed: GCh. Bo-Bett’s Quick Pick

Owner: Carol Harris

Pembroke Welsh Corgi 

Judge: Ms. Beverly Capstick 

Best of Breed: Ch. Coventry Just A Little Crush

Owners: J & J Johnson, B Shelton, S Leyerly & B Williams

Italian Greyhound

Judge: Dr. Robert D. Smith

Best of Breed: GCh. Voici Island of Mykonos

Owners: Layla Griffioen & Renie Conrad

Yorkshire Terrier

Judge: Dr. Robert D. Smith

Best of Breed: GCh. Trios Big Shot

Owner: Kim Goldfarb

Bulldog

Judge: Mrs. Cindy Stansell

Best of Breed: GCh. Mytoys Epic Against The Wind

Owners: Dennis Scott, T & L O’Conner & A McDearmon

Saluki 

Judge: Mr. Dana Cline

Best of Breed: GCh. Sandstorm Blue Nile Bubbles of Jatara

Owners: Sandra Middlebrooks, J Harrington & S Winsted

Golden Retriever
Judge: Mr. Dana Cline

Best of Breed: GCh. Rush Hill’s Drama’Geddon JH

Owners: Tonya & Mark Struble & Cathy Meddaugh

Vizsla

Judge: Mr. Houston Clark

GCh. Regal Point Pinnacle of Kilauea JH

Owners: Sandra Middlebrooks, D Verret, S Rushing & D Sullivan

Doberman Pinscher

Judge: Mr. Robin Stansell

Best of Breed: GCh. Tiburon Ariel Bella Dona

Owners: Melinda & Tommy Moyer & Kathy & Jerry Drake

Smooth Fox Terrier

Judge: Mr. Robert Shreve

Best of Breed: GCh. High Mtn Everso Smooth

Owners: Stefanie Snavely & Carolyn Perrine

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Judge: Mr. Randy Garren

Best of Breed: Forestcreek Louisiana Lagniappe

Owners: Dr. Kevin & Dr. Debra Cline

Chinese Crested

 Judge: Dr. Robert D Smith

Best of Breed: GCh. Kaylen’s Girls Just Want To Have Fun

Owners: Virginia Dorris & Kay Peiser

Miniature Pinscher

Judge: Mrs. Houston (Toddie) Clark

Best of Breed: GCh. Marlex Kisa Wildfire

Owners: Kim Noel, Joanne Wilds & Armando Angelbello

Toy Poodle

Judge: Mr. Randy Garren

Best of Variety: GCh. Donnchada Angel Wings At Dulcinea

Owners: Sue Talkington & Elizabeth Brown

Australian Shepherd

Judge: Mrs. Linda Riedel

Best of Breed: Ch. Harmony Hill’s Money Talks

Owners: Leon Goetz & Heather Braddock

French Bulldog

Judge: Mrs. Cindy Stansell

Best of Breed: GCh. Bandog’s Major League Homerun At Tx Star

Owners: Nancy Shaw & Craig Stephens

Check back for more breed results from Houston Kennel Club! 

Texas Coastal Brittany Club 

Judge: Mrs. Robert D. Smith

Best in Specialty Show: GCh. Rainbow Splash’s Ruggedly Handsome

Handler: Clint Livingston

Owner: Carolee Douglas, J & A Andras, K Mogan & A Cone

Houston Boxer Club, Inc. 

Judge: Mr. Dana Cline

Best in Specialty Show: GCh. Winfall I Dream of Style

Handler: Michael Shepherd

Owner: C & K Robbins, T Porter, L Stanton & J Pinson

West Highland White Terrier Club of Southeast Texas

Judge: Mr. Robert Black

Best in Specialty: GCh. Deerhaven Hez Justin Kredible At Orion

Handler: Rebecca Cross

Owner: D Bouderra, I Keushgenian, J & G Kays & D & P Zendel

Italian Greyhound Club of Greater Houston

Judge: Mrs. Robert Forsyth

Best in Specialty Show: GCh. Trotwood July Fourth Rocket of Bo-Bett

Handler: Justin Smithey

Owner: Polly Swindell

Bluebonnet Cardigan Welsh Corgi Club

Judge: Ms. Kim Shira

Best in Specialty Show: GCh. Riverside Telltail Coco Posh

Handler: Lois DeMers

Owner: Dina Planche, Deborah Shindle & Juliet Divens

Gulf Coast German Shorthaired Pointer Club

Judge: Dr. Robert Smith 

Best in Specialty Show: Ch. Ehrenvogel Achy Breaky Heart 

Owner: Carlene Swensson & Marina Renee Lara DVM

Lone Star English Setter Club

Judge: Mrs. Patricia Trotter

Best in Specialty Show: GCh. Lochlomond’s Wrapped Up In You JH 

Owner: Sarah Kuniansky & Frazier Neal

San Jacinto Beagle Club 

Judge: Mrs. Gloria Geringer

Best in Specialty Show: Ch. Encore’s Rerun of Roirdan

Hander: Carol Herr

Owner: Cathy Kaplan, T Nesmith, E Dziuk & C Herr

Lone Star Akita Club of Houston

Judge: Ms. Nancy Amburgey

Best in Specialty Show: GCh. Ruthdales Candy From A Baby

Handler: Laurie Jordan-Fenner

Owner: Richard & Linda Stark

Miniature Pinscher Club of Greater Houston Texas

Judge: Ms. Peggy Lloyd

Best in Specialty Show: GCh. Kisa The Iceman Cometh V Marlex

Handler: Larry Dewey

Owner: Larry & Penny Dewey

Lhasa Apso Club of Greater Houston, Inc. 

Judge: Mrs. Carol Jean Nelson

Best in Specialty Show: Ch. Charlie Just Like His Dad

Handler: Lois DeMers

Owner: Dr. Maria Henley

Bluebonnet Poodle Club

Judge: Mrs. Houston (Toddie) Clark

Best in Specialty Show: Ch. Dawin Hearts On Fire

Handler: Sarah Perchick

Owner: Linda Campbell

Check back for more Best in Specialty Show winners from the Houston Combined Specialty Association!

The severe weather in Watkinsville, Georgia is shocking to regular exhibitors at the Oconee River Kennel Club, as eighty to ninety degree weather is typical for this area in early May. Although The Oconee Kennel Club holds their annual show under permanent cover on concrete and carpeted rings at the Oconee Heritage Park, the steady, heavy rain and up to forty mile per hour winds have transformed their usual show grounds into a flooded, muddy, and slippery area, even under their covered pavilion.

Exhibitors report that the grooming area and parts of the under cover rings are flooded. As a result of the uncomfortable conditions,  many exhibitors left the show early, causing an abundance of absentees in many breeds. The show committee has alerted those traveling in motorhomes that the club will cover the costs of tow trucks, as many RVs and motorhomes are stuck in the red sludge. However, these exhibitors must wait until after the show has concluded to be pulled out by the tow truck company hired by the club.

Photos by Arvind DeBraganca.

By: Cheslie Pickett

Dick Dickerson, of Springfield, Tennessee, has played an integral part of the Chihuahua Club of America National Specialty show committee for many years, including the 2013 Rotating National Specialty in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, although not in a traditional capacity. Dickerson’s position on the show committee is the “Official Greeter”, an undertaking which he takes extremely seriously. Each day during the National Specialty, he will speak to each and every individual that is watching or participating in the event. He introduces himself, welcomes the individual and thanks the individual for their attendance on behalf of the Chihuahua Club of America. He engages new exhibitors and long time breeders alike, shaking their hands, asking if they have any questions or have any requests to make their time at the National Specialty more enjoyable. Dickerson has a warm and sincere disposition while completing his duty. His final task is to once again acknowledge and express gratitude to the spectators, exhibitors, judges, and members of the show committee after the completion of Best of Breed judging. Dickerson serves as an official greeter for his local Specialty club as well. It is evident that he possesses true southern charm and enjoys bestowing it on those who share his love of Chihuahuas.

The Chihuahua Club of America’s extra step in assurance of hospitality and reception should be a concept considered by All Breed and Specialty clubs. An official greeter is just one simple idea for clubs to provide a friendly and positive atmosphere for those attending. In addition to having Dickerson as an official greeter, the Chihuahua Club of America’s judges and show committee members had an amiable and welcoming demeanor, which will surely be appreciated through future entries and affirmative feedback. The Chihuahua Club of America’s entire show committee, including Dick Dickerson, was receptive and amiable, and should be applauded!