From The Publisher

Over the past four years, our July issue has become a favorite of our readers because it features Westminster and owner-handlers.

This year’s July issue will be the last with WKC coverage since the show is moving back to its long-time home in Manhattan. While we applaud this move and look forward to being back in “the City” in February 2025, we are celebrating this year’s Westminster Kennel Club dog show on the pages of this issue.

Westminster 2024 was special in so many ways. The weather was great for showing dogs. The show featured its usual keen breed competition watched by throngs of people, and the groups had great attendance each evening. The signage, decor and flowers reminded us of Westminsters past. There were ample opportunities for everyone attending the show to have a special memory of this event–win or lose.

Fittingly, Best In Show was the highlight of the entire WKC weekend. It felt like the end of a blockbuster movie with handler Kaz Hosaka piloting the great Miniature Poodle, GCHG Surrey Sage, who he also bred and owned, to Best In Show. When Mrs. Rosalind Kramer pointed to Sage, Kaz broke down in tears while the crowd roared its approval. It was an emotional moment for all who knew and loved him.

Just over a month after that incredible victory, the joyous emotion turned to heartbreak and sadness. The news of Kaz Hosaka’s death on Sunday, June 23, 2024, sent shockwaves across the country and around the world. It seemed, to many, like time stood still for a moment. It was impossible to process the news. How could someone so beloved be gone in an instant?

Posted by AnthonyA on Jul 10 2024. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.