In Memory Of Mr. Johnny Shoemaker
It is with deep sadness we mourn the loss of Johnny Shoemaker, a legendary figure in the dog show world and a fashion icon whose influence spanned decades. Johnny, a longtime fancier and AKC Judge, spread love, enthusiasm, and joy to each and every person he encountered. Johnny was truly irresistible and irreplaceable.
Johnny’s incredible journey in dogs began in 1966 alongside his beloved Poodles. Johnny has worn many hats (sequin – of course) in the world of purebred dogs. For 25 years, he was a Dog Show Superintendent with Jack Bradshaw Dog Shows. Upon retirement, Johnny began his next career – which he was perhaps best known for – as an American Kennel Club Judge.
In 2001, Johnny began judging Poodles and Junior Showmanship. He went on to judge four AKC Groups, Best In Show and of course Junior Showmanship. Johnny had the honor of adjudicating at the AKC National Championship on multiple occasions; most recently the Toy Group in 2020 as well as Morris & Essex Kennel Club multiple times including the Non-Sporting Group in 2015. He also had the honor of judging Best Of Breed at Poodle Club Of America twice and prestigious assignments all over the world. In 2008, Johnny retired from a career in Management at Smith Barney; he loved retirement as he could spend more time learning new breeds and judging all over the world. Until his passing, Johnny served as an AKC Delegate for the Redwood Empire Kennel Club as well as serving on the AKC Dog Show Rules Committee.
Johnny was also responsible for the inception of the American Kennel Club Pee Wee Class Special Attraction, “a non-competitive, educational experience for children ages 5-9 and their adult companions.” As an AKC Delegate, Johnny submitted the proposal for this class to the AKC Board Of Directors and the very first Pee Wee Class in the USA was held at the 2015 Somerset Hills Kennel Club. Johnny was very proud of his responsibility as a Mentor of this class and enjoyed making dog shows fun for young children. Johnny couldn’t believe his surprise when a video of a young girl wearing pink showing her stuffed animal to him went viral!
Johnny considered judging a great honor and never charged a fee to judge – only his expenses! He always enjoyed his assignments, his friends all over the world, the children he mentored and of course the dogs. Johnny’s joy was absolutely infectious; he was a friend and mentor to each and every person he met, generous with his time and knowledge, gentle, and ever so kind. Johnny’s sparkling personality even shone brighter than his signature sequins.
Rest in peace, Johnny. Your smile, grace, and wisdom will be deeply missed. We send our love and condolences to his husband, Phil, family, friends, and the entire dog show community. We have lost one of our brightest stars.
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