ENTERING OUR 29TH YEAR
As you begin to read the one thousand and four hundred and fifty second issue of DOG NEWS keep in mind that but for super storm Sandy this would have been our 1,453rd issue! This storm succeeded in doing what neither 9/11 nor the infamous New York City blackout of the ‘90’s could do which of course was to prevent for the first time the weekly publication of this magazine. And it is with renewed dedication we begin the year 2013 notwithstanding our continued grief and concern for the schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut generally and for little Jack Pinto specifically. Jack was a grandson of Tony and June Pinto, longtime concerned dog breeders and for sure extended members of our close knit dog family. Such a vicious and unnecessary incident which must not be forgotten and which needs immediate re-visitation of the American situation regarding gun control as well as a reinterpretation of gun laws generally and a ban for sure on assault weapons. Certainly donations in Jack’s name to the Newtown Animal Control Facility would be appropriate from all of us but what better way to make our voices heard than to insist to our legislators that they revisit immediately these gun control laws and act to help if not totally prevent such an incident from recurring by at least making it more difficult for these irrational and mad reactions to recur at all.
was a major plus factor insofar as the success of AENC was concerned. Of course there was the major staff player showing his contempt for the entire proceedings by throwing paper planes in the air but that was truly the only discordant thing these pages physically observed during the entire proceedings. Hats off to both AKC and Eukanuba for having pulled off a truly fine celebration of the dog.
THE FLYING OF DOGS
There are two scenarios of flying dogs which have come in for heavy question of late. The first is the phony designation of therapy dog status in order for the dog to fly in the cabin and not as excess baggage. The second is the practice of flying dogs in competition for number one ratings in and out of shows on the same weekend. Let’s address the first issue-that of the alleged therapy dog. Just recently there was a huge celebration on the part of dog breeders and owners when the Feld case was settled in favor of the Circus people and against the “arers”. And with due cause too since this was a major psychological as well as financial blow to all ar organizations. But should this joy be tempered as the risk of dog show goers being ‘outed’ by arers for phony designation of therapy dogs becomes more apparent. It is AKC/CAR AND reported to these pages that the Orlando THE HUNTE CORPORATION flights were just full of such designations. It has been reported to these pages that at least two JANUARY 4, 2013 For shame is our reaction, for shame!!! Next on Delegates running for the Board, one of whom is a seated Board the agenda is the contentious problem of flying dogs to Member, is in favor of an action wherein AKC is to reimburse to CAR a different shows on the same weekend in order to gain breed, group or $310,000 debt accumulated by the Hunte Corporation to CAR. The story of top dog points. This practice has been building through the years and the rumor of Hunte owing AKC/CAR monies have been reported in the past by has finally reached a totally unacceptable crescendo. AKC’s Board has these pages. This debt has been in existence since at least 2007 and may been threatening for at least the last six years to at least discuss the even revolve about an alleged mix up in unreadable microchips sent by CAR seriousness of the problem. Nothing concrete has ever been done-to Mexico through a Hunte purchase of AKC chips. This debt as written on not even a request for Staff to look into it. Well if the Board doesn’t the books is said to be 1-1/2 times the entire operating profit for 2012. The request something does that mean Staff is powerless to act on its CAR Board is said to have decided to write off the debt as non collectable, own? One would certainly hope not and instead of creating new rating which these pages are assured is a necessary and proper accounting protocol, systems for meaningless titles perhaps Staff and the Board and even but does not mean other means of collecting the debt cannot be found! The the Delegates should rethink its priorities and tackle the problem problem as reported to these pages is the solution which certain CAR Board at hand which affects not only the health of the sport but the very Members at least one of whom is a candidate for AKC’s Board have conjured foundation of fair and even competition upon which our sport has up. It is said they would have AKC PAY THE DEBT TO CAR ON BEHALF OF been built. HUNTE!!!This cannot be permitted to happen and fortunately as reported to these pages a majority of the seated Board Members agree that it will JUDGES APPROVALS not occur. Whether this debt has been permitted to slide due to personal How about word from the Staff or the Board about how people are relationships of certain AKC Board Members with Hunte or not it is safe to say being approved for additional breeds and or groups all at one time. that it is one thing for AKC to enter into business arrangements with a puppy Was it the intent of the Board when it approved this idea to open the broker in order to benefit the welfare of the dog and another thing to donate doors to everyone and to encourage virtual unknowns the privilege of to a puppy broker to make CAR look better. It seems incredulous to these such recognition or was this approval basis to have been reserved for pages that at a time AKC is cash strapped and had to cut back on donations the older long time competitor in the sport. And how exactly does to CHF anyone running for the Board would even think of giving money away this letter writing request work and apply? It is said anyone can write to a puppy broker!. a letter in support of a person to get additional breeds--up to 29 or even a group. Now then such a letter obviously does not guarantee THE AENC that result but should not some requirement be established for the The success of this year’s AENC is slightly tempered by the knowledge that letter writer themselves? And now comes the added complication of the portion of the Orange County Convention Center available this past year who is to sit on this Committee. Since two positions are designated may not be available in 2013. The conformation show with its attendant by the Board from Staff to be so entrusted-one is the COO, the other Group and nightly Award activities proved immensely popular and will of the Vice-President in charge of Judging. The latter position has been course be televised for all on February 2nd, 2013. One thing very changeable vacant since the formation of the Committee reducing the committee insofar as these pages is concerned is the attire of the Group and BIS Judges membership to four and now the new COO with no background as well. Formal dress in this day and age may fit the Garden perfectly but whatsoever in the sport is a most questionable nominee-indeed for his at the AKC show one would think a little less elitism and more of a common own sake one would hope Mr. Hendricks would decline the offer--then appeal would help the sport considerably. And while the lady judges looked there will be only three members on the Committee. How can that lovely and were made up as if for the Oscars these pages think an appeal work out is the question to ask!!! to the general public would make better sense. And why sequester the leading judges one must ask! What difference does it make whether or not THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK the top judges view the proceedings of the prior days judging or even the The recent spate of Facebook pronouncements concerning motives of same days judging. If you have confidence in their ability to adjudicate with individuals as well as judges decisions is unacceptable at best. Some which to begin that confidence should extend to the entire show not just the are down right baseless, founded strictly on rumor and totally untrue! portion in which they partake. And yes once again the question of conflicts Does AKC have the need, power, determination to take these loud of interest arose but were left unanswered. Should major supporters both mouths on? These pages believe that ultimately the stories spread on exhibit and have their names listed in the catalogue? Should Delegates with that social media medium are potentially harmful to AKC, the welfare obvious occupational eligibility problems be permitted to work and exhibit at of the dog, the competitive aspect of our sport and to the concerned these functions? One would have hoped that the talented and lovely attorney breeders worldwide. Steps to shut these people down should be taken. for AKC, Margaret Poindexter, would have a say in these matters and rule It’s not just a matter of freedom of speech it’s a matter of crying fire in appropriately.The apprehension some had about AKC running a show with so the theatre when there is not a fire with which to begin!!! many new employees being there for the first time never did materialize which
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Editorial
10 Dog News