Dog News, Dec. 9, 2011

Dog News The Digest Volume 27, Issue 49

of American Dogs $5.00

December 9, 2011

Dog News 3

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Contents

14 Irving’s Impressions by ronnie irving

18 From The Board And Back by dr. patricia haines

DECEMber 9, 2011 132 dog show calendar

22 Question Of The Week

134 handlers directory

26 Babbling: The International Exchange

138 classified advertising

by matthew h. stander

by geir flyckt-pedersen

30 True North by allison foley

34 Bests Of The Week 38 Ten Questions by lesley boyes

136 subscription rates 140 advertising rates

All advertisements are copyrighted and owned by DOG NEWS, Harris Publications, unless received cameraready. Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.

42 Conversations With AKC/RHP Professionals: Rindi A. Gaudet by carla viggiano

44 Heavy Haulers: Alaskan Malamutes by mj nelson

46 Dansk Kennel Club by desi murphy

50 Where’d You Get That Puppy? by carlotta cooper

52 Thanksgiving Classic Cluster by peggy wampold

54 The Juniors Speak: Haley Pemble

by KIMBERLY SILVA GARRETT

58 Four-Footed Miracle Workers

DOG NEWS (ISSN 0886-2133) is published weekly except the last two weeks in December by Harris Publications, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010.

Periodical Postage paid at New York.

by SHARON PFLAUMER

60 Three New K-9 Officers Come to Delaware County by marge remolde

62 Angel On A Leash Book Party by christine deacetis

66 The Fancy Speaks by frank stephens

74 Off The Leash by shaun coen

78 Perspectives, The Brachycephalic Problem & More by matthew h. stander

118 The Gossip Column by eugene z. zaphiris

122 Click – Thanksgiving Cluster by peggy wampold

126 Click - The Desert Cluster by carolyn hensley

130 Click - The Way We Were by eugene z. zaphiris

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DOG NEWS, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010

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Contents

14 Irving’s Impressions by ronnie irving

18 From The Board And Back by dr. patricia haines

DECEMber 9, 2011 132 dog show calendar

22 Question Of The Week

134 handlers directory

26 Babbling: The International Exchange

138 classified advertising

by matthew h. stander

by geir flyckt-pedersen

30 True North by allison foley

34 Bests Of The Week 38 Ten Questions by lesley boyes

136 subscription rates 140 advertising rates

All advertisements are copyrighted and owned by DOG NEWS, Harris Publications, unless received cameraready. Permission to reprint must be requested in writing.

42 Conversations With AKC/RHP Professionals: Rindi A. Gaudet by carla viggiano

44 Heavy Haulers: Alaskan Malamutes by mj nelson

46 Dansk Kennel Club by desi murphy

50 Where’d You Get That Puppy? by carlotta cooper

52 Thanksgiving Classic Cluster by peggy wampold

54 The Juniors Speak: Haley Pemble

by KIMBERLY SILVA GARRETT

58 Four-Footed Miracle Workers

DOG NEWS (ISSN 0886-2133) is published weekly except the last two weeks in December by Harris Publications, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010.

Periodical Postage paid at New York.

by SHARON PFLAUMER

60 Three New K-9 Officers Come to Delaware County by marge remolde

62 Angel On A Leash Book Party by christine deacetis

66 The Fancy Speaks by frank stephens

74 Off The Leash by shaun coen

78 Perspectives, The Brachycephalic Problem & More by matthew h. stander

118 The Gossip Column by eugene z. zaphiris

122 Click – Thanksgiving Cluster by peggy wampold

126 Click - The Desert Cluster by carolyn hensley

130 Click - The Way We Were by eugene z. zaphiris

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DOG NEWS, 1115 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10010

GROUP FIRST - Judge Mrs. Kathleen M. Grosso

Dog News 5

Dog News Cover Story - DECEMBER 9, 2011

PUBLISHER

STANLEY R. HARRIS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SEAN K. GAFFNEY ADVERTISING MANAGERS

SHAUN COEN Y. CHRISTOPHER KING ACCOUNTING

STEPHANIE BONILLA GENERAL TELEPHONE

212 807.7100 x588 FAX NUMBER

212 675.5994 EMAIL ADDRESS

dognews@harris-pub.com WEB ADDRESS: www.dognews.com SUBSCRIPTIONS

Ian Miller 212 462.9624 Contributing Editors Sharon Anderson Lesley Boyes Andrew Brace Agnes Buchwald Shaun Coen Carlotta Cooper Geoff Corish Michael Faulkner Geir Flyckt - Pedersen Allison Foley Arnold Goldman DVM Yossi Guy Ronnie Irving Desmond J. Murphy M. J. Nelson Robert Paust Sharon Pflaumer Kim Silva Frances O. Smith DVM PHD Matthew H. Stander Sari Brewster Tietjen Patricia Trotter Connie Vanacore Carla Viggiano Nick Waters Seymour Weiss Minta (Mike) Williquette Dog News Photographers Chet Jezierski Perry Phillips Kitten Rodwell Leslie Simis

DOG NEWS is sent to all AKC approved Conformation Judges every week on a complimentary basis. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without written permission from the editor. The opinions expressed by this publication do not necessarily express the opinions of the publisher. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted.

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Much More Than A Dog Show

The AKC/EUKANUBA “NATIONAL” CHAMPIONSHIP event has of course turned into much more than an American dog show.

It is an international celebration of the dog, which may very well turn out to be in terms of entries the largest all-breed show in America for the year 2011. Three all-breeds precede the “National” while there are a myriad of symposia associated with the event to say nothing of the gala benefits and private parties and dinners held in association with the National. But let us not forget that in the middle of all these festivities and shows AKC will be holding its business as usual luncheon and meeting for the Delegates too! It is here that the Delegates will meet for the first time, as a group, the eight people running for the Board seats, which will be voted upon in March of 2012. The Delegates will have the opportunity on Thursday and Friday to question the candidates about their positions on various dog matters. That will happen presumably Thursday afternoon. What a shame the Fancy is BARRED from at least attending these proceedings as of course it is barred from attending ANY Delegate meetings. Wouldn’t it be nice for those interested among AKC’s constituents to hear these candidates answer questions directly instead of having to have to rely on interpretations of answers by others? Indeed it would also give the Fancy an opportunity to see how these people handle themselves in public too. But no! Antiquated Bylaws prevent this from happening and the Delegates and Board show no sign of changing this attitude either. Too bad too that no public forum was prepared for in advance by AKC so that those running could speak to the constituents at large about the problems facing our world of dogs today. This was a great opportunity lost particularly in light of the antediluvian Bylaws, which prevent any form of public group communication between the Delegates and the people they supposedly are representing.

Ignoring Reality

AKC’s failure to respond directly to either THE NEW YORK TIMES or to the writer of the article about Bulldogs specifically and breeders generally is a giant mistake insofar as these pages are concerned. To permit a basically inaccurate presentation to go by unanswered is an extremely questionable public relations position to take. After all not only did THE TIMES article rip AKC to pieces as well as lumping together all purebred breeders as being unconcerned about the health of

their dogs it ripped apart the very foundations upon which AKC has been founded and worked under for over 125 years. It’s not so much that the premises of the exaggerations of the brachycephalic breeds were necessarily incorrect or totally inaccurate but they were treated as though they applied to all breeds, which obviously they do not. As importantly the underlying premise that all breeders were ignoring any and all health problems is just downright incorrect, unfair and untrue. And if AKC is not coming to our defense who is? Must we do it ourselves which is an alternative or should not we expect the organization with which we register our dogs and under which auspices we show our dogs be the leader and be pro-active in these matters.

These pages firmly believe so and do not mind telling our readers how disappointed we were in AKC’s failure to assume leadership in this matter. Hopefully AKC will reverse field and decide to act proactively now—better late than never. Just admit your mistake and those of your advisors and hunker down and get after those detractors is our thinking for sure.

Rehoming-An Art --Not A Midnight Sales Experience

Hopefully a good rescue of a dog, be it purebred or mixed breed, indicates that the new owner has knowledge of the breed and or some experience with a dog if it is a crossbreed. Is the owner truly committed to the new “rehomed” dog for life and is that home itself equipped to take on the dog itself. Or have the Black Friday sales of electronics and clothing applied now to live animals as well. Unfortunately too many animal shelters have taken on the Black Friday mentality in an effort to rid themselves of overcrowding. While the adoptions may include microchipping, shots and other necessary health cautions when the Shelter runs out of room, which happens all too often, no investigation into the backgrounds of the adopters are made.

When there is no more space the goal of all too many shelters is to get rid of the dog or cat and not be bothered with the problem of the animals going to the right home. These decisions care not that the dog or cat will last a short time and then by resheltered— they just want to make room and get the space for new merchandise to sell. It’s a sad situation for many a shelter and a fact of life that many more dogs are being rehomed over and over again than ever before primarily due to this carefree no care attitude.

Editorial DECEMBER 9, 2011

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Saving Dogs From Slaughter

Recently 800 dogs which were destined to be slaughtered for meat were saved in China by a group of 200 people who blocked the three lorries packed with hundreds of dogs each, leading to a stand-off and lengthy negotiations. The group agreed to pay the dog trader in the region approximately $13,000 to secure the animals’ release. It was reported that the dogs were visibly suffering from being packed in very small cages with very limited space. The rescuers had hoped to send the general public one message— “no trading, no killing of dogs for meat”.

And in that instance it looks as though they succeeded. Meanwhile, dog trading remains rife in certain regions in China due to lack of a national law on animal welfare and protection. Unfortunately the trader in the above mentioned instances had broken no laws and had all the proper permits.

Hopefully China’s attitude towards companion animals, especially dogs is changing as in April of this year a similar blockade saved the lives of 580 dogs who were on the way to a slaughter house in Beijing.

The two groups most associated with these blockades are the Qiming Center, based in Sichuan and the Chengdu Home of Love, which could use all of our support. Before anyone steps in too generously however be sure to check their respective credentials as carefully as you can and then if you are satisfied step in and help out to the best of your capabilities.

Thought For The Week

Only two more weeks of dog showing remain on the calendar but the fact remains that PETA, HSUS and ADI and their extremist friends continue to push and expand their radical agenda under the guise of helping animals on a 365 day basis 24/7!

Using falsehoods and scare tactics to increase their fund-raising and push their agenda of systematically abolishing the use and ownership of all animals and dogs in particular their beat goes on. The overzealous advocate never lets up and while our concern is for the health and well-being of the dog, if not all animals they attack our aims and goals knowing little if anything about how we feel and what we do. Isn’t it time we act as one in answering these people and thwart their efforts to destroy us? That’s one goal to set for the New Year and that’s for sure.

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IRVING’S IMPRESSIONS

by Ronnie Irving

Why do people bother to register dogs with kennel clubs?

That would seem to be a fairly fundamental question that not all kennel clubs have taken the trouble to answer. In the very beginning, before the Kennel Club was founded in 1873, dogs were not officially registered at all. They could be shown at shows and compete at field trials under different names from one week to the other. That was one of the main reasons why the Kennel Club was originally founded in the UK– to try to bring some order to the whole business of dog breeding, showing and competing. In the early days then, the main reason for people to register their dogs was to be able to compete at kennel club events.

As time went on that changed and kennel club registration began to bring with it a certain seal of approval. Kennel club registration was regarded as a necessary mark of quality. Over the years the strength of that word ‘necessary’ has, in many countries, become less important. Nowadays a smaller and smaller number of dogs are actually attending shows in some countries and, certainly in the case of the USA, there are a number of competing registers, some with reasonably good and others with much less good reputations. This means that the absolute ‘need’ or even the incentive to register dogs with a kennel club has tended to become less obvious.

As has been mentioned in this column before, for many years in the UK the Kennel Club has recognised that it must not do anything to make it difficult for people to register dogs. To do so, the KC says, would drive people away from its registration system.

It recognises that such an exodus of breeders would in its turn mean that the KC would have no contact whatsoever with a large number of people who breed purebred dogs.

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It would thus lose all influence over the way in which a large number of purebred dogs are bred. Those who believe that the KC should be much stricter with those who register dogs with it, say that this move is irresponsible and that it would be much better for the KC to be more dictatorial and thus occupy the moral high ground.

They say that the KC should be much stricter about identification and health testing for all those who are allowed to benefit from the heightened reputation that KC registration would give to their dogs. But recent developments have proved these people to be taking a very shortsighted view. The fact is that the KC at 250,000 dogs registered a year, retains roughly the same level of registrations that it had ten years ago. That is a positive result.

The Internet Has Changed Things Completely

The reason why things have changed is that the development of the Internet and the ability of people to access the Kennel Club’s registration system through its website, have altered things completely. For a long time the KC has taken the line that information on its register should be open to those who want to access it.

This has now provided it with some very powerful tools, which in their turn mean that there are now some very strong reasons for people in the UK to register their dogs with the KC. For many years the Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) have jointly run standardised official health screening procedures for conditions such as hip dysplasia, various eye conditions and more recently elbow dysplasia. Just this year the beginnings of a standard program to screen for syringomyelia have also been agreed for the future. The advances made in the field of developing DNA tests for single gene

conditions have also produced a large number of ‘official’ KC testing plans. The results of all of these official testing and screening programs have been carefully recorded on the KC registration database over many years. These are of course all voluntary programs but peer pressure and the increased demands of the puppy buying public are persuading more and more people involved in the breeds affected, to use the official testing plans.

Now, anyone who wants to use a KC registered stud dog or buy a puppy bred from any KC registered bitch, can access the Kennel Club registration system on the internet through what is called the KC Health Test Result Finder. They can find out there, if there are officially recognised screening programs or DNA tests for the breed, and can see whether or not the dogs listed have been tested for the conditions involved. If the dogs have been screened or tested, their results can be viewed in full, along with the date when the dog concerned was last tested.

In addition further information is also obtainable on line, as to the results of the tests for the dog’s mother and father as well.

This information is all freely and publicly available and gives a whole new reason for people to register their dogs and to subject their dogs to the official testing programs available.

Co-Efficients Of Inbreeding

Another facility currently available is what is called the Kennel Club ‘Mate Select’ Program. By using this system anyone who is interested and wants to establish the degree of inbreeding of any registered dog, can go to the KC website, insert the dog’s name and find out that dog’s co-efficient of Continued on page 82

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From The Board And Back

By Dr. Patricia Haines

Editor’s Note: DOG NEWS is proud and delighted to welcome Dr. Patricia V. Haines as an occassional conbtributor to our pages.

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erving on the AKC board for 12 years over a 16year period and now approaching one year removed, one tends to reflect on the concerns facing the American Kennel Club. Nearly a year back actively competing with dogs in the sport has allowed me to better frame the causes and some solutions to the AKC concerns. Not surprisingly, the solutions should be found with the basic foundation of the AKC…. DOGS and those most directly involved with them.

It is difficult to understand how in this time when dog ownership is at all time numbers, when the public has more interest in dogs and is willing to spend extravagantly on them, that the AKC seems to be floundering. Why? It is the result of the limits created with the current structure of the AKC: the delegate body and the board elected from this group. The delegate body and therefore the board suffers from narrow thinking focused only on clubs, delegate committees, judges and the resulting political agendas. The policy makers of our sport have lost the intimate contact with dogs and the sports foundation.

The AKC board is elected from and by the members of the delegate body. This is

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a delegate body comprised of representatives from only AKC member clubs (not even licensed clubs). This body of around 600, with an average delegate meeting attendance in the 300’s, provides the governance to the sport and the business of the AKC. Nominated candidates to the board are at least selected by a committee that intends to seek candidates based on individual areas of talent and on board needs. However, delegates also have the ability to run for election to the board by petition (needing only a required “minimal” number of signatures from fellow delegates). The AKC, a 70 million dollar organization, is limiting its policy makers to members of a small representation of the sport, requiring candidates that need the talents only of a politician and face removal after 2 consecutive terms.

This process has resulted in a board largely lacking the diversity, direction and largess of thinking to manage the sport and business.

Too many board decisions diverge to politics and electioneering and difficult policy decisions are continually delayed or ignored completely. The organization is crippled with its inability to respond to the rapid changing world which results in a dog organization floundering in what should be a time of prosperity.

The AKC must operate with a diverse and qualified board directing policy. While all with an

interest in the sport of purebred dogs should have a stake or shareholder position, candidates for the AKC board of directors must be selected from a larger pool than the limited delegate body. Our sport and the AKC must be freed from the current structure that has led to decision stalemate and ineffective policy.

Over the past 16 years I have evolved to this position.

Looking back one is able to recognize the significant monies and energies spent on issues within the delegate structure that have not moved the AKC forward, in fact some of those issues have caused significant harm. Why? The delegate body has evolved to function with a very narrow focus on the issues facing the AKC and purebred dogs in today’s world. The delegate structure has even become isolated from the breeders and exhibitors, the basic foundation of the sport and the AKC. Board members from the entire sport, not just the delegate body, would broaden a prospective board in its policy discussions. The result would be better policy positions for the sport, the business of the AKC in today’s world, and for our DOGS.

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Question ofthe Week

Tom Bradley Of course I agree with Desi. As usual, with historical observations, he is right on the mark. In the "old days", when I was just a kid and he was even younger, we had a small show up here in Northern New York called the North Country Kennel Club. Frequently, our shows were held at a small country hotel in Sackets Harbor on the shores of Lake Ontario. The entries ran between 250 and 400 on good years. On Saturday evening, prior to our Sunday show, there was a dinner held in what was somewhat glamorously called The Clam Shed. Everyone attended.

Everyone sat with friends or sometimes with strangers. Judges sat where they wished and freely mingled with exhibitors. It was, for like so many other clubs at that time, the beginning of educational seminars- even if we didn't know what that was. We were all people with a common interest. Ideas were shared. Suggestions were made on how to "improve" a breeding program.

Novices learned that it isn't what you put on the outside of a dog that makes his coat look like that but what you put on the inside. Good suggestions on food- especially in the very early days of the "designer" foods we have today.

Remember kibble? Baked biscuit?

Soaking? Unfortunately, so many "rules/ protocols/guidelines" are created by those who never had a background in the sport but who were and are, "in my opinion", (Thank you, Annie) too concerned about the appearance of propriety. Assumed to be guilty before being proven innocent. I think that this is also one of the reasons that so many exhibitors attend shows today ONLY to show their dog in its class and then go home or on to other family events. Sometimes they never even stay to see who wins Winners. No education here. No sportsmanship evident. No exposure to the "whole" of our family sport. Educational opportunities lost. It is difficult now to eliminate what has been created as we now have the image in our mind that judges and exhibitors each need to stay on their side 22 Dog News

By Matthew H. Stander

In a recent DOG NEWS column Desmond Murphy questioned whether there was sufficient communication and sharing of knowledge TODAY allowed by AKC as compared to yesteryear between judges and exhibitor/handlers.

THE DOG NEWS QUESTION OF THE WEEK FOR THE DECEMBER 9TH ISSUE IS TO ASK YOU

Whether or not you agree with this observation and if you do agree what changes in the current system would you suggest to improve that situation? of the line. It's almost as if we, as judges, should be concerned about saying "Good morning" to friends of 50 plus years because a new exhibitor might find that as prejudicial.

How silly! Almost as silly as the fact that the North Country Kennel Club now holds its show 70 miles away in Syracuse. Their entries now frequently soar over 2000 BUT we don't have a show locally. No place for the new person interested to go to learn. No local place to find a dog for our family. But thatยนs another story, isn't it?

Patricia Cruz As always, Desi hits the nail on the head when it comes to the good old days. Today, we have AKC's Code of Sportsmanship and this helps dictate where to draw the line in the sand. Speaking to judges, handlers and other exhibitors is being done all the time. AKC has addressed it with the Code. Working within these parameters, one can get all the "face time" with professionals and added education about their breed. Staying at shows until Best in Show, participating in clinics sponsored by AKC, ring stewarding for other breeds and communicating with those in these breeds are ways to take advantage of what's being offered at shows across the country. These things are being encouraged by the powers that be - too often it is by-passed in an effort to get home or to another show. I don't think any changes are necessary Robert Schroll Unfortunately, Desi's observations are spot on. Prior to recognition, most Cavalier shows judges were judged by English breeders. While in the states, they relied on exhibitors to shuttle them to the shows, parties and dinners. This practice fostered much exchange of knowledge pertaining to the standard, bloodlines and breed lore. My introduction to this sport came by way of

working at Ted Young's during the early 70's and I was lucky enough to listen in on many discussions between breeders and judges who would gather there and compare the relative merits of the great dogs of the day, as well as those gone by. The AKC has done much to replace this lost camaraderie [ Meet The Breeds, the A-O-H class, etc.], but it has not been as fruitful as we all may have hoped. Perhaps the onus is now on Parent Clubs to provide panel discussions, question and answer opportunities and on-line blogs. Most important might be to re-instill the trust we once had in our judges knowledge and integrity....sportsmanship!

W. Terry Stacy Comparing the past to now is extremely difficult. The sheer numbers of shows, dogs and judges from then to now is enormous.

We now have a great number of our shows judged by foreign judges due to these numbers and the savings it brings to small clubs who need all breed judges.

I expect that the percentage of knowledgeable judges who are willing to pass on knowledge per numbers of dogs shown is much less than in years past. I do believe that we still have judges who are willing to pass on their knowledge to the serious breeder/exhibitor that is willing to have such discussions on a high plane.

Parent Clubs and Breed Clubs should not only think to educate judges but work to educate the new breeder and exhibitor as well.

Lee Canalizo I DO agree with Desi's statement.

Years ago, all participants at the shows shared knowledge and experiences with each other. I Continued on page 86

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BABBLING THE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE!

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nd by that I do not refer to the Stock Market, but the exchange of judges and judging appointments.

As a recent immigrant to this country with a “past” in the European world of pedigree dogs- a number of people over here seem to have found it weird that I had to restart my judging career from scratch once I became a resident of the USA. Personally I have never had a problem with it, as my philosophy has been :”When in Rome etc…”

One day I judge the Terrier Group at Crufts in the UK as well as Best in Show at a few of their major championship shows with some 10000 dogs- then a few weeks later I do my provisional assignment for a number of breeds that I judged numerous times in this country prior to moving here.

I think that is OK. What has really made me question the system is when one of the countries most successful handlers becomes a judge- and then the application for additional breeds comes to a halt, because he needs one more judging appointment for a breed he has lived with forever and made up dozens of champions.

Or an ex Field rep who for years have been interviewing potential judges and then “judged” them in action as judges- and this applies to any breed- then decides to go back to judging, but in the process has to go through the interviews(hopefully with an experienced ex-colleague) like any novice !!

Doesn’t make sense to me.

At this very moment many of us take a great interest in the Smith committee’s proposal re improving the system for approval of new and existing judges, but having been actively involved in the dog world in 4 different countries, I guarantee there is no easy 26 Dog News

By Geir Flyckt-Pedersen or complete solution to this process.

Those of us who have been in this game for a long time remember those Happy Days when one single, strong person on his or her own, decided who was going to judge- or not !

All the “dictators” I recall were people with a solid background in this game ,who knew what was going on- but of course some people were perceived as being treated more favorably than others, which could lead to a certain amount of frustration. However , the people in power that I refer to, all carried so much respect that their decisions rarely were disputed.

And in my opinion: A wise dictator is not necessarily a bad thing !!

I know the AKC is currently looking into the procedure of approving judges from abroad.

When I first judged here some 25 years ago,AKC sent me a set of rules plus the standards for the breeds concerned. Then I was let loose in the ring (most of the time under supervision by a Field Officer), but no attempt was made to find out if I had taken the time to read any of the material.

I once had a serious discussion with a judge from England who refused to read any of the stuff, arguing that he had been asked to give his expert opinion on an English breed and the only standard he would accept was the standard of the country of origin !!!

And I think- sadly- that many judges- whether they come from the UK or any other country -judges the dogs here according to their “own”, often FCI standards.

I don’t know what the current procedure is, but I think any judge from abroad invited to judge in this country should sign that he/she will judge according to AKC standards and has acquainted himself with the rules.

If properly qualified they should pass any such test with flying colors and not feel discriminated or intimidated.

The World has changed since the Berlin Wall came down and Eastern Europe became part of “our” dog world and many seem to be of the opinion that if a judge is approved by FCI they should automatically be approved by the AKC and the KC (UK).

I totally disagree !

What I find puzzling though, is the vast number of all round judges suddenly appearing from these countries, quite a few in their 20’s with only a few years involvement in our sport.

And don’t believe for a second that because a country’s kennel club is associated with FCI that the education required to get a judging diploma is identical.

Far from it- and if things haven’t changed, each country make their own rules in this respect and if approved by their home KC, they are automatically licensed to judge in all FCI countries.

I find it rather remarkable that United Kingdom currently has 1 person who HAS been approved to judge all breeds with CC’s (but no license as judges have to be approved by the KC for every assignment forever) while a little country like Ireland evidently has 40-50 all breed (FCI) judges and traveling through Europe including Scandinavia ,there must be hundreds ! And I just read that Canada has 123, Australia over 200 while USA has 22 !!!

One explanation for the need of all these all rounders is of course that many breeds are numerically small, so they simply have to give these judges some of the breeds to keep the shows going !

Many breed standards in this country are significantly different from the standards used by FCI or the Kennel Club- and most AKC standards are much more detailed and comprehensive!

Then what is the justification and point in bringing in judges from overseas ?? Continued on page 90

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True North (Strong and Free)

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he adage ‘when the going gets tough, the tough get going’ was never proven more true than at this year’s Caledon Kennel club event.

Last year saw Caledon switch venues, due to a hefty rent increase, from their long standing Toronto location to another dog friendly venue about an hour and a half outside of the city center.

This move was not a popular one, and the entries reflected that. The members were very disappointed, and decided on several changes for this year’s event. They moved to another venue about 45 minutes north of Toronto, the rent in the city still being an obstacle, but then they decided to make other changes in order to attract more entries.

To start with they held 2 junior handling competitions, and also added another junior competition on the Sunday night being the ‘best of the best’ where all class winners in junior showmanship for the weekend were invited to compete for a cash prize. It was great to see the juniors showcased right before the final best in show of the weekend. The Caledon members also co-hosted the Top Dog Awards over the weekend, which brought the top dogs of 2010 from all over Canada to their event. More about that event in a minute. There was also the inaugural Breeders Classic. Sponsored by Royal Canin, this event was a huge success. Breeders had the opportunity to enter 3 to 5 dogs bred by the same person. The club was hoping for 30 teams and ended up with a whopping 59 teams of dogs. Judged by Chris Heartz of Chriscendo Pomeranians, Damara Bolte from the US, and Stefan Sinko from Slovenia.

The Breeder’s Classic was very well organized and went off without a hitch. It was great to feel the energy in the benching area as the ‘teams’ were getting ready, and you could certainly tell that everyone was having a great time. The eventual winners were the team of Bearded Collies bred by Tom Dixon of Strathearn Beardies.

Friday evening saw the annual Top Dog Awards and Benefit dinner. Hosted for the 19th consecutive year by the Canadian

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Multiple Best In Show Winning

The Number 1* All Breed Black Russian Terrier in America

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Silver GCh. Am/Can/Int. Ch. Lancelot Chiornyy Prints RN TT CGC HIC

Owners: Earl and Patricia Archer Handled Exclusively by: Jen Bittner Breeder: L. Lameko

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DECEMBER 9, 2011

Bests of the Week Yuma Kennel Club - Friday Wire Fox Terrier Ch. Steele Your Heart Judge Mrs. Nancy Simmons Owners Torie Steele & Mary Ann Roma Handler Gabriel Rangel Conroe Kennel Club II Kuvasz GCh. Szumeria’s Wildwood Silver Six Pence Judge Ms. Jan Paulk Owners Mercedes Vila, Lynn Brady, Connie Townsend, and Claudia Muir Handled by Diana Wilson Imperial Valley Kennel Club Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club Windham County Kennel Club Pekingese Ch. Palacegarden Malachy Judge Miss Dorothy Macdonald Judge Mrs. Lisa Warren Judge Mr. Lawrence E. Stanbridge Owners Iris Love, Sandra Middlebrooks & David Fitzpatrick Handler David Fitzpatrick

To report an AKC All Breed Best In Show or National Specialty Win Call, Fax or Email before 12:00 Noon Tuesday Fax: 212 675-5994 • Phone: 212 462-9588 • Email: Dognews@harris-pub.com 34 Dog News

Worcester County Kennel Club - Saturday Lakeland Terrier Ch. Larkspur Acadia Save Me A Spot Judge Mr. W. Everett Dean, Jr. Owners Anthony Barker, Susan Fraser and Maria M. Sacco Handler RC Carusi

Mississippi Gulf Coast Kennel Club - Sunday Maltese GCh. Rhapsody’s Regarding Henry Judge Mrs. Marcia Feld Owners T. Holibough, K. Kasten, P. Bailly, A. Stoller Handler Tonia Holibough Ingham County Kennel Club - Saturday Great Dane GCh. Valhalla’s Ascent At Rochford Judge Dr. Wanda Spediacci Owners Lourdes Carvajal and Janet Quick Handler John Gerszewski Upper Marlboro Kennel Club American Foxhound GCh. Kiarry’s Foolish Pride Judge Ms. Elizabeth Muthard Owners Dr. James & Jane Fitzpatrick, Mary Echols & Lisa Miller Handler Lisa Miller

Dog News 35

Dog News 37

10 questions asked by LESLEY BOYES of:

Amy & Andy

Linton

Born: Amy- Portland, Or

Andy- Los Angeles, Ca Reside: Vancouver, Wa Married for 5 years.

One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten 38 Dog News

What year did you start showing dogs and what breeds were they?

Amy: 2000, Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Andy:1974, Doberman Pinscher.

Which dog no longer being shown would you liked to have shown or owned?

Amy: Tryst, the Afghan.

Andy: Cryptonite, the Doberman.

Why do you think most people want to judge?

Amy: It is nice for them to have an outlet for their opinion.

Andy:The thrill of finding the next “great one” along with a travel and retirement supplement.

Who are your non-dog heros or heroines exclusive of immediate relatives?

Amy: Doctors, nurses who care for sick children.

Andy:Anyone who gives of themselves to make someone else’s life better.

If you could change one thing about your relationship what would it be?

Amy: To spend more time together.

Andy:To guarantee it would be eternal.

How would you describe yourselves in personal ads?

Amy: Sarcastic, moody and needy.

Andy:Honest, loyal and very lucky.

Do you think there are too many dog shows?

Amy: Yes. Andy:A few less in the East and a few more in the West would be great.

Which are your three favorite dog shows?

Amy: Palm Springs, Santa Barbara and AKC in Long Beach.

Andy:The best shows are those that consider the dogs welfare first, exhibitors second and all else after.

Do you think there should be a limit on the number of times a dog may be exhibited in a year?

Amy: Yes. Andy: Depending on the breed involved and the individual dog as well as the caretaker of the dog, many dogs are fine to go to a show everyday. In most instances, I would think a limit of some sort would be a good idea.

How do you react to people flying in and out of shows on the same weekend?

Amy: In most cases, I feel that the dog’s best interest is not the priority.

Andy:I don’t appreciate it when a dog I’m handling gets a second in the group! Seriously, see my answer to the previous question. While I realize that small dogs and dogs that travel as service dogs on board flights have it much better, I think that someone who travels with their dog below cabin should probably not be flying in and out of shows on the same weekend.

Dog News 39

Absolutely Smooth Fox Terriers

ADAM Number One Smooth Fox Terrier & Number One Among All Terriers

*

**

Winner of over

50 Best In Shows

Multiple All Breed Best In Show & Specialty Winner

Ch. Slyfox Sneaks A Peek

Owner J. W. Smith Absolutely Smooth Fox Terriers 00 Dog News 40

Breeders Joan & Mark Taggart *The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed **All Systems

Handlers Edward & Lesley Boyes Grass Valley, California 530.272.4940

Pictured with Judge Mrs. Peggy Haas

Dog Dog News News 00 41

Conversations with AKC/RHP Professionals An Up Close and Personal Glimpse into the Lives of Today’s AKC Registered Handlers

T

he sport of dogs is one of the few venues that I can think of where the “playing field,” as it were, is “level.” By that I mean that it is one of few competitive sports, if any, where the amateur is able to compete against the professional. It would be unthinkable, say for the average weekend warrior to march onto the grassy courts of Wimbledon and raise her racket against the likes of Serena Williams. Or picture any ardent horse race aficionado mounted upon a hot blooded Thoroughbred in the 9th race at Belmont on any given Sunday.

Ludicrous to say the least! Now this is not to say that there haven’t been exceptions to the rule, but those are just that, exceptions. Ordinarily it requires years of training and preparation/education along with consistent wins, to rise to the level of a “professional.” That being said, I am proud to be involved in a sport where competition may be enjoyed at many levels. The late Carol Strong always reminded me that the dog show world would welcome any and all that took the time and the initiative that it requires, to show a dog. Dog shows are the “great equalizer” she would say to anyone who was interested in beginning or a current participant who needed a gentle reminder when the ring that day might look a tad “bleak.” And with this thought in mind, I have always felt that the need for true professionals in this sport was one of many facets needed to maintain a standard of excellence.

Our sport is made up of a myriad of people who enjoy dogs, competition, the challenges of the art of breeding purebred dogs, the honor and thrill of judging, and a host of a vast array of many other aspects that create the diversity in people who are involved in the world of dogs. To this end,

Ed. Note: This is the first of what DOG NEWS hopes will be a series of in-depth interviews with members of the AKC Registered Handler’s Program.

By Carla Viggiano

I believe that it is of the utmost importance that those who take up the call to become (or are currently) professional handlers to be held exemplary as leaders of the sport.

When I was approached about taking this new opportunity to share with the readers a glimpse into the lives of who and what goes into becoming a member of the AKC Registered Handlers Program, I felt it was a vital topic which does not receive a tremendous amount of coverage as well as a chance to bring some sense of direction to those in the sport considering a profession as a handler.

There are so many instances during a weekend of shows where I have either been a part of, or overheard a passionate conversation surrounding, the “state” of dog shows. Seldom do dog people lack for opinions and we all tend to offer up our two cents at the drop of a hat. I have heard a plethora of how to’s when it comes to fixing what is lacking...but mostly it’s just plain bitching about what’s wrong with this, that or the other aspect of the sport. It is my hope that this glimpse into the lives of professional handlers will “open the door” to what is right in the sport and even more importantly, what can be built and improved upon by following in the footsteps of those who make a living by showing dogs.

With that being said, I am pleased to be able to share my first conversation with AKC RHP member, Rindi Gaudet.

Rindi A. Gaudet Being born into a family involved in the sport of dogs does have distinct advantages. Rindi’s mom bred English Springer Spaniels, and that exposure to breeding and showing led Rindi to find herself choosing one of her mom’s “home-breds” as the gateway to her life in the show ring.

Although, self admittedly, the little guy was in fact, “the one nobody else wanted,” this far from deterred her from pursuing the training and experience she knew she needed to compete, at the age of nine. Her mother brought her to handling classes provided by the Manatee Kennel Club in Florida, where she worked to perfect her skills. It was there that at the ripe old age of 10, fate stepped in and brought young professional handlers, Jane and Greg Myers, as guest instructors.

It was also at this time that Rindi began her involvement in Junior Showmanship, a venue where gained more valuable experience through competing against her own age peers while being evaluated for her own skills and not the merits of her exhibit. She continues her involvement with Juniors to this day, as an approved Judge for Junior Showmanship. Meanwhile, Greg and Jane recognized Rindi’s talent and determination when they observed her in handling class, and it was not long after when young Rindi was asked to come on board as a show assistant. At first she helped out on the weekends and that soon developed into living with them during her summer breaks. So inspired and motivated to become involved on a full time basis, Rindi worked to be eligible for early graduation from high school and then moved in with the Myers‘s as a full time assistant. It was also at this time that Rindi began her career in Junior Showmanship, a venue she gained more valuable experience through competing amongst her peers while being evaluated on her own skills rather than her dog’s merits.

Rindi’s relationship with the Myers’s grew over the next 17 years where they became far more Continued on page128

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Dog News 43

THE HEAVY HAULERS If Siberian Huskies are the Corvettes of snow dogs with their success in the world of sled dog racing then the Alaskan Malamute must be the Mack Truck. For while the Malamutes are plenty swift for ordinary sled dog work, their forte is not lightning speed but rather the strength and stamina to haul heavy freight loads over long distances.

BY M.J. NELSON

B

ut, they also had a prominent role in the lives of their human companions, the Mahlemut tribe of Inuit in the northeastern area of Alaska’s Seward Peninsula. To the Mahlemuits, the breed was a utilitarian dog, working, hunting and living alongside them. They valued their dogs, often feeding them better on the trail than they themselves were eating and they bred only the best and most promising of their dogs.

As a result, bone and ivory carvings dated at 12 to 20 thousand years ago show the Malamute essentially the same as the breed appears today.

The fact that the Mahlemuits used the dogs for a variety of tasks has resulted in a breed that not only can do a number of performance activities but excels in some of them.

“Malamutes are a very versatile breed beyond sledding, weight pulling and packing” said Kim Sullivan, who owns “Marlin” (Rain Dance A Touch Of Gray RAE 5 GO CDX GN OAP NJP NFP CGC NADAC (Agility)-NAC) and “Tina” (Ch Stormrunner’s Sierra Windsong AXP AJP RA.) “There are many more events available now than in years past so if you have a dog who you work well with, why not see what both of you can do? Malamutes want to work as a team member.

They love spending time with you working together. They are a hardy breed that is tough physically and mentally when they need to be and can bounce back from a less than optimal experience or correction. It is important to 44 Dog News

Dr. Tammy Doukas enjoys a pack trip with her Alaskan Malamutes, “Sahara” (Ch Sno Sire’s Sahara Snow Angel OAJ RN CGC WWPD and “Indiana” (Ch Halatsuu Indiana Snow Raider MX AXJ RN CGC TT WWPD.)

show the world how versatile a Malamute can be. Seeing one of these dogs in a performance activity can affect someone’s opinion of the breed forever.”

“Malamutes are smart but they do not necessarily want to please you,” said Robin Haggard, who owns Ch Poker Flat’s Murphy’s Law WTD WWPD (“Tommy”), the first white male champion in the breed and “Marty” (Ch Poker Flat’s Wave of the Future CD RA.) “They are very interested in doing new things. As a trainer you can use that, and their love of food, to do almost anything with them. They do thrive on attention however they will become clowns if they sense that the spectators like what they’re doing. Obviously, in performance activities, this can become a problem. Also, they can be aggressive with others of the same sex, particularly other northern breeds. In conformation, this usually isn’t a problem if the

dog is properly socialized as they will then behave well in the ring. It can, however, be a problem in sledding.

The dogs have to understand that this is work and pack hierarchy is not important. The driver has to maintain good control and discipline when you are running a team of dogs that do not like each other. One way we’ve tried to overcome this issue is by raising the pups with adult dogs so they form a pack hierarchy and get along with each other. If the dogs can run loose with each other in the yard or be kenneled together, they will get along well when in harness. We take all our dogs through puppy class and at least an introductory obedience class to the point where they can get their Canine Good Citizens title. If they are well socialized from an early age, they are much easier to run in harness. A stable, outgoing, confident dog also makes a great show dog as well.”

“Malamutes are naturally intelligent and versatile. It is important to keep them stimulated by engaging in

a variety of activities. But, their independence can be an obstacle in some sports if you are asking them to perform a task that they perceive as unnaturally dangerous. It is important to form a trusting bond with a Malamute so they understand that you will never allow them to be harmed.

I have found that if I encounter a problem with a dog in some activity, if I teach them to focus on me and tune everything else out, it calms them and allows them to relax and trust my commands. My female, Sahara, is very independent trusting her own acute instincts and perceptions. This is important for a sled dog to have in order to stay out of harm’s way.

Because of this, she does not always enjoy loud, moving obstacles such as the seesaw in agility,” said Dr. Tammy Doukas, who owns Ch Sno Sire’s Sahara Snow Angel OAJ RN CGC WWPD and “Indiana” (Ch Halatsuu Indiana Snow Raider MX AXJ RN CGC TT WWPD).

There are some activities that require more commitment on the part of a Malamute’s owner in order to be successful, however. “Traditional obedience is probably the most difficult activity for most Mals,” said Haggard. “They just do not understand the concept of repetition. Golden Retrievers will do the same thing over and over again but Malamutes have the attitude that if you ask them to do it again, they must not have done it correctly and they get creative. This can be very frustrating. Obedience training is also not intuitive for these dogs as they do not see the reason for heeling and staying. Fortunately, they are very food-oriented and that helps but I have had to learn patience and to be more creative in my training methods as well as using lots of positive reinforcement.”

Sullivan added that in the past, obedience trainers did not seem to like seeing a new student show up for class with a Malamute at their side. “I suppose they could become the class disturbance in the wrong setting but if you are serious about training, everyone realizes that and the breed you train doesn’t matter.

Agility has been difficult for both me and my dogs, the dogs because of the high impact running and jumping with speed. You have to teach the dog to be careful enough to not injure himself yet be fast enough to be competitive. I assess how the dog is feeling and examine them before and after they run an agility course. I found that learning to be careful enough

to avoid injury yet fast enough to be competitive also applied to me. Have fun but don’t get hurt. I only wish agility had been available and popular when I was younger! But, if you plan carefully on how to run a course and never take a risk that will cause an injury to you or the dog, you can be successful with Malamute in agility. You have to keep in mind that this is a breed that is easily bored. They do not take to repetition and drilling. When they do an exercise correctly, you have to praise them like crazy and quit. A positive, fun training session, even if it’s only five minutes in length, can be really productive and well worth the effort.”

“The conformation ring dictates the ‘newest, hottest look’ of the Malamute,” said Doukas. “It doesn’t breed for sport or working qualities.

Many of the top conformation dogs do not compete in performance events.

Because of this, many breeders indulge in what they call ‘line breeding’ in order to lock in desirable physical traits.

However, ‘line breeding’ is merely a euphemism for ‘inbreeding’ and this practice is currently introducing many genetic problems into the breed that did not exist in years past.”

“Malamutes have an old reputation of being a high prey drive breed,” said Sullivan. “It still is there but it can be greatly reduced through training. There are also some genetic defects that are a problem particularly inherited heart disease which has become a significant factor in the past few years. Breeders must strive to keep their lines healthy with appropriate genetic screening.”

“It is extremely important to breed dogs that not only look like the standard says they should look but also do the work they were created to do.

Malamutes are a natural breed and it is critical that we maintain their ability to work in harness. It is also important to breed sound temperaments with the friendly disposition to people for which this breed is known. But, overall quality in the breed has been at a low point for the past several years.

I have been disappointed with the soundness and type in the majority of the dogs at our recent National Specialty. I had the privilege of judging the puppy and veteran sweepstakes classes at the national and I was happy to see that the quality of the puppies had improved. The veterans were awesome—very sound and there was a large number of dogs and bitches in the over-12 class. This speaks well for the health and soundness of the old dogs and hopes for the future with some very nice pups,” said Haggard.

Indiana on an agility course shows that Malamutes are more than sled dogs.

“Tommy,” (Ch Poker Flat’s Murphy’s Law WTD WWPD), Robin Haggard’s dog, is the only white Malamute male to earn his championship.

“Tina” (Ch Stormrunner’s Sierra Windsong AXP AJP RA), one of Kim Sullivan’s Malamutes, demonstrates that she likes working as a team with her owner as she negotiates the A-frame in agility.

Sullivan noted that in the past obedience trainers were not pleased when someone showed up for classes with a Malamute. However, Sullivan’s dog “Marlin” (Rain Dance A Touch Of Gray RAE 5 GO CDX GN OAP NJP NFP CGC NADAC (Agility)-NAC) has proven this to be an erroneous opinion.

Dog News 45

Dansk Kennel Klub

By Desmond J. Murphy

I

t was three years to the exact weekend I had judged a show in Knoxville, Tennessee. Leaving Knoxville I met a young lady at the airport who had been exhibiting at the show, but had traveled all the way from Denmark. She had come to the States hoping to acquire an American Championship on her lovely dog. In the Open class, I asked how old he was and became puzzled to learn he was seven and a half and still not finished. He became the breed winner and while having a picture taken I asked why he had not been finished years ago. It was then she explained that she was from Denmark and this was only his second weekend of shows in the States. He had also won some breeds the previous weekend and was now an American Champion. She asked if I would have an interest in Denmark and when I quickly said I would, she said she would suggest my name to the committee. About six months later I got an inquiry from the Danish Kennel Club asking me to judge. Having never been to Denmark I was very pleased by this invitation. The Scandinavian countries are very good about inviting judges years in advance.

My assignment was to judge Cairns one day and American Staffs the other day. Not having further communication for a couple of years, I learned on my own that Am Staffs had been banned from being shown in Denmark. Much to my disappointment, I figured they would assign me something in place of that breed. Several months before the show I received all the details for the assignment and saw Scotties, Bull Terriers and Mini Bulls would replace my day of Am Staffs.

The show was held in Herning, which is about an hour flight from Copenhagen. The venue was where the World Dog Show had been hosted by the Danish Kennel Club. After hearing what

46 Dog News

a great show that had been it made me look forward even more to my assignment. All of the all-breed shows held in Denmark are organized and put on by the Danish Kennel Club. Here in the States the American Kennel Club puts on one show a year, but so much of the work and details is done by a paid superintendent.

Doing all the paperwork themselves, this requires tremendous work for the D.K.C. Not only is the DKC a member of FCI, but they and the four other Scandinavian countries make up the Nordic Kennel Union. This makes for all the Scandinavian countries having uniform rules, regulations and standard procedure. I am not sure if we have any similar organizations like this anywhere in the world today. All of the South American countries belong to the FCI, but they all operate independently with their own rules and format. This was only my fourth assignment in a Scandinavian country; the other three were in Sweden. Each time I have been so impressed by the organization and complete control to details. I also had attended the World Show in Stockholm, which was one of the most perfect shows I have ever attended.

Like the rest of the world, entries have been dropping.

Many of the very large European shows have not enjoyed the large entries they had anticipated. Here also in Denmark for some future shows they have had to cancel some judges due to economic reasons because of the dropping entries. Here in Herning the entry was about 3,300 per day.

They were very pleased because the entry was even up slightly from last year. The entry would have been even larger if Am Staffs and a dozen other breeds had not been banned from dog shows.

Each day there were about

46 judges with each judge having an average of about 71 dogs to judge. Over the two days, I had 140 dogs to judge. Having to do a written critique on every dog judged it makes it extremely difficult for a judge to do over 90 dogs per day. I was so surprised to learn the entry fee is about $70 US per dog. Just from the 140 dogs I judged this resulted in about $9,800 in revenue from entries. I suspect that in the States if our entry fee was around $70 our entries would be dropping even more drastically. I am not sure if we even have five weekends where shows are three thousand or more. I just judged a show where the entry was 430 and only 20 Terriers. Here in Herning there were over 430 Terriers. The show in Herning with the high cost of entries and so many raises close to a quarter of a million dollars in revenue. With shows that require a written critique this means the clubs’ have to hire twice as many judges than we do. Judges are not paid large judge’s fees, but bringing around 50 judges from a lot of different countries incurs large judging expenses. Personally I feel the critiques to the exhibitors is not worth the money they have to pay for them. Without the critiques judges could judge at least twice as many dogs and entry fees could be probably cut in half. I am sure some of the winners appreciated high placements I awarded their dogs, but the cost cannot be that valuable to the seasoned exhibitor. The exhibitors who placed well in very competitive classes knew my opinion of their dog. I do believe the ratings of excellent, very good, good, etc. have a lot of value and would like to see something similar in the states.

Only the dogs that receive Continued on page 98

Dog News 47

48 Dog News

Multiple Best of Breed Winner

Dog News 49

Where’d You Get That Puppy?

by Carlotta Cooper

H

ave you ever noticed how many cute, Toy breed puppies seem to be available for adoption in the northeast/ New England area? Does that strike you as odd when shelters in the South and other places say they have too many mixed breed dogs, a shortage of cute puppies, too many big, black Lab mixes that no one wants, and lots of pit bull mixes (sorry, Jan Dykema, “bully breed” mixes)? Why are there so many desirable Toy breed puppies in shelters in the northeast and so many undesirable dogs elsewhere?

There could be several reasons why the northeast has cute, Toy breed puppies when some other parts of the country don’t.

It’s been true for quite a while that puppies are usually “adopted” first at animal shelters.

(And, by “adopted,” of course, we mean sold for several hundred dollars with lots of strings attached.) For years puppies have been in short supply because th ey are cute and cuddly and when many families think of adopting a dog, they automatically think they want to adopt a puppy. And Toy breeds seem to be in even higher demand than other breeds. Just look at the AKC’s list of breeds by registrations. At least half of the top 20 breeds are Toy or small-breed (under 20 pound) dogs, and small breeds are gaining in popularity every year. French Bulldogs, Cavaliers, Brussels Griffons, Norwich Terriers, and Papillons have all shown enormous increases in the last decade.

“Humane Relocation” After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, rescue groups seem to have become aware of the fact that they could network nationally and send dogs around the country anywhere they wanted to send them. And they didn’t have to be overly concerned about the owners of the dogs emerging to track them down. At the time, it was believed that the rescue groups were acting altruistically, “saving” dogs made homeless by disaster whose owners were probably dead, even though some owners came forward later to track their pets down and demand them back. This led to a number of court cases which usually resulted in the dogs being returned to the original owners. It also showed up the fact that the rescue groups kept amazingly poor records about the dogs, where they were found and where they were sent; and that they did not try to help the dogs get back to their original owners, even when the dogs had microchips or other identifying information.

Since that time, rescue groups have greatly expanded these efforts at so-called “humane relocation,” to the point that they are now often accused of stealing dogs right out of people’s yards. Following the horrific tornado

50 Dog News

in Joplin, Missouri, in May 2011, hundreds of dogs were taken into the local shelter and many were sent out of state to be adopted by strangers instead of the local rescue groups holding the dogs longer for them to be reclaimed by their owners. The same thing happened following the outbreak of tornadoes in the South in April 2011. Dogs were scooped up and sent to shelters out of state instead of local groups working to reunite them with their owners. Purebred, mixed breed, intact dogs, spayed and neutered. Just dogs in general taken out of their community and sent to outof-state shelters for adoption.

In some cases, animal rescue workers have even been caught taking animals out of people’s yards when their homes had not been struck by disaster. Following an outbreak of bad weather or flooding, they may have seen a dog chained in its yard, or thought a dog looked like it needed help in some other way, and simply took the dog. That’s putting a charitable spin on the event. In some cases rescuers simply stole dogs from their owners. Sometimes they were not caught in the act, but the dog was later discovered missing and had been “adopted” out to someone in another state. The owners had to plead or go to court to try to get their pets back because of the overzealousness of these “rescuers” who took it upon themselves to play God and decide that the original owner didn’t deserve to keep his dog.

In November a Bulldog named Samson was stolen from his family’s backyard in Vancouver.

Police have recommended that two women, Janet Olson and Louise Reid, from A Better Life Dog Rescue, be charged with theft in the case. Olson had already been charged with theft in connection with another dog stolen in April 2011. Police believe the two women were behind a number of other dognappings in which they dressed up in “very official-looking” uniforms emblazoned with the words “Animal Welfare”. According to RCMP Cpl. Drew Grainger, “This investigation quickly revealed Olson and Reid were operating their charitable not-for-profit organization beyond the scope of its mandate and allegedly unlawfully acting beyond their goodwill intentions.”

Grainger said officers watched in an undercover operation as Olson and Reid entered a family’s backyard dressed in bogus uniforms and then tried to leave with the family’s pet.

The women were immediately arrested. Police haven’t been able to determine all the reasons why Olson and Reid were allegedly stealing dogs, he said. But they believe the motive may have been the adoption fees the pair collected for placing the stolen animals in new homes. Continued on page 70

Dog News 51

The Thanksgiving Classic Cluster

The Cluster Something F Everyone

By Peggy Wampold

W

e in the Northeast, especially the Springfield area, have been battered by bad weather - a tornado, a hurricane and an early snow storm while the trees still had leaves on them. All of which brought down trees, power and telephone lines. Some people lost their houses; almost all have gone without electricity for days, etc. I think that the most common question asked at the cluster was “How long were you without power?” A large number of us live in the country and have well water, so no electricity, no heat and no water… and no water means no flushing. Some parts of Vermont were literally washed away, roads, houses, bridges, etc. It has just been an awful summer and fall in the Northeast weather wise, but we survived and people were ready to get back out and visit with their friends. I still say, after eight days without power, that it was a good thing that it was my ancestors that came to this country and endured the hardships. I would have gotten to that port in England, taken one look at that little boat and changed my religion. Set-up days on Tuesday and Wednesday were really nice days in

52 Dog News

the Springfield area. I was told up north in Vermont and New Hampshire they had eleven inches of snow that people had to plow through to get to the shows. Tuesday was a lovely day with sunshine, blue sky and warmth. Wednesday was dreary, overcast and foggy, because it had rained Tuesday night. Thursday was a spectacular day as was the rest of the weekend, sunny, not too hot and not too cold, but just right for dogs and people. All of the judges made it to the show; I say that because with the unpredictable weather we have been having all over the country causing flight cancellations, we held our breath until the last judge was in their hotel room.

I was told that Larry Stanbridge, coming in from Canada, had several delays, but he made it.

Our cluster was dedicated to the memory of Lester Mapes. He was a member of

r With g For

PHOTO BY JOHN ASHBEY

Springfield Kennel Club and a good friend to all of us. Lester loved life and loved having fun. He made everything he did seem like fun. One year the sound system failed at our shows, so Lester organized all of the judges into a chorus to sing the National Anthem. Lester was a good dog person, a very fine man, and a good friend who loved to laugh and made those around him laugh. He had a wonderful way of putting the nervous exhibitor at ease and relaxing the anxious puppy. Lester made everyone around him feel good just to be in his proximity. He is sorely missed by all of us.

Talk about a four-day cluster that offered something for everyone… it would be the Thanksgiving Classic Cluster in Springfield, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving weekend. It was a long week for the club members as they met the MB-F truck

bright and early Tuesday morning and began setting up the show and finished up early Wednesday afternoon. They were busy hanging the banners and the flags, putting the chairs in the rings and the drapes around the tables, putting up the signs, marking off the vendor booths and the grooming areas, etc. As the shows are in three buildings, there is a lot of set-up before the exhibitors can come into the building. Exhibitors were lined up at the door to get in early Wednesday and by three o’clock in the afternoon the grooming area was beginning to look rather full. The motor homes evidently started arriving before Tuesday because the parking lot was pretty full when we arrived for set-up on Tuesday morning.

Thursday was Holyoke Kennel Club (Jane Wilkinson, Chair), Friday was South Windsor Kennel Club (Ken Doeg, Chair), Saturday was Windham County Kennel Club (Ed Lyons, Chair) and Sunday was Springfield Kennel Club (Tom Davies, Chair and Cluster Coordinator). Every other year South Windsor and Windham County flip-flop their dates, last year South Windsor was on Saturday and Windham was on Friday. This is sometimes confusing to the specialty clubs that have supported entries and specialties, but after all of these years, they seem to be aware of this flip-flopping of the days.

There were many specialties and supported entries and lots

PHOTO BY JOHN ASHBEY

of those much sought after majors. Holyoke had the biggest increase in entries and was up about 100. The other shows were pretty much the same as last year, up a few in one breed and down a few in another. With all of the new obedience and rally classes, that entry was up. So let’s hope that things are improving in the number of entries the shows are getting.

Holyoke Kennel Club hosted its show on Thanksgiving Day and as I told you last year, people said that they really liked having a place to go and something to do on Thanksgiving. When you drove into the parking lot you could smell the roasting turkeys being cooked in the motor homes. There must have been some delicious Thanksgiving dinner parties after Best in Show, if the aromas in the air were any indication. We sometimes forget that some people have no family to share a holiday with and that we dog people are an extended family for many of us. I was told that the restaurants in the area were all booked to capacity soon after the premiums went out in the mail. Who says you cannot go to a dog show and celebrate Thanksgiving?

Sulie Greendale-Paveza opened the shows with her lovely renditions of O Canada, in honor of our Canadian judges Continued on page 106

Dog News 53

J

The

By Kimberly Silva Garrett

uniors SPEAK Haley Pemble Age: 17 Hometown: Snohomish, Washington

My parents have always been involved in showing horses and they hoped I would inherit their passion. After many failed attempts at finding just the right horse for me, I began going to dog shows with my grandmother and a friend.

I was hooked immediately! Saving up my money, I purchased my first juniors dog, Elliot, who I still show to this day. Elliot is a Shetland Sheepdog, my best friend, and the light of my life!

What is your favorite dog show moment?

Too many to mention, but waking up in the morning knowing I’m headed to a show has to be the highlight! When there has been a long gap between shows, I find myself lost and anxious, it’s like each and every one is its own special moment that I live off of. As for special moments at a dog show, taking Best Junior at this year’s Seattle Kennel Club both days against so many talented handlers has to be the highlight of my time spent in juniors. I’ll be sad when I age out, but am looking forward to continuing on in the sport for the rest of my life.

54 Dog News

Advice, wow it can be so simply said, yet so hard to do. The thing I found that really helped me advance in the dog show world is to not limit myself. I went out and was not going to be stopped by not placing in shows, or get discouraged by hard times… no, the best advice I could give someone is to always believe in them self. Giving up is easy, but that never leads to a life full of winning.

What would you like junior judges to know most when judging juniors?

Name:

How did you become involved in the sport?

What is the best advice you can give to current and potential juniors?

Do you have a mentor or someone you look up to in the sport?

There are several people whom I’ve been honored and fortunate enough to have help guide, teach, and mentor me over the past seven years. Gary Whitmore, who graciously agreed to place Elliot with me and has guided me through everything Sheltie; Stacy Duncan and her father Tad, who were my wonderful first instructors; Marian Sweeney, who has molded me into the junior I am today; Karen Hanka, who has instructed me on the finer points of the breed ring; Gary Stiles, who has shown me the side of the sport from a professional handler’s point of view; and last but not least, my parents, who encourage me and support me unconditionally. All these individuals are important to me, but this list is not limited to them; there are many more people who have touched my lives in numerous ways, ones that deserve to be recognized.

However, that list would be too many pages long, so I hope they understand who they are deep in their hearts, I know I do.

This truly requires a tactful answer, for I cannot go out and say what I see, not knowing the background story of that judge. I’d like to say I have seen it all in my 7 years of juniors, but of course there is always that judge who surprises me with a different way to handle the ring. The thing I would like all junior judges to know, overall, is that they hold the confidence of the future handlers in their hands. They need to cherish that privilege and realize their placement shapes how minds view the dog show world. Don’t go off of what dog looks best, or the junior that has the flashiest outfit, but really think… do I want that junior handling my dog?

Do you have any plans once you age-out?

Some of my plans once I age-out of juniors are to go onto college specializing in animal science, and agricultural education. I hope to pursue and succeed in the career path of a professor as well as a research scientist investigating genetics and all its benefits to the world. Along with doing all of this, I will continue to show and will become a juniors judge, where I hope to do some AKC work in the department of junior showmanship.

Do you compete in any other AKC events? If so, which?

I do compete in other AKC events, some of which include Rally, and Agility. Elliot has his Rally Advanced title on him as well as Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International.

Our newest addition to our family, a young Sheltie puppy named Summer, will have a tremendous future in agility along with obedience and conformation.

What, if anything, have you learned from competing in junior showmanship?

Honestly, there are too many ways junior showmanship has changed me for the better.

It has taught me how to be a confident professional, and that I should always reach for all goals dreamed of. Not only this, but it has taught me how to have that finer connection with an animal that truly opens up the gateway for wordless communication. So many other things have been due to my involvement in juniors, abilities and characteristics that I know I will use for the rest of my life.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

from

Multiple Best In Show and Best In Specialty Show Winning

GCh. Hetherbull Topline O-O, Ellen Charles, Jean Hetherington and Paula Turner

Dog News 55

y d d u

ch. cragsmoor

B

owners carolyn koch victor malzoni, jr. handlers larry cornelius marcelo veras breeders eugene z. zaphiris matthew h. stander

56 Dog News

goodman

the top winning skye terrier of all time

winner of 40 all breed best in shows

pictured tying the best in show record for the breed under judge mr. robert slay

Dog News 57

Four-footed Miracle Workers

BY SHARON PFLAUMER

Life was a real challenge for their family before Leo, her autistic 8-year-old son, got his service dog, Halo, according to Peg Walsh Bernert.

“F PHOTO BY PEG WALSH Bernert

Leo Bernert and his 4 Paws Service Dog, Halo

PHOTO BY PEG WALSH Bernert

Leo Bernert’s service dog, Halo, masquerades as a Christmas reindeer.

have severe communication issues. They don’t know their name and thus don’t respond to it when a parent says it.”

Disruptive behaviors and lack of compliance are other issues.

“Autistic children often exhibit obsessive/ compulsive behaviors, or even worse, have a horrible meltdown when taken to a different environment. Obviously, that kind of behavior causes other people to stare and makes parents feel uncomfortable in public,” she says.

For these reasons, parents often don’t take the autistic child to other people’s homes.

Many don’t even take the autistic child to the homes of other family members. Likewise, they can’t go anywhere as a family unit. If they have another child, only one parent can attend his recitals or soccer games. The other parent must remain home and supervise the autistic child.

4 Paws for Ability Leo’s service dog was placed with the Walsh Bernert family by 4 Paws for Ability, an organization founded by Karen Shirk in 1998. Shirk suffers from Myasthenia Gravis, which left her ventilator dependent. As a young woman in the late 1980s, she applied for a service dog but was turned down repeatedly. No agency trained service dogs for the ventilator dependent at the time. Thus Shirk started her own organization with the idea of placing service dogs with people having all types of disabilities.

She was especially interested in helping autistic children because she had worked with them in a variety of settings as a social worker. Her agency was the first to place skilled autism service dogs and continues to be the largest one in the United States to do so. As of December 1, 2011, 4 Paws placed over 600 service dogs.

Enter the service dog A specially trained service dog can change these family dynamics dramatically by first, keeping the autistic child safe, and second, teaching him to behave more appropriately. In terms of safety, these service dogs are trained in two techniques: search and rescue and tethering. In the case of the former, they can track a child anywhere, i.e., in the house, backyard; shopping mall, wooded area, etc. And they can do it in a matter of minutes instead of the hours or days typical of other types of rescue efforts.

“One of the autistic children, with whom we placed a dog, wandered off at 10 p.m. at night recently,” Shirk says. “Within three minutes, his service dog located him in a heavily wooded area behind one of the neighbor’s houses. The boy was naked and the temperature was only 20 degrees. Without the intervention of his service dog, this story probably wouldn’t have had a happy ending.”

After the service dog tracks and finds the autistic child a hundred times or more, the child learns there’s no point in wandering off.

He realizes he’s never going to get anywhere so he stays with his parents and finds another way to cope.

In regard to tethering, younger autistic children are harnessed to the service dog, while older ones wear a dog collar for a belt that is tethered to the D-ring on the dog’s harness by a leash. Continued on page 112

PHOTO BY KAREN SHIRK

or example, if I remembered we were out of milk while driving home from school with Leo and my other three children, I wouldn’t stop at the store to buy more,” she says. “We’d just go without it. I knew from past experience, Leo would run out into the parking lot or have a meltdown in the store. If I told Leo to stay with me, he wouldn’t comply. And, if I tried to restrain him physically by holding onto his hand, he would have a kicking and screaming temper tantrum.”

Four years after Halo joined the family, Leo is a different little boy. He now calmly stays at his mother’s side when shopping is necessary. They each hold onto one of the two leashes attached to Halo’s collar and harness. Thanks to his amazing service dog, activities like the above are no longer a safety issue for Leo and life is much easier for the rest of the family. To learn how Halo triggered this dramatic change in Leo’s behavior, read on.

After only two weeks of training, the bond between Alex and his new 4 Paws Service Dog is already strong.

58 Dog News

The challenges posed by autism A common feeling among parents of autistic children is that of being trapped or imprisoned by their child’s behavior.

“The safety issues are so enormous; it’s risky to take autistic children anywhere,” Shirk says. “They have no understanding of danger. If you take them to a two-story shopping mall, for example, they’ll climb over the balcony railing that keeps patrons from falling when viewing the lower level. They also

The Standout in the crowd

“Cadey” V1, Multiple Best In Show/ Best In Specialty Show National Siegerin ARC Best of Breed Winner, Select 1 AM. GCH., Can. Ch.

Gamegards Rhythm of the Rain

Breeders: V. Weaver, P. Marsh, K. Raymond Owner: Cheryl Krown Co-owners: V. Weaver & P. Marsh Handler: Jessy Sutton

Thank you Judge Mr. W illiam

Cunningha

m Dog News 59

THREE NEW K-9 OFFICERS COME TO DELAWARE COUNTY

18,000 Screaming

By Marge Remolde

O

n October 15, 2011 the Delaware County Kennel Club was very proud to present two new City Of Chester, Pa K-9’s, K-9 Chase and partner Officer Bill Murphy and K-9 Mickey and Officer Joe Dougherty with their K-9 Ballistic Vests, K-9 First Aid Kits and K-9 Oxygen Masks. These K-9 Officers graduated from Newcastle County, DE, K-9 Training Center on 9/16/2011 and reported to duty immediately. HOWEVER, what made this presentation so special and unusual was that it was made with 18,000 soccer fans cheering us on. The Officers and Kennel Club members were recognized as HOME TOWN HEROES just prior to the start of the professional soccer game at PPL Park, Chester PA. We were taken out into the soccer field while it was announced to the crowd and shown on the huge screens

60 Dog News

above the field that these Officers were truly Home TOWN HEROES and given special equipment from the Kennel Club. The Kennel Club members and Officers were overwhelmed with the excitement and noise of the 18,000 fans cheering BUT, believe it or not, the K-9 Officers handled the excitement and fame like real troopers.

K-9 CHARLIE ON DUTY WHEN VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN CAME TO MEDIA, PA K-9 Charlie and his partner Deputy Sheriff Erv Smith Corporal Bob Adams of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department were assigned to duty on 11/11/2011 when Vice President Joe Biden came to Media, PA to participate in the Veterans Day celebration and gigantic parade.

This was some assignment for a new K-9 Officer.

Corporal Bob Adams of the Sheriff’s Department graded K-9 Charlie’s first important assignment

Fans Cheer K-9’S

and his report card had solid “A’s”. K-9 Charlie graduated also on 9/16/2011 with K-9’s Chase and Mickey. Without a doubt Charlie earned his “weight in treats” for the outstanding performance of his duties.

Then on 11/15/2011, K-9 Charlie was the center of attention at the County Council Meeting held at the Media Court House. The Delaware County Kennel Club had the privilege of presenting K-9 Charlie with his K-9 Ballistic Vest, K-9 First Aid Kit and K-9 Oxygen Mask.

Unexpected and so surprised, the Delaware County Kennel Club was presented with a beautiful plaque from the Sheriff’s department -- “IN APPRECIATION FOR YOUR CONTINUED GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR K-9 UNIT” .

The Delaware County Kennel Club’s mission for years has been to support our K-9 Officers. We sure had the opportunity to fulfill our mission recently when “3” Special K-9’s graduated and were assigned to duty.

It is the hope of the Kennel Club that the equipment given to each K-9 would never be needed. However we are proud to know that we have provided protection in the case of emergency. For more information about the kennel Club go to: www.delcokennelclub.com Dog News 61

Angel On A Leash

book party

BY CHRISTINE DEACETIS Photos by Tilly and Jack Grassa

L

egendary Oscar winner Celeste Holm and her husband, Frank Basile, opened their Central Park West home in New York City on Dec. 5 for a party to celebrate the publication of David Frei’s new book, “Angel On A Leash: Therapy Dogs and The Lives They Touch.”

Elly McGuire and Ron Trotta hosted the party, with Ms. Holm greeting guests and posing for pictures with the 70-plus guests in attendance. Several guests posed with Ms. Holm’s Oscar in their hands, imitating winners about to make their acceptance speeches, and those who were still around at “closing time” got to hear the 94-yearold stage and screen legend sing a few songs with Ron and Frank.

David signed books with his Cavalier, Angel, perched on the table with him. He also spoke to the group and talked about what the visits mean to the people they see. “The dog walks into the room and the energy changes,” he said. “It may only be for the moment, but we are changing people’s lives. This has certainly changed my life and I thank my dogs every day for letting me be the guy on the other end of the leash.”

Among the special guests were Karen Pelletier, who David calls “the hero of Chapter 5, a real warrior for the battles she fights every day.”

Karen was the first patient David visited at Memorial Sloan Kettering with his dog, Teigh, when the program began four years ago. Also in attendance were several Angel volunteers such as Maria Wilpon, Caroline Loevner, Nancy George-Michalson, Maria Angeles, and Cherilyn Frei, as well as Jane Hedal-Siegel from MSK, Toni Millar and Bryan Dotson from NYP-Morgan Stanley, and Dr. Kim Alexander from Animal Medical Center.

The book, published by BowTie Press, is a collection of stories about David’s work and adventures with his therapy dogs visiting people in need at various health care facilities, and a look at therapy dog work in general. The book has the same name as the charity, Angel On A Leash, and some of the

62 Dog News

sales proceeds will go to the charity in support of its programs.

The charity came into existence as a charitable activity for the Westminster Kennel Club in 2004, and is now an independent 501(c)(3) charity. Angel On A Leash dogs and their handlers visit at a number of facilities around the country, including New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House New York, Hackensack (NJ) University Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House in Memphis, Fisher House at the Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Ronald McDonald House of Milwaukee, Providence Health System (Portland, OR), and more.

Angel On A Leash also partners with the Animal Medical Center in New York, MidSouth Therapy Dogs in Memphis, and the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) of Salt Lake City.

For more information, log on to www.angelonaleash. org.

&

The Best In Specialty Show & Multiple Group Winning

GCH.PYRLESS NO-BRAINER Our sincere appreciation to Judges Ms. Annella Cooper and Mr. Lawrence Stanbridge for these Group Placements

“RALEIGH”

The Number Five* Great Pyrenees All Breed *The Dog News Top Ten List

Breeder PyrlessGreatPyreness.com Dr. Valerie Seeley Owners Sean & Rebecca Garvin Handler Sue Capone, PHA

Dog News 63

64 Dog News

Dog News 65

THE FANCY SPEAKS Texas Dog Owners Can Recover Sentimental-Value Damages for Loss of Pet

I

n a decision sure to make canine lovers rejoice and veterinarians cringe, a Texas Court of Appeals has ruled that value can be attached to the love of a dog, overruling a 120-year-old case in which the Texas Supreme Court held that plaintiffs can only recover for the market value of their pets.

On Nov. 3, the 2nd Court of Appeal ruled in Kathryn and Jeremy Medlen v. Carla Strickland that dog owners can recover damages from a defendant based on the “sentimental value” related to the loss of their pet — a decision the defendant’s lawyer argues could create new causes of action against vets.

According to the opinion, the allegations in Medlen are as follows: In 2009, Kathryn and Jeremy Medlen’s dog Avery escaped from their backyard and was picked up by animal control. Jeremy went to the animal shelter but did not have enough money to pay the fees.

He was told he could return the next day, and a “hold for owner” tag was placed on Avery’s cage, notifying the shelter employees that Avery was not to be euthanized.

Despite the “hold for owner” tag, Avery was put down the next day. When the Medlens returned to the shelter to pick up Avery, they learned what had happened.

The Medlens sued Carla Strickland, an employee at the shelter, alleging her negligence proximately caused Avery’s death. They sued for “sentimen-

66 Dog News

tal or intrinsic” damages because Avery had little or no market value and was irreplaceable.

Strickland objected to the Medlens’ claims for damages on the ground that such damages are not recoverable for the death of a dog. The trial court dismissed the Medlens’ suit for failure to state a claim for damages recognized by law — a ruling the Medlens appealed to the 2nd Court. This is the general rule in California and the majority of states where emotional distress is not recoverable for death of a dog deemed at law to be only property.

The court held that “Dogs are unconditionally devoted to their owners. Because of the special position pets hold in their family, we see no reason why existing law should not be interpreted to allow recovery in the loss of a pet at least to the same extent as other personal property. (Traditionally property determined to have unique or intrinsic value such as an urn containing human ashes or a family heirloom has supported damages awards to their owners).

The Appellate Court then remanded the case to the trial court to determine the sentimental value of the Medlen’s dog, Avery.

Medlen is a huge victory for Randy Turner, a partner in Hurst’s Turner & McKenzie and a dog lover who represents the Medlens pro bono. “I’ve said before I die or retire, I’m going to get this law changed,” Turner says.

“I quote a study [in briefs] that says more than 50 percent of Americans would risk their lives to save their dog. And that’s just a fact. And I’m one of those people,” Turner says. “After Hurri-

BY FRANK M. STEVENS

cane Katrina, people wouldn’t leave because they wouldn’t leave their dogs or cats. I defy you to find a piece of personal property that people value more than their pets. It can’t be done.”

The loss of Avery was especially hard on the Medlens, Turner says. They had raised the 80-pound brindle-coated dog since he was a puppy. The dog was part of their family and even went on family vacations. Jeremy Medlen had his two children with him at the shelter when they learned Avery had been euthanized.

“They are so devastated they have not gotten another dog. They are still grieving,” Turner says of the Medlens.

Paul Boudloche, a partner in Fort Worth’s Mason & Boudloche who represents Strickland, says he will file a motion seeking an en banc rehearing in Medlen.”Our position is the law has been settled for 120 years not only by the Supreme Court but by the Court of Appeals. And the decision by the Appellate Court took us totally by surprise,” Boudloche says.

This case if upheld may have a significant impact on the care and treatment of dogs particularly by veterinarians, kennel owners, professional dog handlers, and even individuals who take care of their neighbors’ pets. For example, veterinarians, performing routine care for a pet, may now be required to practice much more defensive medicine. The value of a dog has changed in the eye of the law.

STING AND VALERIE A winning team

Pictured Judge Ms. Sharon Derrick MULTIPLE BEST IN SHOW WINNING

GCH. SHORTALES N CAHOOTS W IRONDALE, JH GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER CLUB OF AMERICA Top Twenty Winner 2011 #1 GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER All breed Top 10 Sporting Dog *

*

Breeder/Owner Shortales GSP Leita Estes, Dr. Tim Stinchcombe www.shortales.com

*The Dog News Top Ten List

HandLer Valerie Nunes-Atkinson Dog News 67

Ana

JUDGE Mr. William C. Stebbins

T h e Bes t I n S h o w W I n n i n g Owned By Naomi and Malcolm Barksdale

68 Dog News

JUDGE Mrs. Beverly A. Vics

G C H . C AR Y OLA ’ S ANTI G U A Bred By Caryn Cooper

Presented By Andy Linton

Assistants Michelle Anderson, Danica Eiswerth, Emilie Peterson and Courtney Smith

Dog News 69

Where’d You Get That Puppy?

Continued FROM page 50

Dognapping The line between rescuers who rescue dogs that don’t need rescuing and people who simply steal dogs is a thin one, but there has been an increase in dog theft, according to the AKC. Judging by the reports of stolen dogs online, dog theft is happening all over the U.S. and Canada. And the favorite target of dog thieves is a litter of cute Toy breed puppies, presumably because they can be sold later, individually, for lots of money, and no one will think of asking if the puppies are stolen.

According to Lisa Peterson of the AKC, “We are getting reports almost daily of pets stolen during home invasions, out of parked cars while people are running errands and even snatched from dog lovers out for a walk in the park.”

According to the most recent national statistics available from the American Kennel Club — based on customer and media reports — in the first seven months of the year, 224 pets had been reported stolen, compared to 150 pets in the same period in 2010.

In Delaware at the end of November, a 5-weekold litter of Shih Tzu puppies was stolen from Lisa Ganc’s home while she was out running errands. The thieves left behind more valuable electronics, jewelry, and other items that might interest a thief. Five days earlier a litter of 10 Cane Corso puppies, also 5-weeksold, had been stolen near Townsend.

In Buena Park, California, thieves broke through the window to steal three Yorkshire Terrier puppies and an adult Yorkie named Staci owned by Linda Bush.

Staci (not the mother) has a long list of medical problems and needs medication. One story about the missing puppies blames the recession for all the dog thefts and mentions that in one case a gang burst into a home and stole six Yorkies at gunpoint. According to the Internet story, two of Linda Bush’s puppies were recovered after the owner put up posters offering a reward and two people were arrested on suspicion of burglary. But one puppy and Staci are still missing.

Are some of these stolen puppies ending up in rescues and shelters?

My friend in Setters, Jay Kitchener, thinks so. Jay is the AKC Legislative Liaison to the Gordon Setter Club of America, as well as the Secretary & Editor of the Federation of Maine Dog Clubs. He’s one of the hardest working guys in purebred dogs and he follows anti-breeding laws and other legislation, rescues and shelters, and dog imports, to name just a few of the dog issues that keep him busy.

According to Jay, “As regressive and draconian anti-breeding laws put the brakes on purebred dog breeders nationwide, we can expect there to be more and more dog thefts in the future. The economy has had an effect...with thieves seeing potential big money in a nice purebred dog, particularly if it is visible in a car...Easy money for some, and ‘rescue’ for others, as individuals...make themselves into cop, judge and jury — claim your dog is being abused or neglected by their standards, needing ‘rescue.’

People need to investigate, but usually they only see halos on people who claim to be ‘rescuers’ — a shame, isn’t it.”

Breeding for Rescue?

Some people have also pointed out how very fortuitous it is that so many 8-10 week-old Toy breed puppies seem to always be available for adoption at New England shelters. What a wonderful coincidence, isn’t it? Or, is it? Could there possibly be some rescues and shelters who are intentionally breeding puppies to meet the demand for cute Toy and small breed puppies?

There is, without doubt, at least one person who 70 Dog News

operates as a “rescue” and who posts on her web site that she breeds her dogs to have puppies for sale so she can have more money to rescue other dogs.

I used to have her URL but I don’t have it anymore.

She was quite open about what she was doing, even if it was probably a silly idea in terms of making money.

But, are there really any rescues and shelters around who are breeding Toy and small breed dogs in order to have a supply for “adoptions”? Keeping in mind that these puppies are often “adopted” for $350 and up at rescues and shelters these days. That’s harder to answer. It does seem suspicious that some shelters in the northeast, which have been practically put out of business by MSN and anti-breeding laws, have a constant supply of these cute puppies at just the perfect age that people want them, don’t you think?

Let’s think about where rescues and shelters might get their breeding dogs. There were certainly lots of breeder raids between 2007 and 2009, when HSUS was pushing strongly for their puppy mill/commercial breeder bills in so many states. We know that many Toy and small breed dogs were taken from breeders in these raids. Some from commercial breeders, some from places with genuinely bad conditions. But some dogs were taken from better breeders and there were also some nice dogs taken (in my estimation) from hobby breeders. Were ALL of these dogs spayed and neutered and adopted out to the public? Or, were any of them retained for breeding purposes? Since 2009 there have been far fewer breeder raids prompted by HSUS as they have turned their attention away from puppy mills/commercial breeders and toward other initiatives. They were tied up in Missouri for quite a while (way to go Missouri!). But there have been occasional raids and Toy and small breed dogs continue to be taken from time to time, across the country.

IF there were people who wanted to supply rescues and shelters with cute, highly adoptable Toy and small breed puppies, it would have been quite easy to keep some of the better breeding dogs taken during these raids and keep breeding them during the last few years. They would have had their pick of Toy breeds. I do say “if” because I don’t have proof that this is happening.

But let’s also ask about the pregnant bitches who were taken during these raids. Did they go full-term and deliver their litters? What happened to those puppies? Were they kept or put up for adoption? It seems there is rarely any follow-up with that kind of information following a raid.

I am not particularly prone to conspiracy theories and I do look for facts and evidence, but I can’t get away from the fact that certain shelters do seem to have a steady supply of desirable puppies at just the right age that people want to “adopt”.

I find it hard to believe that there is a constant stream of dog owners who have “oops” litters of cute Toy puppies and they just bring them into the shelters to drop off. First, we’re talking about New England and I’m always told what wonderful dog laws they have there and how responsible all the dog owners are. So, they wouldn’t be having all of those “oops” litters. And, second, I have a feeling that if a dog owner has a litter of cute Toy breed puppies, they would be smart enough to know that those puppies are valuable. They wouldn’t just drop them off at a shelter. They would sell them themselves. Those New Englanders are pretty sharp, right?

So, we still have the question of where the New England shelters are getting all of those darling little Toy and small breed puppies.

Continued on page 114

GCh. Sunteckel’s Samuel II

A thank you to Judges Mr. Eugene Blake and Mrs. Roberta Campbell

A Multiple Best In Show and Multiple Best In Specialty Show Winner

Sammy is currently the The Number One* Longhaired Dachshund

Owners: Sharon Lutosky Terry Abst Handler: Lorene Hogan Breeders: Kevin & Jan Schirmer *The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

72 Dog News

*

Our appreciation to group judges Mrs. Robert Forsyth Mrs. Molly Martin and Mrs. Arlene Benko

*All Systems

Dog News 73

Off The Leash

By Shaun Coen

I

n last week’s column I wrote about the now infamous NY Times Magazine cover story (11.27.11) by Benoit DenizetLewis titled Bowwow Ouch, which asked the question Can the Bulldog Be Saved? I contacted Mr. Denizet-Lewis via email in regards to his article but had not received his answers prior to going to press last week.

Printed below is the email correspondence between us.

Coen: Just wondering if you received any official response from the American Kennel Club or the Bulldog Club of America in response to the article.

BDL: No, no official response from the AKC or the BCA. Coen: Where did you get your Golden Retriever? From a breeder? Pet shop? Shelter or rescue? And has your Golden ever had any health problems?

BDL: My dog is, in theory, a lab-golden retriever mix, but I’m going to have him DNA tested to find out for sure. I’m curious to know.

He has elbow and hip dysplasia (he had surgery on his elbows when he was about 1), but he’s been in great shape since then. He can run for hours. No vet trips in last few years.

Knock on wood.

Coen: I’m assuming, then, if your dog is a mixed breed, that you didn’t get it from a breeder or a pet shop.

BDL: You will have to read my book to find out the details of how I got my dog. :) Coen: Can you tell me a little about what your upcoming book about dogs in America will entail?

BDL: My upcoming book will not be about purebred dogs. It’s about dogs in America more generally--I’ll be writing about all different kinds of human-dog relationships, including sled racers and their dogs, homeless people and their dogs, police officers and their trained dogs, etc.

Coen: You quote Wayne Pacelle extensively in the article and state that the Humane Society organized its first conference on the topic of purebred-dog health and welfare last spring.

Are you aware that several organizations were involved with that conference and that Mr. Pacelle was not in attendance at the conference?

74 Dog News

BDL: The Humane Society was the primary sponsor of the conference. Yes, I am aware that Wayne wasn’t there. I spoke with him before and after the conference.

Coen: I’m sure you’re aware that some dog breeders are not very happy with the article, nor is the AKC. How do you answer critics who question your authority to write on a subject matter (breeding dogs) that you have little or no experience with?

Or those who believe you had an agenda, preconceived conclusions on the topic or that you are acting as an instrument of the HSUS? BDL: I am certainly aware that some breeders are not happy with me, because I have heard from several. I don’t know what the AKC’s position is, because I have not heard from anyone there. I have heard, though, from hundreds of bulldog owners who have thanked me for writing the piece.

As a magazine journalist, I write about many topics that I am not an “expert” in before I begin the story. That’s why I spend months (and in this case, a year) researching as many health studies of dogs as I can and talking to as many people as I can about a topic to get as full an understanding as possible. And, after doing that for a year in this case, it became clear to me--as it is to most veterinarians, canine health researchers, and clear-eyed people in this country-that the bulldog breed has serious health issues, and that its fundamental design is problematic.

As for any agenda I might have, I would say that it is to tell the truth to the best of my ability. I actually had no plans to write a piece about bulldogs, but as I researched a chapter on dog mascots for my book, I began reading more about bulldogs. As I read and researched, and as I began speaking with vets from across the country, it became clear to me that bulldogs have a wide array of health problems, and that some of those are the result of breeding for exaggerated characteristics. To deny this is a remarkable thing, yet some folks seem intent on doing just that. I would argue that they have much more of an agenda than I do.

Finally, I’m guessing your question in a previous email about whether my dog

is a purebred or not might be to tell if I have some sort of anti-purebred agenda? Well, I grew up with a purebred German Shepherd and a purebred Golden Retriever, so no. I also had a great time at Westminster last year. But two things can be true at the same time. 1) I can love and appreciate purebred dogs. 2) I can write an article about a breed in trouble.

Coen: Just curious - did your purebred German Shepherd or Golden have any health problems? Or more or less the same as your current mixed breed?

BDL: Yes, they had health problems, as well. But I was a kid/teen, so not sure how their vet bills compared to my current dog.

As a follow-up, I asked BDL a second time, on Dec. 2nd, whether or not he had heard from the AKC or the Bulldog Club of America in response to his article.

BDL: I have not heard anything from the AKC or BCA. As infuriating as the article may have been for some purebred breeders, perhaps even more disturbing was the AKC’s lack of response to it. That decision may well have come at the behest of the AKC’s official PR firm, Rubinstein, and if that’s the case, do away with Rubinstein and put whatever money the AKC is paying the PR firm into advertising. A full page rebuttal to the article in the NY Times, akin to the one taken by HumaneForPets. com in both the NY Times and USA Today and reprinted by Dog News last week, makes more sense than ignoring the article. The AKC has chosen in the past to ignore attacks on purebred dog breeders from such groups such as the HSUS or PETA, usually citing a refusal to lend those groups, their arguments and their publicity stunts any credibility whatsoever. In many of those instances that decision has been correct. A group such as Continued on page 116

GCh. Jamelle’s Aristocrat V. Elba The Number 1* All Breed Saint Bernard!

Judge Mr. William Shelton

Flash Another Group First for Aristocrat at Worchester County Kennel Club, Judge Mrs. Linda Krukar.

Owners Ed & Linda Baker Elba Saints Hopewell, NJ Elba1@aol.com Breeders Michelle & Jack Mulligan Jamelle’s Saints Diamond Bar, CA Jamelles@earthlink.net Handler Melody “Snooki” Salmi

“Powerful, Proportionally TALL figure, strong & muscular in every part with an imposing head” *The Dog News Top Ten List - All Breed

Our thanks to Judges Mrs. Marcia Carter, Mr. Terry Temple, Mr. David Bolus, Mr. William Shelton, Mrs Linda Krukar for the Specialty, supported entry and group wins in the last few weeks.

76 Dog News

*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed

Dog News 77

And More

PERSPECTIVES, THE BRACHYCEPHALIC PROBLEM...

L

ast week a number of writers in DOG NEWS including me took THE NEW YORK TIMES to task for its one-sided story which appeared in its November 27th Magazine Section about the Bulldog breed and its breeders specifically and all breeders of purebred dogs as well as the AKC generally. Additionally I questioned the role of the U of P and its Veterinary School in the matter since so many of our critics in the article were people quoted by the author (a man with no background in husbandry of any sort) as a means to uphold his distorted and obviously preconceived viewpoints about purebred dog breeders despite his denials to having such notions. One of the things I suggested was that Mr. Menaker resign from the Board of Overseers at the U of P there as a means of protest to both the monies AKC gives to that University in the health area and as to the endowment of professorships there. This as a result of its Dean refusing to support we breeders at all. And please understand I am the first to recognize, as a longtime owner and very occasional breeder of a brachycephalic breed (the King Charles Spaniel or English Toy Spaniel as we call them in America) many of the health problems which must be stamped out of certain lines and the failure of certain mercenary breeders to so react. Well it turns out Mr. Menaker, Chairman of the Board at AKC, actually resigned last year as an overseer but not for any specific reason and certainly not in a confrontational manner at all. I did want to clear that point up from a reportage accuracy standpoint.

The above having been said I must say I found the reaction of AKC PUBLICLY to the article to have been totally inadequate. Instead of coming out with a wide attack on the article which questioned its integrity it was advised I am told to refrain from calling more attention to the problem by writing THE TIMES. Instead it issued the following generalized statement to the very few people it claimed who contacted them.

STATEMENT FROM THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB The American Kennel Club® is a not-forprofit organization which, along with our more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, advocates for dogs as family companions, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership.

The AKC’s high ethical standards have made us the most widely respected registry in the world. The AKC, its member parent clubs and responsible breeders aim to preserve and improve the breeds they dedicate their lives to. The AKC has always led the charge in advancing canine health and creating education programs for breeders, such as with the founding of the AKC Canine Health Foundation in 1995. Since that time, more than $25 million has been given to more than 560 research

By Matthew H. Stander 78 Dog News

projects at 75 vet schools and research institutes worldwide to improve the health of all dogs.

The AKC advocates for balanced breeding programs that include genetic testing, pedigree research and conformation and temperament analysis of sire and dam. Potential pet owners should educate themselves about these issues and seek breeders who adequately screen their breeding stock using the available clinical and genetic tests to produce healthy dogs. Visit the AKC Canine Health Resource Center at www. akcdoghealth.org for more information on a variety of programs and services as well as other organizations that can help breeders produce healthy puppies for the enjoyment of future generations of dog owners.

For More Information Visit the AKC Canine Health Resource Center at www.akcdoghealth.org Have you ever read a more wishy-washy, ineffective position? I know my style is totally different and I would have ripped THE TIMES, Mr. Denizet-Lewis and the HSUS’s Wayne Pacelle a new you know what over that article. But cooler not necessarily wiser heads prevailed probably in the form of AKC’s venerated pr firm Rubenstein et al. You know what, I would have fired them too if that was its advice!! This is not the time to “play nice”--these people are out after our very sport and make no doubt about it they are winning over many in the general public due to our refusal and inaction in not only rebutting them but in not being adequately being pro-active in these matters as well. And please don’t tell me AKC does not have the money to counter these attacks. When one’s very existence is being challenged rather effectively you dig into resources not necessarily meant to be used for those purposes. That means digging into the at least $50 million fund sitting dormant established to fight dire economic times. This could be deleted, in part, to fight our cause that’s for sure. And for the economic purist who resists this sort of invasion I say there will be nothing to be saved if HSUS and its ilk wins the war against AKC and the concerned constituents of America. So shouldn’t we at the least be putting up an equal sort of fight. I think so-do you?

Coincidentally or not two things occurred outside the venue of AKC in this area of discussion. The first was the advert from the Humane Society for Shelter Pets in the form of full page ads in both USATODAY and THE NEW YORK TIMES (which were reprinted in DOG NEWS last week) and is also printed herein on the next page condemning the hell out of Wayne Pacelle and HSUS. Indeed if I did not know better I would have thought it was a plant of AKC’s but they unfortunately do not have that sort of mentality. This is not a first for that organization in going so public against HSUS. Indeed in the past they have run similar ads or an organization aligned with them ran ads in both newspapers and we have reprinted them before. If you come to my office you will see their past (and now

Continued on page 124

C for 1--S! ngest ith ce-

als 009,

All Time Winningest Dogue De Bordeaux In AKC History

Best In Specialty Show Winning

GCh. Mount Sinai’s Crusader St Amand Rhodonite Romeo x Mount Sinai’s Pasha

ANOTHER GROUP FIRST - Judge Dr. Robert Indeglia

2010 and 2011 DDBSA NATIONAL SPECIALTY BEST OF BREED #1 DDB in AKC for 2010 and 2011---ALL SYSTEMS !

ALL TIME winningest DDB in AKC with 30+ Group placements !

Purina Nationals Best of Breed 2009, 2010, 2011 WESTMINSTER Best of Breed 2011 Only USA dogue to win a National Specialty in Europe--Spain 2010.

Tropheo Latino winner in Europe 2010 3 time Ring D’Honneur at French National Specialty-’09 ‘10 ‘11 !

Crusader Bred and Owned by Dr. and Mrs. William E. Duvall Mount Sinai’s Kennel, www.mountsinaikennel.com

HANDLED BY KENT MACFARLANE

Crusader is the Number One Dogue De Bordeaux All Systems Dog News 79

80 Dog News

Dog News 81

IRVING’S IMPRESSIONS Continued FROM page 14

inbreeding. Also published is average coefficient of inbreeding for registered dogs of that breed as a whole in the UK. Another related facility for someone thinking of using a stud dog for their bitch is that they can put in the names of the bitch and a series of prospective sires, to find out what the co-efficient of inbreeding would be for the resulting litter. The progeny of certain matings is not permitted to be registered in the UK except by special permission. These include brother/sister, father/daughter and mother/son matings. When this restriction was first introduced it caused a good degree of controversy among those who thought that such a ban was the antithesis of real dog breeding. But the number of such matings in the UK was very small indeed, and the system has actually met with a much greater acceptance than had been predicted.

Certainly external public opinion finds it very hard to accept such close matings.

Even amongst most dog breeders it is pretty widely accepted that the use of such a high degree of inbreeding brings with it some dangers that many people would prefer to avoid. The Mate Select program is proving to be a very popular facility with many dog breeders who believe that, even for other close combinations of dogs which are not covered by the ban, they want to be aware of the degree of inbreeding that they are embarking upon before finally deciding on any specific combination of mother and father for a litter.

Estimated Breeding Values

But the most recent development the beginnings of which we understand is about to be made available on the KC website, is the calculation of what are called Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for certain conditions. EBVs have been used for many years in the commercial breeding of cattle and pigs, and have also been successfully used in the breeding of certain types of sports horses on the Continent of Europe.

They have also been employed in various dog breeds both in the USA and in Europe.

As I understand them, EBVs are of particular use for the more complex conditions such as hip dysplasia and are the best measure

82 Dog News

of the genetic potential of individuals to cause certain conditions. They are currently thought to be the optimum way of enabling breeders to select against such conditions. The system calculates the statistical likelihood of a certain combination of dog and bitch producing the problem concerned.

It uses only officially certified data collected from officially approved testing regimes. Once a certain number of dogs in a population have been tested the system can be applied even to dogs that have not themselves been screened, as long as they are related to dogs that have undergone the tests. This is a big advantage.

I understand that the first breed and condition in the UK, where the calculations have been done and where the results are about to become available on the KC website, will be for hip dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever. I believe that breeders will be able to input the name of their bitch and the names of the various KC registered stud dogs that they are considering using. The system will then give them an indication as to which of the chosen fathers is statistically least likely to produce problems for the progeny. The view is that this system is likely to be a much better predictor of likely outcomes than simply looking at the results of the tests for the mother and father themselves alone. The results take account of tests, if any, carried out not only on the mother and father but also on the ancestors of the mother and father and of any of their progeny as well. While the scientific and statistical methods have been used before, it is believed that this is the first time that such a system has been made available as part of an official kennel club website.

Registries To Improve Dog Health

What does all of this mean for the future of KC registrations in the UK? Hopefully it means that information available on the Kennel Club database will increasingly be able to be used to assist in the elimination of, or at least the improvement of, many conditions from which purebred dogs currently suffer. It will give much greater meaning to KC registration. It will mean that the science of genetics, the screening and testing of dogs for certain conditions and the family relationships which are recorded on the KC registration system will be able to be used as a powerful combination of facilities to improve the health of dogs.

What better reason could there possibly be to encourage everyone with a purebred dog to register it with the Kennel Club?

*

*Breed points, All Systems

Dog News 83

84 Dog News

Dog News 85

In a recent DOG NEWS column Desmond Murphy questioned whether there was sufficient communication and sharing of knowledge TODAY allowed by AKC as compared to yesteryear between judges and exhibitor/handlers.

THE DOG NEWS QUESTION OF THE WEEK FOR THE DECEMBER 9TH ISSUE IS TO ASK YOU

Whether or not you agree with this observation and if you do agree what changes in the current system would you suggest to improve that situation?

Continued FROM page 22

remember sitting in Teddy Young's, Bill Trainer's, etc. set-ups just discussing various dogs, standards etc. We all learned from each other. We would also question (endlessly, as I recall) the judges of our particular breeds for information on pedigrees, famous dogs of the past and ANY other info we could glean from them AND we did not call them by their first names!!!!! It was always, Mr. or Mrs., with much respect and awe, believe it or not! We also sat ringside till the end of the show watching, discussing and learning until the end of the show. We did not leave after our class judging, as so many exhibitors do at the shows today. We pretty much knew when we should have won or placed just by looking down the line at our competition.

We called all of the above "doing our homework". It was amazing how much smarter and more honest the judges seemed when you entered a show with solid information about what the judge of the day preferred and/or bred and awarded at previous shows. I think that today's shows are so rushed, guarded against "seeming" impropriety and some disrespect for the elders of the dog world, the most rewarding interchanges of the past are all but lost. I think we all need to RELAX and enjoy our dogs, each other and the shows again!

Bryan Martin I believe today that many judges consider being approached to discuss their judging find it more confrontational and bullying than educational. I have always believed that the AKC should adopt a position similar to one used by the American Horse Shows Assn (AHSA) in the late 1970's (and maybe today, I'm not sure). I was a registered Steward for the AHSA, a position similar to the AKC Field Rep, but paid by the show, not the Association. At horse shows no person may approach a judge without prior permission from the Steward. The Steward would check the judge's schedule, and during a break between classes, or after the show or before the show began in the morning, the exhibitor and/or trainer would meet with the judge with the Steward present, sort 86 Dog News

of a referee. The discussion would involve only your horse, no other exhibits in the class. This had a twofold outcome. 1) the exhibitor learned where the judge was coming from in respect to his/her placements through their explanation, and 2) the steward would judge the judge on his ability to communicate sensibly with the exhibitor. No voices were raised, punches thrown, insults hurled.

In other words, no bullying or intimidation by the exhibitor towards the judge, and vice versa. The proverbial "I liked the other entry in the class better" statement would not fly here!

A dialogue was established, peacefully. The exhibitor may still believe the judge was wrong or off, but that's your opinion and you can choose to exhibit or not again to this person. At least you could find out what this judge's priorities may be, head, topline, movement, etc., without having to guess wildly. If today's dog judges knew that this type of meeting could occur at any show, perhaps they may be more conscious of their decisions.

DARYL MARTIN Yes this is true. In yesteryear, the exhibitors were encouraged to attend judges' dinners the night before shows. Through discussion with people, you learn about their tastes, their views, their opinions, so you could form yours as to what they would like in the show ring. After shows, judges, handlers, exhibitors would have dinner and discuss the day and the dogs, always learning from their wins and their losses. Today people make judgment calls that conversations are "fixes". In the past, people had knowledge and also had their own self confidence as to what they liked, so they still judged dogs in their own eyes, not what people perceived.

They did not have to think what other people "would think". As far as improving the situation, I don't know how that will happen. Look at the communication in families and the world, it is by easy English in texting or emailing, one on one and vocalizing and sharing in person is becoming less and less. Communication has changed as well as the original idea of why we show dogs, to share about our breeds, to breed better dogs, not

just to have the most winning dog of every week.

Carol Brown I am in total agreement with Desi.

My experience has been -- In the 1960's, I had a young dog - my first - that I tried to show. I saw Ric Chashoudian with Ch. Melbee's Chances Are and was in awe. I asked Ric what I could do with my dog, and in all honesty, he told me to get another dog. I DID and that was our start in the world of Kerry Blue Terriers. Would a handler give me that advice today,or would they say Let Me Show Him for YOU???? We used to sit ringside discussing the dogs in the ring with other exhibitors, handlers and judges, watching the Kerry Blues at the old Associated Terrier Club Show, Westminster and anywhere else where we could learn what to look for and look at.

These days people simply leave when they are finished showing, judging or whatever their agendas dictate. Our first experience with Desi was at the Saw Mill River Kennel Club - the first year that there were groups. Desi was at the door, and when I brought my bitch (our foundation bitch) into the building - he said --- SHE SHOULD WIN - I had no idea who this wonderful young man was - but he gave me hope to try, try, try even though I had never won a group before.

Anyway - it was the first time she won the group, and if I wasn't such a dork in the ring, we might have gotten a BIS. If you ask a judge today what he or she liked about a specific dog - if you win - the dog was "What I think a Kerry should be" - if you do not "The dog lacked - some obsequious talent". In the (I hate to call it this) old days, when a judge was asked - the specific points of conformation was discussed - today - the judge feels threatened that the question was even asked. So, I think that Desi approached the past with an eye to what is now missing in the dog world.

Mildred K. Bryant I agree with what Desmond said, but the way things are now, I do not have a solution to the situation.

It’s Been A Cinderella Year!!!!!!

America’s Number 1 Cane Corso*

“V” “Sweetie” & his Biggest Fan Reagan want to say “Thank You” to all the Judges who have recognized this outstanding Corso the past year.

GCh. Sleeping Giant’s Vittore Owners: Bruce & Elizabeth Robles & Kathleen Cressia Handled Exclusively by: Mileah “Sweetie” Kay & Randy McAteer Bred By: Kathleen Cressia & Keith Letourneau *The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed

Dog News 87

88 Dog News

Dog News 89

BABBLING Continued FROM page 26

I believe that an intelligent, competent judge from a different” jurisdiction” can be a useful eye-opener for many “domestic” judges and breeders alike. Not chosen simply because they hold an influential position in another country’s kennel club !

Although we like to think that we are able to make our decisions totally unaffected by our knowledge about certain exhibits, I’m not sure it is possible…

With the amount of advertising and publicity given to some of the big winning dogs I think it can give people food for thought to observe a” neutral” person in charge of the ring.

My question : Is it at all possible in these days of Internet to find any totally neutral judge from anywhere in the world. I’m not so sure ! .

There surely is a correlation between the standard of judging and the quality of the dogs bred in a country- and based on the influence American dogs have in so many breeds today world wide (unbelievably even in England) there is no doubt that many American breeders as well as judges do an incredibly good job .

I know many of my fellow Europeans will hate what I now will argue: Namely that the line-up of group winners at most AKC shows are as good , if not better, than at most 10 or 20 thousand dog shows in Europe.

Maybe the depth and numbers don’t match, but the quality is definitely there.

It makes absolutely no sense to accept a policy where judges from all FCI countries shall be considered equal.

In some countries a Judges License seems just as easy to obtain as a Birth Certificate !

Personally I think the Scandinavia countries have the best system for educating judges. Of course not all of them become “superjudges”, but their education process is excellent and very thorough.

I believe Sweden still has an annual, week long, course for aspiring judges. Very comprehensive and including anything from anatomy, genetics, rules, judging procedure and technique, writing of critiques etc etc.

Some 25-30 places were normally available and to be considered you needed to prove a solid , long time and relevant involvement in the sport. I am sure the admission process is as tough as getting into any college or university !

If you are clever enough to pass this course, you then have to be a student judge a number of times in the ring with a very experienced judge and then finally be an “aspirant” critiquing a number of dogs etc etc.

90 Dog News

In this system, several qualified judges will have a chance to really assess your eye for a dog as well as your judging ability ,your “people skill” etc. before finally given your license.

I suppose members of the Smith Committee has taken the time to look into how other countries educate and pass their judges ?

At least I think the Swedish/Scandinavian Model is worth a closer look .

A system in which the respective Kennel Club itself is in charge of the initial selection of potential candidates, based on experience , background and personality. Then makes sure they have the basic knowledge and even mental strength to fit the job Thereafter “handing “ them over to breed or group clubs. And having proved themselves in the ring, showed they can handle themselves as well as dogs and handlers- the procedure for adding more breeds is made much simpler !

As a former Headhunter , I have previously suggested that the kennel clubs should consider New Judges applications with the same attitude as a regular job application !

In Norway, once you were authorized to judge, you were informed that you were now considered a representative for the kennel club- even socially outside the dog world. And I could mention quite a few incidents where judges were told to report at the “Generals” office , being warned or reprimanded for unsuitable behavior even in their private-not dog-related- life.

And if you ever judged for the competing kennel club, you were banned for life !

Once upon the time I was involved with a company which had to drastically cut back on the number of employees at a certain level in their organization.

Instead of following the more traditional:” last in, first out” policy, everybody were fired and had to re-apply for their own jobs !

The results of interviews and tests proved rather shocking, and showed that many were rather incompetent and unsuitable for the work they had done for years !

I just wonder what would happen to many of us if” fired” as judges and having to go through the initial process again ?

Probably the same as would happen if the DOT decided to retest all motorists for knowledge of traffic rules and regulations : A whole bunch of us would have our licenses revoked and be sent to rehab…..

Dog News 91

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Dog News 93

True North (Strong and Free) Continued FROM page 30

Professional Handlers Association and this year benefitting ‘Friends in Need’ and ‘the Sonny Fund’. This event always brings together the very best in Canadian purebred dogs from coast to coast. It was great to see the fancy supporting one another and really celebrating the very best in Canadian dogdom. All the awards are based on the Dogs in Canada points system, which is the official system of the Canadian Kennel Club. The only disappointment of the evening was to see how little support this event did get from the CKC. Perhaps with a new board elected this will change in the years to come.

This year the awards for the Top 10 of All breeds in 2010 went to: Top Working Dog, Doberman Ch Royal Future JP Jast as I Am #10 PBGV Ch Soletrader Bjorn Borg #9 Westie Ch Blythfell Fergus #8 Westie Ch Gailauries Zoom Zoomzoom (as well this was top Terrier and won the new perpetual trophy the Brynmill cup, given in memory of the great terrier man Tom Fraser) #7 Cavalier Ch Shirmont Rhapsody in Blue #6 Gordon Setter Ch Raggededge Joyride to Kericreek #5 Irish Setter Ch Captiva’s Turning Heads #4 Sheltie Ch Shelhaven Sweet Seduction #3 Pug Ch Xoe’s Oscar de la Hoya (Owner Elyse Fernets also won the Kishniga award for Top owner handler) #2 Standard Poodle Ch Classique Scaramouche #1 Afghan Ch Mikelh Sikanni of Procyon (breeder Sherril Wallack also won the Captiva Trophy for top breeder, and handler Will Alexander won the Garry MacDonald Trophy for handler of the top dog) As well as the Top Obedience Dog Sheltie, GMOTCH Elbee Talk of the Town was recognised. The Mojito Award for Top Junior Handler was awarded to Shianne Hamilton. The evening also saw Dr. John Reeve-Newson and Dr. Richard Meen of Kishniga fame awarded the Lifetime Achievement award in a presentation and acceptance that was at times hilarious, other times very sad, but heartfelt throughout.

With only 10 conformation events left in the year the top dogs of all breeds as of Dec 6th 2011 according to Canuck dogs are; 1 Peke Ch St Aubrey Niklaus Of Elsdon 2 Afghan GCh Mijkelh Sikanni of Procyon 3 Skye Terrier Ch Kishniga’s HMS Gunsmoke 4 Sheltie Ch Mystic’s Ava Gardner 5 GWP Ch RLB Drakkar’s Tom Foolery 6 Am Cocker GCh Mario N Beechwood’s Midnight Express 7 Giant Schz Ch Skansen’s Great Gatsby 8 Malamute Ch Mytuk’s Technical Knockout 9 Std Schz GCh Steinhaus Tres Bien 10 Welsh Terrier Ch Darwyn’s I’m Not Arguing That

Special thanks goes from the CPHA to the Caledon members for helping make this Top Dog Gala such a huge success.

94 Dog News

If You Can’t

Beat Boss,

Boss Is The #2 Australian Cattle Dog In 2010 And 2011 All Systems.

Join Him.

We Would Like To Thank All The Judges Who Have Recognized Boss’s Great Qualities And Helped Us Achieve This Status.

Thank You To Judge Ms. Peggy BeiselMcIlwaine For This Group First.

The Best In Specialty Show Winning

GCH. DAWN HEIR’S HE’S THE BOSS DREAMSCAPE STABLES OWNER DREMA CRIST OWNERS DAVID & CARLA PRICE DESPERADO ACDS BREEDER MARTY YOUMANS GRIFFITH HANDLED BY CHRIS ANN MOORE BISACD@AOL.COM

96 Dog News

*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed & All Breed

Dog News 97

Dansk Kennel Klub Continued FROM page 46

an excellent stay in the ring to compete for a placement in the class. The four placings can also be awarded a “CK”, which means they are also considered to be championship quality. This can make for very interesting judging. The American bred Pug that went BIS on Sunday was not awarded champion quality by the judge on Saturday and this meant he could not even compete for best male Pug or Mop as they are called in Europe. This was the last weekend where the top dog of the year would be determined. The Pug has been very high in the rankings, but not being able to compete at group level put a big kink into his final ranking. The judging system is so different than in the States since judges are able to express their individual opinion much more.

As an example, can you imagine here at the end of our rating systems if some judge said the Pitts’ Cocker, which is #1 dog in America, was not of champion quality?

The big winning Akita could not win the breed either day. So this show changed the end of year rankings quite a bit. When the beautiful Saluki went Best Saturday this pretty much assured him being dog of the year.

When planning for International trips a lot more preparations are required. Starting with finding out if a Visa is required.

If it is Russia the process is to be started months in advance and the whole process is much more difficult than anywhere else. China is usually good for one year. Brazil only requires it be done every five years. When planning the itinerary if connections are involved always allow for at least one extra hour than anticipated. It is always helpful to have at least a small amount of the currency on hand used in the country you will be landing in for tips, taxi or having to use a toilet that requires paying to use.

As for packing, it is usually good to at least carry on board some items the plane cannot supply, like sweets in case you get the

munchies. A small change of clothes in case your luggage is lost. While on my last trip to Moscow I did not see my luggage for 36 hours after my arrival and I had already been living in the same clothes for 36 hours before my arrival. In the small tote bag a phone charger along with a power converter should be available if stranded along the way.

Copies of your passport and extra credit cards should be available.

This made life so much easier when I was pick pocketed in Paris. The address of where you will be staying is usually required when you fill out the landing card to get through immigration. They usually also require contact information for a person in the country you are entering. If you are a coffee drinker, a large supply of “Starbucks” instant coffee is a lifesaver. It really does taste like the real stuff. So often the hotel rooms do not have coffee makers or what they supply is terrible.

Even in the States I use it often.

G

oing over to Herning was an easy trip Newark to Copenhagen with a connection to Karup. It did require two separate tickets so it meant rechecking in at Copenhagen and waiting on a long line. With having to change terminals one has to take a bus and haul your suitcases on a very crowded bus. I was informed that the hotel would pay for the taxi, but upon arriving at the hotel the driver told me I had to pay. This was not a major problem except the taxi ride was more than the Kroners I had in my pocket. The American Express currency office in Copenhagen airport was new and could not give money on the credit card. They could only exchange cash. But being told even the taxi would take credit cards, upon arrival at the hotel and the driver wanting me

to pay, I handed him my American Express card. After swiping it repeated times, he could not get it to work. A MasterCard also would not work. So we entered the hotel and they said no problem since they would pay for the taxi, which was stated in my letter to begin with.

Upon greeting a very pleasant young receptionist at the Best Western Hotel, I asked if they had a smoking room available.

I was delighted when she said yes. This was only available in the wing that did not have an elevator. However, my room was only one flight up and maybe thirty steps. She tried to carry my sixty pound suitcase upstairs for me, but being a young gentleman I was not about to have her lugging anything this heavy. At the first landing I wished a strapping young man had been behind the desk. Upon entering room 20, I realized rooms in nearly all of Scandinavia are much smaller than most places in the world.

I just had to turn my large suitcase sideways to maneuver it through the room. While hanging up my clothes I realized when I announced my name was Murphy, she just handed me the key.

She did not ask for any kind of identification or a credit card or anything. I presumed she was so preoccupied with paying for my taxi that she forgot these normal procedures. Upon getting a few things out of my tote bag my very little desk was full and the second chair was used for the overflow. I would not be having any visitors anyway. My instant coffee, a carton of cigarettes, legal pad, phone charger, magazines to give to friends, alarm clock, and a bottle of wine precluded having a visitor. The hotel was under major renovation and I am sure my very tiny room would not be existing much longer. In the other wing the rooms must have been quite large since friends had two large Great Danes in very large crates. Before surveying the bathroom, I did not have a coffee maker, but like a lot of European hotels, I did have a pant press. Not being the least bit mechanical I have never tried to work one. The bathroom did offer something not afforded to us in the States – a rack to heat the towels on is always a treat. Japan is always such a pleasure to Continued on page 102

98 Dog News

*Number Three overall, The Dog News Top Ten List, CC & SS All Breed points

*

Dog News 99

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Dansk Kennel Klub Continued FROM page 98

have the heated toilet seats. Here in Herning attached to the wall next to the toilet was an ashtray.

This gives us smokers the feeling of being a King or a Queen.

After enjoying a shower and clean clothes, some decent food would be a treat after eating on the plane. Upon going to the front desk I informed the young lady that she neglected to ask for my credentials. She informed me that there was no need since the club was paying for my room and extraneous food, alcohol, etc. I could just give a credit card when I departed. This certainly is so different than most parts of the world where some places even hold your passport for a certain length of time. There was a very charming restaurant that was part of the hotel and the receptionist assured me I would enjoy it. With an unread “Dog News” in hand, I was seated at a table in the indoor patio that overlooked a charming section of town. Savoring a wonderful Beef Stroganoff and a Bloody Mary made me take an instant liking to what might lay ahead. After eating too much and having traveled for around 24 hours, my plan for a nap was overshadowed by the charm of the city. The view from the dining room enticed me to go for a very short walk. The completely relaxing atmosphere rejuvenated me and I walked for several hours.

This section of the city was a pedestrian walkway with beautiful trees and only well driven bikes. Right out in the walkway stores had cases containing beautiful jewelry, which made you want to enter the shop.

I stopped for an outside espresso while sitting under a needed heat lamp. When it became dark and chilly around 5 o’clock, I retreated to my little room and a good heater was near the bed. Since dinner was not until 8 o’clock I would have a couple hours to rest.

By 7 o’clock I was well rested and dressed for dinner. During the show some of the Europeans pointed out something they found strange in America. That was that the judges dress up for the show and for dinner dress down. In Europe it is the other direction, people dress upwards for dinner. Taking my time to dress for

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dinner I still had nearly half an hour to kill. I retreated to the very cozy bar in the restaurant. Ordering vodka on the rocks I forgot I was in Europe, which means double vodka and a lot more than one ice cube. When asking for my ice a gentleman knew I was an American because I consumed so much ice.

Upon arriving at the lovely room where dinner was being held, through the crowd of about 100 guests I saw some old friends. It was such a pleasure to spot Frank Kane, one of the leading Gundog authorities in the world today. Before leaving my room I was looking at a Canadian magazine where Frank was pictured awarding a Parti American Cocker the breed at the world show in Paris. The great Scottie breeder from Sweden, Dan Ericsson, was a pleasure to spot. I was looking forward to seeing Donna Cole from Western Canada since it had been far too long since I had enjoyed her company. Spotting Britta Roos-Borjesson brought back memories of a wonderful assignment we shared in Hawaii years ago. Seeing Kenneth Edh brought back great times we shared in Stockholm and watching him award the great Pharaoh Hound Quing BIS at the World Show.

Te room was filled with so many of the most distinguished judges from all over Europe.

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he highlight of the evening was when a very attractive young lady came up and introduced herself to me. This was Christine Rossier from Switzerland.

She wanted to meet me since just a few days earlier I had awarded a BIS to a Mini Bull that recently had just come to the US. This dog came from Moscow, but had been bred in Switzerland by her sister. Immediately we had something in common and took a great liking to each other. We were able to spend a lot of time together over the weekend and it was amazing just how many close friends we have in common. This is an example of how small the dog world is or just how far we spread

out. After a wonderful dinner and lots of great wine retreating to my room overshadowed a night cap in the bar. A final cigarette and some “Starbucks” was the perfect ending to my first day in Herning.

Not being a quick mover in the morning, instead of having to put clothes on to reach the lobby where coffee was, I was able to enjoy my instant without getting dressed. At 8:10, after a wonderful buffet breakfast, the fifty or so judges boarded the bus for the nearby showgrounds.

Since I had not attended the World Show in Herning, I was overwhelmed by the size of the complex. I do not think I have ever been to a larger Expo Center. My lovely young steward guided me to Hall “C”, where I would be judging. She introduced me to my clerk, who would type on a manual typewriter my written critiques on each dog. I had not seen a manual typewriter in more years than I want to think about, but I guess they still make them. I was very happy that my clerk could type nearly as quickly as I could dictate and this made the day go so much faster.

Saturday my assignment comprised Scotties, Bull and Mini Bulls and both Fox Terriers. I was a little disappointed in the overall depth of quality in Scotties.

The best male was a nine-yearold veteran. Sunday he was crowned Veteran of the Year in Denmark. He has been also a very good sire since he sired my best bitch and BOB winners. This newly campaigned bitch is from the same kennel that represented Denmark at the World Challenge in 2009. This young bitch possesses a lot of the same virtues as her older kennel mate.

Both Whites and Coloreds in Bull Terriers are shown together. I had some very nice ones that could compete anywhere. As for the Minis they were quite varied. One very exceptional brindle bitch that can hold her own in the best competition anywhere in the world today, but some were exceptionally poor to the point of only getting a good rating. I understand if a dog only gets good twice they might not be allowed to be bred. There were only a handful of Wire Fox and of only averContinued on page 104

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Dansk Kennel Klub Continued FROM page 102

age quality. There were about 15 Smooths and like all of Europe are so different than those bred in the US. Saturday I had the pleasure of judging the Terrier group. Because of the size of their ten groups they have to be prejudged. FCI has so many more Terrier breeds than we do. It includes Yorkies, Silkies, Jack Russell, Russian Toy Terriers, etc. I had about 45 dogs to prejudge and you have to move quickly. As soon as I had prejudged them we moved right into the main arena, where they all entered the ring and I immediately pulled out four to place. Giving all four another chance to move they were placed in reverse order. The absolutely lovely Scottie bitch eliminated herself by refusing to walk. I hope with some more shows under her belt she will not pull this again.

Fourth went to a stunning Cairn dog, third was a White Bull Terrier male who had great balance in all areas and dripped with class. Like so many Bull Terriers his feet could have been improved on. Second was a Staffie Bull male that had great balance, moved very well and had a great expression and was just a super show dog. First went to the brindle Mini Bull bitch that I found very exciting in so many ways. She is the first Mini Bull to win a group under me and the first to win a group in Denmark. Since arriving home I have learned she was good enough to go BOB at the French Show in Paris over the dog I just gave a BIS to here. I am hoping these two will eventually be bred together. It should be a perfect match.

Saturday Christine Rossier was sent super dogs in the finals. The fawn Saluki male was chosen BIS and the following evening he was crowned Top Dog of the Year for Denmark. Reserve was a wonderful Smooth Chihuahua. Around 6 o’clock the bus was waiting for us to retreat back to the hotel. With dinner again being at eight we all had plenty of time to relax, shower and dress for dinner. It was a pleasure to enjoy dinner with the company of the Birk family. These were the people who brought the wonderful fawn male Great Dane to represent Denmark last year in the World Challenge. This handsome dog was also BOB at the Eukanuba show.

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Sunday we departed to the show about 15 minutes later since we did not have to meet for a briefing. I was back in Hall “C” and my assignment was only 60 Cairns. On Sunday I had a student judge. This is about the same concept as when we had “In Ring Observation”, which I can not understand why AKC did away with such a great program. The only difference here is the student was in the ring for the entire breed. She also went over the dogs and was allowed to ask the exhibitors questions. Not being pressed for time, the student and myself spent a lot of time discussing the dogs in the ring.

Several days before leaving for Denmark, Lydia Hutchinson assured me I would have some nice Cairns.

This was a huge understatement. I was absolutely shocked at the great depth of quality. There was only one minor class of males that did not have great strength. The breed winner from the day before under Yvonne Catta, the famous breeder from Scotland, became Best male again. On Sunday in the breed ring he was much more settled and was a great pleasure to judge. When it came time to pick best bitch the ring was full of so, so many top bitches.

All that got an excellent and placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th in the class could compete for best bitch, not just the winners of each class. So this made for a ring full of maybe at least 20 top bitches. The eventual winning bitch was a little sister to best male.

The male was awarded BOB. Besides these two there were several other class winners from this Nordcairn Kennels. I had never heard of this kennel before, but I will never forget it now.

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unday Donna Cole had a super best final. A Pug appeared in the group which was not seen at the group level on Saturday. When he walked in the group, he got a lot of attention from so many of us sitting ringside. I quickly was told he was very high in the rankings for Dog of the Year. I was lucky enough someone could tell me where he came from. I was very surprised to learn he was bred in the states by Virginia Flatley of Win-

some Pugs of Santa Ynez, California. I was not surprised that Virginia had bred a dog of this quality, since she has bred so many good ones. What did surprise me was that she let the dog leave the States. What was not surprising was when Donna Cole awarded him Best in Show.

After Best on Sunday the Danish Kennel Club put on a beautiful ceremony to honor and name the top winners of the year. This included Best Junior Handler, Best Breeder, Best Kennel and Best in other areas, including “Dog of the Year”. This was won by the wonderful Saluki who went Best Saturday. He comes from the same kennel that last year had the Black and Tan dog at the World Challenge. I have been informed that dog is top dog of Sweden this year and will also be back again in the World Challenge.

When all the awards were given everyone enjoyed champagne in the Big Ring and were able to toast and talk to the winners. This truly was a top class show and the Danish Kennel Club has to be congratulated on putting on such a fine event.

Eukanuba has to be thanked for being the major sponsor for the show. Eukanuba has such a large presence all over Europe and Britain today. They have to be thanked for stepping up to the plate since Pedigree threw the sport under the wheels. Without Eukanuba it would be hard for the sport to continue in Europe the way it does. The European breeders should be very thankful that Eukanuba wants to support the sport and breeders.

I have to say if anyone gets the opportunity to attend a show in Denmark they will enjoy it so much. Many Americans saw their first European show in Paris this summer. They got a poor impression of what shows are like in Europe. This show and all the others I have ever attended in Scandinavia are much different. The organization was wonderful, the building was spotless, as were the grounds. They are really on a par with any top show anywhere.

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*Number Two overall, All Systems

Dog News 105

The Cluster With Something For Everyone Continued FROM page 53

and exhibitors, followed by the Star Spangled Banner. She then ran to her ring as she was stewarding the rest of the day. Sulie is a very talented lady, she can sing, judge, steward and is always up for doing public education, always with a great smile, sense of humor and enthusiasm for whatever she is doing at the time.

For many years the cluster has sponsored a hearing clinic, an eye clinic, semen collection and Canine Good Citizenship testing and once again these were offered. There was a large assortment of vendors, thanks to Roberta Davies. I think that the magnetic bracelets and necklaces were the hot item this year. Everyone was buying one to soothe their many aches and pains.

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n addition to the above, we hosted a HOT (Handlers of Tomorrow) Clinic on Friday. This is really a superb program for the juniors.

The show was literally shut down for an hour; all of the judges quit judging and went to lunch at noon so that the AKC Registered Handlers could have an hour to work with the juniors. (MB-F scheduled this. I don’t want you to get the idea that the judges just walked out of the rings and left the exhibitors standing there ready to go into the ring wondering what was going on. Like a judge’s walk out protest or something.) The AKC Registered Handlers gave of themselves with their time and expertise, they stopped grooming their dogs and came into a designated ring to help the juniors working with them in small groups of 3 or 4 to help them improve their handling skills. Then Patty Proctor, our AKC Rep, talked to the kids. Each kid who participated in the clinic got a box lunch and a gift bag and it was all free. I really do not know how many kids took advantage of this but it had to be at least 75 or 80 because it was at full capacity.

We had a new special event this year that we are all very proud of and thrilled about the enthusiasm that was exhibited. At the Big E (New England State’s Fair) last year, Barbara Ohman went and talked to the 4-H kids and told them about Canine Partners and many signed up then and there. They were very interested and excited at the prospect of showing in Junior Showmanship at an AKC dog

show, so we asked AKC for permission to hold a Special Event’s Junior’s class for 4-Hers (many with Canine Partners) this year. We got permission and sent invitations to all of the 4-H groups in the New England and New York area, inviting their juniors to come to our show and participate in this special class for the 4-H kids. The response was beyond belief. Forty-nine kids came with their parents. When Ed Lyons came to give out the arm bands, without direction to do so, the kids lined up single file to get their armbands, and all said please and thank you.

They were wonderful. We had to break one class in half because two sisters signed up to be in the same class, the problem was they only had one dog.

Patty Proctor welcomed all of the 4-H kids and their parents and told them a little about AKC and made a point of going around to every mixed breed dog and saying something nice about the dog to the 4-Her. We were surprised to learn that 65% of the dogs were pure bred. Those that had not signed up for the Canine Partners program previously did so then and there. It was very interesting to learn how much the 4-H kids know about their dogs. They have to take classes in the care of their dogs and pass tests on their knowledge of dogs. When showing under 4-H rules they have to wear green and white (we told them they did not have to do this at our show), they are asked questions about their dogs and part of what they are judged on is the care and condition of their dogs. The judge checks the teeth, not for bite but for cleanliness, the ears, not for ear set but the inside condition of the ears, the coat for condition, and the nails to see if they have been properly trimmed to mention only a few of the differences. Donna Thibault was the judge. She’s the mother of two excellent junior handlers. One of her daughters won our Northeast Junior Handler of the Year competition not once but twice and also the junior handling competition at the Garden. She has also worked with the 4-H kids. Donna is the one who told me about the differences in the judging. We judged by the American Kennel Club rules for junior judging. This was a wonderful program and I strongly encourage all clubs to consider hosting such a class. We kept the entry down to $5.00 and handled the entries ourselves, as it was a special event. Ed Lyons was the secretary for this event and he had a great time working with the kids. We also offered Dog Show Tours to the parents and the kids to explain what was going on and why we do what we do and how we do it. Judging the Junior Handler Classes is about judging the handling of the entrants, not the merits of the dog or how well the dog meets the standard. Maybe if some of the kids get into the sport they will get an AKC registered pure bred dog and go on to becoming an owner handler or maybe even a professional handler someday. We also had the local 4-H group doing outside clean up and Springfield had them stewarding in obedience.

Let’s get these kids interested in AKC events, they Continued on page 108

106 Dog News

GCh. Bolero Georgia On My Mind

“Ellie Mae”

PHOTO BY ROMAN NAUMOV

A Top 10 Standard Schnauzer* Multiple Best of Breed Winner & Specialty Winner 2011 Westminster Kennel Club Best of Opposite Award of Merit

*The Dog News Top Ten List - Breed points

Owners: William and Melanie Cromwell

Breeder: Bolero Standard Schnauzers - Maryann Heffelfinger

Handler: Lara Spears Dog News 107

The Cluster With Something For Everyone Continued FROM page 106

are wonderful to work with and a great asset.

Remember a lot of us are getting long in the tooth and we need to encourage the young to come into our sport so as the keep the sport alive into the future.

The second special event we hosted was just as fantastic and was very well received. AKC calls it “MY DOG CAN DO THAT!” AKC sent e-mails to people in the area who had registered their dog with AKC or listed their dog in the Canine Partners program inviting them to this free, fun event. We signed up several hundred when we manned the booth at the Big E (New England State’s Fair) in September. Barbara Ohmann, Mark Dunn and Penny Leigh came up from Raleigh with the AKC booth and the basic agility equipment. They brought some weave poles, the tire hanging from the rack, the tunnel, a jump and a few other basic pieces of Agility equipment. The participants could run their dogs through, with help, (someone walked with them and their dog, giving treats and encouragement to the dog) to see how much fun it was. Earlier in the week, Tom Davies and Lisa Peterson were on one of the local Springfield television stations talking about the event and encouraging the local community to bring their dogs. A newspaper article was published locally inviting all to come and see. The response was overwhelming. Close to 300 people came with their dogs over the two days that we offered this event to try it out. About 80% of the participants said that they had never been to a dog show before. There was quite a mixture of breeds and Canine Partners. Some of our exhibitors even gave it a try. Many of the dogs were already registered or listed, but those that were not asked to sign up for the Canine Partners Program. Some of the visitors with purebred dogs were so interested that they asked about local kennel clubs. They also bought lots of stuff from the AKC booth.

Nancy Fisk, who came to show her dog in the breed ring, ended up helping out in the “My DOG CAN DO THAT” ring. I called Lee Gerrish, who had stewarded in obedience for three days and planned on staying home and resting on Sunday, to ask that she come back up and help out. She arrived first thing in the morning ready to work and did not stop until it ended. Several other people stepped in to help out as the turnout was far greater than anticipated and just too much for just three people to handle. The “MY DOG CAN DO

THAT!” event was free, but the Big E charges $5.00 to park and with all these additional people, the cars were almost out to the entrance to the parking lot. There was a steady line of people patiently waiting to try it. These people waited 15 or 20 minutes to get to go in the ring and see if their dog could “do that”. We also ran dog show tours for those people. We provided them with a list of training classes in the area where they could go and train and get involved in the sport. Mary Fine had compiled the list for us. This event was a huge success and the interest and enthusiasm was phenomenal.

Again, I strongly urge you to have your clubs consider doing this. A large number of our people who show in conformation began in obedience. It was lots of fun and the people who came to try it seemed to really have a good time. Many went over to the Mallary building where the Obedience, Rally and Agility competition was being held to watch the actual competition.

As I said earlier, quite a few of the people who came expressed an interest in learning more about the kennel clubs and wanted to know when the meetings were and if they could attend and learn more about AKC and the events that it sponsors.

Another special attraction was a grooming seminar Saturday night, again put on by the AKC Registered Handlers. They helped people with their already groomed dogs improve on what they had already done.

Oh what I would have given to be able to have gone to something like this when I was young and able to get around the ring. Patty Proctor told me that after all of her years handling she learned things from this clinic.

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s you all probably remember each year the Thanksgiving Classic Cluster gives out the Bill Trainor award. The identity of the recipient is a very big secret up to the announcement, known only to a very few people. The Bill Trainor Award is one of the highlights of our cluster. Each year the member clubs of the cluster recognize someone that we feel has made outstanding contributions to the sport of dogs for “Meritorious Service to the Dog World” and we give the award in Bill’s name. Past winners have been Grace Brewin, the first recipient, followed by Wendell Sammet, Fred Olsen, Robert Smith, Tom Davies, David and Peggy Wampold, Mari-Beth O’Neill, Virginia Perry Gardiner and Anna Goulet, Patty Jenner(now Proctor), Ed Lyons, Charlotte Clem McGowan and Penny Kreschmer. This year our recipient was tired and wanted to leave early so we had to come up with a way to keep him present until the presentation and still not let him know that he was the recipient. Tom Davies told him he could not leave because we wanted him to come into the ring with the representatives from each

Continued on page 110

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Dog News 109

The Cluster With Something For Everyone Continued FROM page 108

club to make the presentation. Jane Wilkinson (Show Chair of Holyoke Kennel Club), Ed Lyons (President and Show Chair of Windham County Kennel Club), Peggy Wampold (President of South Windsor Kennel Club), and Janet McMillan-Zwirko (President of Springfield Kennel Club) walked into the Best In Show ring with our unaware recipient in tow, while Tom Davies made the announcement. The 2011 Bill Trainor award was given to Ronald H. Menaker. Most of you know that he is Chairman of the Board of the AKC but I doubt if you really know how much blood, sweat and tears he has put into the sport. I love this story and it is true. In Raleigh, back when the new computer system had a few glitches, registrations were not being processed and there was a huge backlog, there was a little old lady who worked in the mailroom. She told the story about this man who got hired to come down from New York and work in the mailroom. She had never seen anyone work as fast and meticulous as he did, she even wondered if they were going to hire him full time because he was so efficient. She said that she was afraid they were going to replace her with the new man. That man was Ron Menaker, who had rolled up his shirt sleeves and went to work in the mailroom to help straighten out the problem. He never did tell her that he was Chairman of the Board only that his name was Ron. In short, he is a man of many talents, someone ready to do whatever needs to be done to help the sport.

He has guided the AKC through some very perilous times and we wanted to recognize him for all that he has done for our sport.

After the judging for Best Veteran and before Best in Show on Saturday we had the finals for the Northeast Junior Handler of the Year Award for 2011. In order to enter this special competition, the junior handler must be a resident of one of the Northeastern states, considered to be CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, NJ, RI, and VT. They must have won a first place in two or more Open Classes in Junior Showmanship classes at AKC licensed or member shows held between November 1, 2010 and November 1, 2011. Chris Berg judged the preliminary competition, narrowing down the juniors from a class of 17 to 4 for the final competition, which was judged by Sena Longley, a former junior handler, whose 8 year old daughter sat ring side and watched. She awarded the 2011 Northeast Junior Handler of the Year and thousand dollar scholarship to Hana Katz showing her Toy Poodle. Bree Ardizzone handling a Smooth Collie was awarded a $500 scholarship as first

110 Dog News

runner-up. Sena awarded third place and a $300 scholarship to Madeline McDougall handling a Siberian Husky. Fourth place and a $200 scholarship went to Ashleigh Rutzel handling a Havanese. We congratulate all who competed.

These young handlers are really good. We know that these juniors are going on to higher education because we have been paying out the scholarships to their schools. The fact that we are getting requests for the scholarship money to be paid makes us know that our Northeast Junior Handler of the Year special event is worthwhile and the future of the sport is in good hands. We are very proud of them and their accomplishments.

After Best on Sunday, we have the Grace Brewin Memorial Competition. To be eligible to compete for the $500.00 prize, the dog must have been entered in all four shows, have one or more Best in Show awards or placed in the group each of the four days. Judy Harrington officiated in the ring. As you can imagine the lineup was spectacular. After putting everyone through their paces she awarded the rosette and check to the lovely German Shepherd, GCH Babheims Captain Crunch, handled by Jimmy Moses. That is the only winner I am going to mention, because as a non-regular class you will not have seen it on Infodog.

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he cleanup crew had everything packed in the truck and ready to go back to the storage unit in record time; we beat the MB-F truck out of the building this year. Everyone knows what has to be done and does it and the 2011 Thanksgiving Classic Cluster is now just a memory. The cluster members are already thinking about next year and what can be done to make it even better. The four clubs have worked together for 30 years and our members have gotten to be good friends and we have a good time together. Each of our special events is a cluster event regardless of which day they take place and we all work together to make it all happen. We want to thank all the visitors, exhibitors, judges, club members and vendors that make our shows a great success. A special thank you to Eukanuba for their support.

We’ll see you for turkey next year.

Dog News 111

PHOTO BY KAREN SHIRK

Four-footed Miracle Workers Continued FROM page 58

“The child is happy because he can walk around freely instead of being strapped into a cart or stroller as otherwise would be necessary,” Shirk says. “At the same time, he can’t bolt or wander off. If he tried to, he’d have to drag 80 pounds of service dog.”

Again, with the passage of time, being tethered to the dog teaches the child to stay with his parent. Then, like Leo Bernert, he can be trusted to simply hold onto a leash attached to the dog’s harness, while the parent holds onto another one attached to the dog’s collar.

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It doesn’t always work out While service dogs often work nothing less than miracles in these situations, not every placement is a success. Like the rest of the population, not all autistic children are “dog people” and thus don’t bond with a service dog. Plus, some autistic children exhibit prohibitive behaviors, i.e., they bite anyone or anything near them and don’t let go.

“If the child bites the dog and won’t let go, the dog is probably going to bite back. No matter how carefully we select a dog, it’s going to defend itself if it’s being injured and can’t get away.” Shirk says.

Thus she warns parents about getting a dog on their own rather than applying for one from a service dog agency.

“This isn’t an easy fix that’s as simple as getting a puppy and suddenly everything is okay. Puppies have behaviors they can’t help like mouthing and nipping. If a puppy bites an autistic child with its sharp, little teeth, the child could end up being permanently afraid of the dog even though the puppy didn’t mean any harm.” Shirk says.

Likewise, few parents have the time (or the knowledge) to train a service dog

Tess meets her 4 Paws Service Dog, Bingo, for the first time.

PHOTO BY KAREN SHIRK

Independence Some service dogs go to school with their child, while others don’t.

Usually, if the dog accompanies the child to school it’s because of safety issues or to reduce disruptive behavior.

In the event the dog accompanies the child, someone at the school must be trained by the parents to control it.

Even when autistic children don’t take their dog to school with them, it still can have an impact. For example, one child always wears a t-shirt that has

Bridging Service dogs also act as a communication bridge between parent and child according to Shirk.

“Rather than a trained behavior the dog learns, it’s a product of the bond that develops between it and the child,” she says. “In relating to the dog, the child learns to have a social relationship that he may never have had before. We hope this is a stepping stone to more complex relationships.”

Oftentimes, it is. For example, some autistic children have an inability to give affection to other people or to receive it.

Another mother of an autistic boy reported that her son never allowed her to kiss him. After the boy had his service dog for a while, he told his mother she could kiss him if she wanted to. He said it was okay because his dog kissed him all of the time.

Tethering Jack to his 4 Paws Service Dog, RaZR, makes going to the mall a great experience for the entire family!

PHOTO BY KAREN SHIRK

More miracles Service dogs for autistic children are trained to respond to the parents’ commands rather than the child’s. That means the parent can send the service dog to the child when the child is engaging in a disruptive behavior such as spinning compulsively. By going up to the child and touching him, the dog disrupts the child’s thought process causing the unwanted behavior to stop.

The child then interacts with the dog instead.

“When parents intervene, these situations escalate. The child becomes angry and frustrated and is likely to meltdown. Parental intervention escalates behavior because autistic children, like other children, understand their parents have an agenda. While parents always want them to do something like eat with fork, the dog doesn’t care if they eat with their fingers,” Shirk says.

It’s also likely that autistic children don’t mind when the dog intervenes, because canine behavior is easy to read and understand. While there’s no confusion with the dog, people have different expressions and use different tones of voice that can be interpreted in many ways.

Meltdowns can be prevented if parents send the dog to the child to give kisses or snuggle with him whenever the child shows signs of becoming angry or frustrated. The calming effect of the dog’s affectionate behavior diffuses the child’s anxiety. Again, over the long term, the dog’s intervention at these times teaches the autistic child to regulate his emotions—to seek other ways of dealing with stress besides throwing a tantrum.

his dog’s picture printed on it. If the child feels anxious, he can touch his shirt and remember his dog will be there when he gets home. In this way, the dog helps the child become more independent.

As their independence increases, many autistic children outgrow their need for a service dog. For example, dentist appointments were extremely stressful for Stefanie Comperry’s son, Jonathan. He is an autistic 17-year-old who received his service dog, Lady, seven years ago.

“After years of having issues with the dentist, Jonathan told his Dad he didn’t need Lady to go with him to his appointment,” Comperry says. “Indeed, he sat in the chair for a filling without any accommodations for the entire procedure! Thanks to Lady, his meltdowns have reduced dramatically in frequency. And when they do occur, she is very instrumental in de-escalating them.”

A budding friendship between Matthew and his 4 Paws Service Dog, RoKR

while raising a disabled child. But, even if they did, it could have dire consequences if they pick the wrong dog and their child ends up being bitten or the dog grows up to not have what it takes to be a service dog.

Parents also should remember that a service dog’s care entails more than a pet’s. In addition to all the regular care a dog needs, a service dog must be trained on an ongoing basis to maintain its search and rescue ability.

Buddy

America’s #1 Toy Poodle*

GCh. Barclay Belstar Tinkilee Buddy Multiple Group Winner Best In Specialty Show Winner Best In Toy Group Show Winner

Owned By: Marion Usher Liz Morgan & Kirk Herrmann Handled By: Kirk Herrmann *Dog News & C.C. All Breed Systems

Dog News 113

Where’d You Get That Puppy?

Continued FROM page 70

Importation Now, my friend Jay Kitchener has this to say: “From 2005 thru 2010 Maine saw so much anti-breeder legislation passed that the extremely radical Animal Legal Defense Fund now rates Maine’s laws as second best in the nation. We were told by the supporters of this regressive legislation that it must be passed “because of the horrible dog overpopulation.” Now we learn that during those same years shelters and rescues brought over 30,000 dogs to Maine to sell tax-free. Today we have a story of rescues stealing dogs from homes to sell tax-free. Tell me again about “dog overpopulation.”

Go ahead. Tell me.”

30,000 dogs between 2005 and 2010. That’s a lot for one state, especially a state that doesn’t have a large population, to absorb. (The entire population of Maine is only about 1,328,000, according to the 2010 Census.) In fact, Maine has taken in so many dogs that their State Vet is urging caution in adopting pets from groups that don’t have permits.

Maine requires that all dogs imported into the state receive a list of vaccinations for such diseases as canine distemper, hepatitis and canine parvo at least 14 days prior to their arrival in the state. Additionally, dogs are required to be quarantined for between two and five days — depending on the age of the animal — so that they can be monitored for sickness.

Approved rescue organizations have a track record of following these rules, but there are many other rescues that may not. Some “rescues” operate out of a van or only exist on the Internet. Good rescues, on the other hand, may take dogs north that are healthier than the local dogs that are turned into shelters in Maine.

I should say that I have one veterinarian friend who was under the impression that vets there, who were working with shelters, resented the fact that they were being asked to do spay/neuters on imported dogs.

Seems they had originally agreed to do spay/neuters on shelter dogs and then, well, 30,000 dogs came to the state from elsewhere. I suppose that might be grounds for becoming unhappy about the importations.

Other northeastern states have taken strong actions against so many dogs being imported into their states from Southern shelters. Connecticut and the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association have pushed for regulation of dogs imported into their state: “Thus continued unregulated animal importation exposes Connecticut animals to disease, is unfair to citizens surprised by undisclosed medical issues and the costs to treat these, is inhumane To Connecticut source animals by decreasing their chance of adoption and shifts the cost of animal control activities from other states to our state. HB 5368 will allow animal health officials to control animal importation, prevent disease transmission, help ensure humane transport standards, protect Connecticut animal owners and animals, reduce Connecticut animal control costs and minimize the surrender of newly imported animals. Thank you.”

From that same testimony by the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, which referred to pet rescue as an “industry,” came this fascinating statement: “Indeed, some animals are bred specifically for transport and characterization of these animals as needing rescue is misleading.”

So, while I am reluctant to make that accusation without more proof, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association does make that claim. There may be dogs being intentionally bred to be sold as rescue/shelter dogs.

So, dogs are being imported into New England states from elsewhere, and some in the states are not happy about it. There are many cute Toy and small 114 Dog News

breed puppies, which is hard to explain. Some of the dogs may be pilfered by rescues; some dogs may be stolen; some may be intentionally bred; but what kind of dogs are being sent north by the shelters in the South?

In early December, in Birmingham, Alabama, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society took possession of 57 Chihuahuas from their breeder. According to a news release from the GBHS, “Due to rising costs and a struggling economy, the owner is no longer able to care for these animals.” Although the GBHS tries to pass this event off as an owner who is having problems because of the economy, it occurs to me that a breeder with 57 Toy dogs, many of them likely to be puppies which would sell well at Christmas, probably had to be coerced into parting with his dogs. The article says that “many” of the dogs were five years old or older...and many weren’t. No specific numbers are given.

Half of the dogs were going to eventually be taken by North Shore Animal League to their facility in Port Washington, New York. Ah, yes. Another northeastern destination.

Were the youngest and cutest of the Chihuahuas headed there? Is this how northeastern shelters keep themselves stocked with cute Toy breed puppies? Due to the efforts in other states to force breeders to surrender dogs? The local adoption fee for the Chihuahuas who remain in Birmingham will be $150. It’s a good bet that the dogs that end up in Port Washington, New York, with the North Shore Animal League will command a much higher fee.

Actions like this one aren’t called “raids” now. Instead, local pressure is brought to bear on breeders to make them surrender their dogs under the color of law. But the result is the same. Shelters and rescues are making money by forcing breeders to give up their puppies and dogs and fooling the public into believing that they are acting out of love for the dogs.

In one article, which I consider representative, 40 Young-Williams dogs head to barren New England shelters, <http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2011/nov/25/40-youngwilliams-dogs-head-to-barren-new/?partner=popular>, 40 dogs were being sent to New England shelters. Out of those 40 dogs, 24 were adult dogs and 16 were puppies.

The dogs were headed to Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“If the experience goes well, Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Mass., has agreed to take 40 to 50 animals a month from Young-Williams.”

Could this kind of program account for all of the cute puppies in northeastern shelters? How many similar relationships does each shelter have? How many puppies do they take in and adopt out each month? We would need to know figures like that in order to form a better idea about the sources of the puppies for these shelters.

But I think it seems obvious that there are a lot of loose ends and unanswered questions about where these puppies are coming from. I think it’s possible that shelters in the South are cherrypicking the dogs and puppies they send to northeastern shelters. They may be sending them an excess of cute Toy and small breed puppies, leaving people in the South with large breed adult dogs to adopt, older dogs, and other dogs that most people consider less desirable. Everyone wants a cute puppy, whether we like it or not.

I think we need to find out more information about how these puppies are supplied, who makes the decisions, and whether or not there really are dogs being bred specifically for “adoption” by rescues and shelters. We are constantly told that we have a dog overpopulation problem. We fight MSN attempts and laws against breeding.

Serious dog breeders are vilified. If there are people who are breeding dogs for rescues and shelters so they can sell them for more money, we need to find out and make it stop. Rescues and shelters have already become too much like pet stores. But breeding so they have inventory is going too far.

Dog News 115

Off The Leash Continued FROM page 74

PETA, which likened dog breeders to Klansmen, should be ignored; their ignorance speaks for itself.

But the venerable NY Times has credibility and a certain cachet and is revered by many. A reply to its feature story by the AKC should’ve been visible and available to its constituents. Instead, the official response by the AKC can only be obtained by requesting it (see inset #1). That simply doesn’t suffice for the loyal breeders who continue to register their dogs with the AKC and expect to be supported and protected in return. For the AKC to sit back and hope the story goes away and then only respond if someone inquires by firing off a one-page synopsis highlighting some of its achievements and directing them to its web site leaves much to be desired. A stronger, more proactive stance is warranted if the AKC is to continue to survive attacks on its breeders. The AKC cooperated with Mr. Denizet-Lewis’s requests for information, and the fact that he cherry-picked that information to illustrate his points left the organization feeling used and disappointed. Not even a news alert on the AKC’s home page or a link of the response posted to its web site? Really? Disappointing indeed. Lisa Peterson, Director of Communications for the AKC, defended the club’s decision, stating, “AKC took appropriate action in responding to the New York Times story.” Anyone else care to disagree?

At least the Bulldog Club of America posted its official response to its web page (see inset #2).

Bulldog breeders and supporters of the club at the very least could see the response and the action taken, as could anyone whose curiosity in the breed was piqued by the article. As much, if not much more, was expected — and should be demanded— of the AKC. INSET 1: THE AKC RESPONDS STATEMENT FROM THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB The American Kennel Club® is a not-forprofit organization which, along with our more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, advocates for dogs as family companions, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership.

The AKC’s high ethical standards have made us the most widely respected registry in the world.

The AKC, its member parent clubs and responsible

116 Dog News

breeders aim to preserve and improve the breeds they dedicate their lives to. The AKC has always led the charge in advancing canine health and creating education programs for breeders, such as with the founding of the AKC Canine Health Foundation in 1995. Since that time, more than $25 million has been given to more than 560 research projects at 75 vet schools and research institutes worldwide to improve the health of all dogs.

The AKC advocates for balanced breeding programs that include genetic testing, pedigree research and conformation and temperament analysis of sire and dam. Potential pet owners should educate themselves about these issues and seek breeders who adequately screen their breeding stock using the available clinical and genetic tests to produce healthy dogs. Visit the AKC Canine Health Resource Center at www.akcdoghealth.org for more information on a variety of programs and services as well as other organizations that can help breeders produce healthy puppies for the enjoyment of future generations of dog owners.

For More Information Visit the AKC Canine Health Resource Center at www.akcdoghealth.org Inset #2: The Bulldog Club of America Responds In Response to the New York Times Dear Sir/Madam: Thank you for your interest and concern for our beloved breed the Bulldog. No doubt your mail to us was a direct result of a recently published article in the New York Times.

Sadly and regrettably, the writer offered a very biased and one sided view into the breed with no regard for the accuracies we attempted to educate him with.

Please consider the following website links. These two pages depict just a small representation of show and performance Bulldogs who follow our 100+ year old standard, a standard that stresses health, vigor and strength, not the opposite. Show dogs and performance dogs cannot compete and win if they suffered with the health issues as the Times article would lead you to believe. Bulldog Club of America members strive to perfect the breed by following the standard. Those who breed dogs not according to standard are not representative breeders. Our organization has committed vast resources to the preservation and protection of our breed. BCA cannot control those who are not members and unfortunately, this represents a majority of the individuals who are breeding, selling and importing dogs today. http://bcahealth.homestead.com/chicgallery.html http://bcahealth.homestead.com/healthydogs.html

Dog News 117

The

Gossip Column O

N A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER, but if you take your time the sky will get cloudy as there are only 24 tickets left for the AKC HUMANE FUND THEATRE BENEFIT, the start of the Westminster weekend on Friday evening, February 10th. Following the musical performance starring HARRY CONNICK ,JR. dinner will be served at the famed 21 CLUB. Thanks to the generosity of the pet insurance company PETPARTNERS,100 per cent of the proceeds will benefit the Humane Fund.

Contact JOYCE KAMPIN at the American Kennel Club, 260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 telephone 212.696.8203 or email jwk@akc.org for information and tickets. One of my favorite people, MARY INDEGLIA, was involved in an automobile accident that claimed the lives of two of the INDEGLIA’S beloved whippets. Hope all is well. The publication party for DAVE FREI’S new book “Angel On A leash: Therapy Dogs and the Lives They Touch” was held at the New York apartment of Oscar winning actress CELESTE HOLM and her husband FRANK BASILE. NORM BOWKER the past president of the Atlanta Kennel Club, has passed away at the age of 90. Our deepest sympathies to his wife LOIS and children SUSAN & BILL and CHRIS, a breeder of Toy Fox Terriers. It was NORM who got whippet breeder and handler PHOEBE BOOTH involved in pure bred dogs. Our deepest sympathies to his family. Well known and successful

BY EUGENE Z. ZAPHIRIS 118 Dog News

English Setter breeder RICHARD FOX has passed away. Among his winners was the Quaker Oats winner Ch. Foxtract’s The Invincible One shown though his career under the ownership of DOROTHEA BERRY. DICK was a member of the English Setter Association of America and a judge of sporting breeds and was on the board of the OFA for over ten years. All of us at DOG NEWS send our deepest sympathies to his wife INGRID and children MATT and KRISTEN. The family can be reached at 731 Hunter Lane, Cortland, New York 13045.

The family has requested those wishing to make a contribution in his memory to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) 2300 E Nifong Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65201 that will be used to benefit English Setters. SHEELAGH WATERS, breeder of King Charles Spaniels (she served as chairman of the parent club) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels under the Maibee prefix, passed away on November 15th.

Known worldwide for the success she had in both breeds, SHEELAGH was also a sought after judge. Our deepest sympathies to her family and many friends around the world. Birthdaying…OSCAR QUIROS, MISS GREEN BAY CAROL MILLAR, LORI LAWRENCE, ED THOMASON, KENT MACFARLANE and JOHNNY SHOEMAKER. While on the subject of birthdays…last week’s column should have read the slendering KIMBERLEE STEELE.

*

A special thanks to Judges Mrs. Michele Billings and Mr, Rodney Herner for these Back-To-Back Best In Show wins.

*The Dog News Top Ten List & All Breed Systems

Dog News 119

120 Dog News

*

*All Systems

Dog News 121

Click The Turkey Cluster Photos by PEGGY WAMPOLD

122 Dog News

Dog News 123

And More

PERSPECTIVES, THE BRACHYCEPHALIC PROBLEM...

Continued FROM page 78

present) ads plastered on my office walls!!!!

The newspapers have become yellow with age that’s how old and long these people have been at. it I would support them in every way possible.

And the other definite and even more meaningful, to we show-goers and believers, is the article which appeared in English DOG WORLD written by Goran Bodegard, an MD and judge who has been to the States many times with a DVM Prof Ake Hedmammar.

It is in our contemporary’s November 25th issue and is called THE BRACHYCEPHALIC SYNDROME. It lays out in some detail the importance and responsibility of the dog show judge in the area of determining whether or not the exhibit is breathing properly. They claim new knowledge has been developed to help ascertain what is going on and that it is the obligation of the judge to interpret this whilst judging. Not something I necessarily believe is the job or function of a judge but they make a good case for it and perhaps it’s time to rethink our beliefs in this matter.

Anyways I am trying to get permission to get it reprinted in DOG NEWS but if I can not I strongly suggest anyone interested in this problem--and we all should be so moved, go to the DOG WORLD UK web site and read it forthwith!!!

As to PERSPECTIVES I understand it has gone totally electronic now but remains as elusive to get a hold of as ever. Some very kind Delegate forwarded it on to me-probably should not have done so and pleaded with me not to reveal my source, which of course I would not. I must say there were some interesting ideas communicated, some of which I was unaware of, but the article written by the former President of AKC and Delegate and Committee head of I think the Rules Committee was absolutely mindblowing. Not because of what she wrote but because of what she did NOT write. Typical of Judi Daniels, I am sad to say, as she never once acknowledged her role as President in promoting the idea she thought so great--you may remember-the old AKC campus theory, which eventually got shuttled. Well many people did not think it a good idea then but whatever your thoughts keep in mind it was her original suggestion, which she is writing about and anything but a universally accepted idea. I wrote the following to Judi and Carol Williamson (who is the Editor of Perpectives) about it and have heard back from neither.

Judi, perhaps due to her husband Bill’s illness, Carol well, perhaps, it got lost in cyber space!

A Delegate emailed a copy of Perspectives to me in which you are listed as Editor and so I am addressing this note to you in that capacity. It has always mystified me as to why this publication is treated so secretively.

124 Dog News

Indeed to the point that the Delegate who sent it did so with the request “do not say it came from me”!!! A number of articles would be of great public interest and at least serve to bring up thoughts and ideas to me as the writer of DOG NEWS’S editorials which may not have occurred to me at all. Too bad some one’s policy limits the distribution so severely thereby limiting communication between the Fancy and the Delegate Body at large.

In any event I was fascinated by the essay submitted by Delegate Judith V. Daniels entitled “Passive Victims”. A better title I would have thought would have been “SINS OF OMISSION”.

How in the world could Mrs. Daniels have made her points about the “greatest potential change” at AKC without having mentioned that she was the instigator of these changes and was President of AKC at the time! Whether one agrees or

disagrees with what she writes is strictly immaterial to her failure to state the obvious truths about the circumstances in which these changes were proposed. This to my mind is a blatant and deliberate sin of omission on her part for sure and on yours as well as Editor I would think. I know were that sort of article submitted to DOG NEWS for publication at the very least I would have asked the writer for permission to have disclosed this fact after the article itself if not in the main body. Perhaps you did this and the request was denied. If not than I would conclude you both are guilty of that “sin of omission” to your readers.

Respectfully, Matt Stander When you are in Orlando, why not seek Carol Williams out and ask her why Perspectives is not publicly communicated!

IMAGINE THIS!

GCh. Shenanwood Simply Imagine This Multiple Group Winner Thank you Judge Dr. Gerard C. Penta for this memorable win.

Breeder-Co-Owner Shenanwood Colleen Bias Chaffee William Chaffee

AKC Registered Handler Mary Norton Augustus

Co-Owners Sky Hi Sue Reeve Key Run Karen Okey Dog News 125

Click The Desert Cluster Photos & STORY by Carolyn Hensley

Yuma and Imperial Valley Kennel Clubs

make up the Desert Cluster. These clubs have been in existence in the desert for 76 and 65 years respectfully putting on some quality shows attracting some of the best dogs in the country to the events. It was a great and fun weekend for everyone with lots of REALLY good dogs in all breeds. It was cold as the bad winds created by the cold front that hit Southern California came through Arizona as well over the weekend. BIS - Beardie Day 1, Wire (Rangel) - Day 2, Peke Day3 and Beardie Day 4 It was a fun and relaxed show with some really super judges having a good time with really nice dogs to choose from.

The clubs may be small but they made judges and exhibitors feel very welcome. The local news was out for print and TV covering the event. Dog Show tours and New Exhibitor Briefing (which was done by judges who were through for the day) was offered on Saturday and Sunday with many locals coming through for the morning and afternoon tours. Local 4H came out to see the obedience and rally as well as conformation. Even a local school brought a class through for a field event. All the exhibitors could not have been nicer to these potential purebred dog owners.

Ken McDermott had to cancel but is fine now and recovering. A scamble to cover his assignments as he carried a full 175 dog load both days, But the shows went on by the panel judges who picked up his breeds in addition to their own. Hats off to Jim Ham, Al Ferruggiaro, Bob Ennis, Carolyn Hensley, and the unsinkable Dorothy McDonald who took on 175 dogs and two groups on two of the days!!!, The judges hospitality was top drawer! Hot soups were just right on the cool days, a wide assortment of salads, barbecue beef or chicken and a truly decadent desert offerings from cookies through some of the best brownies, cakes and cheese cakes kept judges lingering in the hospitality area and coming back for a small slice of this and that; as well as taking some â&#x20AC;&#x153;doggie bagsâ&#x20AC;? for late night snacking at the hotel. All the judges agreed these clubs offered Judges Hospitality that was some of the best experienced anywhere.

126 Dog News

Dog News 127

Conversations with AKC/RHP Professionals Continued FROM page 42

important to her than merely employers. Not just mentors in and out of the ring, this relationship mirrors many shared in the world of dogs. One has only to mention the name of any handler considered to be one of the creme de la creme in the sport, and there is the name of an older, highly respected handler who served as their mentor, teacher, and friend. Often these relationships become far more than life long friendships, such as in the case of Kaz Hosaka and Mrs. Clark, Scott Sommer and Michael Kemp, Angela Lloyd and Bobby Fowler. Rindi shared with me the importance of her tenure under the guidance of the Myers’s. The biggest lessons to be gained in a long term affiliation such as her own were far from just the tangibles involved in the care and conditioning of the dogs, or even the in’s and out’s of how to behave in the ring, under pressure, or amongst peers or clients. As anyone who has been involved with this sport can attest to, there is a tremendous amount of nuance and “unwritten” etiquette that is not readily available by reading a book or even working for a reputable handler for a brief time. These figure highly among the lessons that Rindi categorizes as “the whole 9 yards,” when describing her education and training with Greg and Jane. When I pushed Rindi to describe whether she felt that her time with the Myers’s was enough to prepare her for her own handling career she was confident that it was. Perhaps, she added, the only thing that may be difficult, if not impossible for, a handler to prepare their apprentice for are the many subtleties that go into handling a top special. She illustrated this well by saying that there is no way that anyone can translate what a handler goes through in navigating the career of a top dog. The unique pressures and stress that are ongoing while campaigning are challenges that no one can prepare for, even while apprenticing and 128 Dog News

thereby holding a “front row seat.”

Each individual reacts differently to a particular scenario; so while one can observe and take note, be there while all of it is going on, and even think that they comprehend the complexity of any given decision that effects a dog’s career, it just isn’t possible to fully grasp the enormity of what is involved unless you, yourself, are in the driver’s seat, so to speak. All that being said, Rindi said that working as an Apprentice under the guidance of a reputable handler is one of the most important things that a prospective handler can do. The experiences that she gained through her time as an a assistant stretched from the handling of emergency situations (with dogs, people, equipment, vehicles) to just being exposed to the stories shared by her mentors and those she came in contact with during the course of being at the shows.

So what sage advice could she share with anyone wishing to pursue this career path? Be certain that your heart is fully committed to being a handler, she said without hesitating.

“You must enjoy what you do to do it well and always remember to have fun!” The life of a handler is with their dogs, 24/7, and if you find yourself not loving it, then it’s time for a change. Beyond that, get a college education, at least some, and this is for several reasons. A business background isn’t just necessary, it should be mandatory. Although Rindi never took a great liking to the business part of her education, finding it just plain boring, the business of dogs is just that, a business. It requires the knowledge to run it as such or risk not being prepared for the many financial aspects of affording an active show facility that might include billing clients, hiring staff, maintaining all of the details that support a life on the road showing other people’s dogs. College also provides an unspoken education: that of life experience. Invaluable to anyone who must interact with the public,

with clients, as well as gaining the maturity necessary to cope with some of the various aspects of being self employed. Rindi’s own education includes a background in business coupled with a degree as a veterinary technician. For someone who is interested in working as an assistant, Rindi said that when she is evaluating a prospective employee she seeks somebody with a desire to learn. Too often those seeking employment view the job of an assistant as an opportunity to get in the ring and show the handler’s dogs when there may be a conflict or something of that nature. First and foremost, this idea must be put aside in favor of the prospect of hard work, long hours and strong initiative. Get over the idea of “glamour.” This job is not for those seeking a regular 9-5 routine or a fast track to a life of glamour and fame.

R

eflecting on the idea of “this job isn’t for the average person,” I asked Rindi what 5 characteristics go into the making of a successful professional handler.

She answered with the certainty of someone who has experienced the many aspects of becoming a well respected professional in her chosen career. First and foremost: honesty, with clients, with friends, with your peers. As we had touched on before, I wasn’t surprised when she said the second component is to be “hard working.” The time and dedication that goes into the care and professional presentation of show dogs has no time clock where “one punches in and punches out’” You are there with your dogs for as long as it takes. Period. Number three: common sense. Simple, but obvious, and sadly often lacking.

Four: being a good friend. Rindi’s explanation for this was one that we all need to be in touch with if we are to be involved in dogs for “the long run.” “Dogs will come and go. Friendship should remain after we walk out of the ring. A true reflection of good sportsmanship is the ability for a handler to do

Continued on page 135

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Dog News 131

Dog Show Calendar JANUARY 8 - SUNDAY FL Deland (I) GREATER DAYTONA DOG FANCIERS ASSOCIATION, INC. Volusia County Fairgrounds Int 4 & Rt 44 CLOSES: DECEMBER 21 MB-F Inc., SUPT Judges And Their Assignments BEST IN SHOW Mrs. M. L. Billings SPORTING Group: Mrs. R. Smith Dr. R. D. Smith: Brit, Pntr-GS, Pntr-GW, Ret-Curl, Span-Boykin, SpanClum, Span-Eng Ckr, Span-Eng Spr, Span-Fld, Span-Irw, Span-Suss, Span-Wel Spr, Spin Ital Mrs. M. L. Billings: Balance of Sporting Breeds HOUND Group: Mrs. R. Smith Mrs. M. L. Billings: Nor Elk, Otter, Pharaoh, RhoRidge, Saluki, ScotDeer, Whip Mrs. R. Smith: Balance of Hound Breeds WORKING Group: Dr. R. D. Smith Mr. J. D. Ellis, Sr.: AnatolShep, Dogue de Brdx, Grm Pinscher, Gtr Swiss Mtn, Portuguese, Std Schn Dr. R. D. Smith: Balance of Working Breeds TERRIER Group: Mr. F. T. Sabella Mr. F. T. Sabella: All Terrier Breeds TOY Group: D. McCoy Mr. R. E. Garren: All Toy Breeds NON-SPORTING Group: Mrs. R. Smith Mr. R. E. Garren: Pood D. McCoy: Balance of Non-Sporting Breeds HERDING Group: Dr. R. D. Smith Dr. R. D. Smith: Entlebucher Mnt Dog, Fin Laph, Icelandic Shpdg, Nor Buhund, Pyre Shep Mrs. R. Smith: Canaan, Card-WC, Coll, OES, Pemb-WC, Pol Low Shp, Pulik, Shetld, Swed Vallhund Mrs. M. L. Billings: Balance of Herding Breeds *No Classes: GSD MISCELLANEOUS Group: Mrs. R. Smith Mrs. R. Smith: All Miscellaneous Breeds JR SHOWMANSHIP: D. McCoy MN St Paul* (I) LAND Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; LAKES KENNEL CLUB, INC. River Centre 175 W. Kellogg Blvd.

CLOSES: DECEMBER 21 Onofrio Dog Shows, L.L.C., SUPT FEE: $27.00-1st/ $18.00-2nd Judges And Their Assignments BEST IN SHOW Mr. R. R. Hartinger SPORTING Group: Mrs. K. C. Wilson Dr. C. L. Battaglia: Weim Ms. L. C. More: Ret-Nova Scotia T, Set-Gord Mr. R. R. Hartinger: Span-Ckr, Span-Eng Ckr Ms. C. C. McGowan: All Pointers, Ret-Ches, Ret-Curl, Ret-Flat, RetGold, Set-Eng Mr. E. Blake: Balance of Sporting Breeds HOUND Group: Mr. E. Blake Mr. R. R. Hartinger: Amer English Coon, Bluetick Coon, Plott, Redbone Coon, Treeing Walker Coon J. G. Reynolds: Balance of Hound Breeds WORKING Group: J. G. Reynolds Dr. C. L. Battaglia: Boxer, St Bern, Tibtn Mastiff Mr. R. R. Hartinger: Akita, Alas Mal, AnatolShep, Berns Mtn, Bullm Mr. R. Gschwender: Dobe, Newf, Rottw, Sam, Sib Hky, Std Schn Mrs. S. A. Krogh: Balance of Working Breeds TERRIER Group: Ms. L. C. More Mrs. K. C. Wilson: All Terrier Breeds TOY Group: Ms. C. C. McGowan Mr. L. Graser, Jr.: Pom Mrs. P. Hartinger: Chin Cr, Peke, Pood Toy Mrs. D. Cozart: Affenp, Bruss Grif, Cav KC Spans, Chihua, Pap Mrs. S. A. Krogh: Balance of Toy Breeds

132 Dog News

NON-SPORTING Group: Mrs. P. Hartinger Mrs. D. Cozart: Boston Mr. R. R. Hartinger: Am Esk Dog, Bichon, Dalm Mrs. P. Hartinger: Balance of Non-Sporting Breeds HERDING Group: Mr. L. Graser, Jr. Mrs. L. Graser: Beard Coll, Bel Shp, Bouv, OES Ms. L. C. More: Austrl Cat Dg, AustrlShep, Beauceron, Bel Mal, Bel Terv, Brdr Coll Mr. L. Graser, Jr.: Balance of Herding Breeds MISCELLANEOUS Group: Dr. C. L. Battaglia Dr. C. L. Battaglia: All Miscellaneous Breeds OBEDIENCE TRIAL CLASSES Mr. R. P. Wood: Nov A, Nov B, Begnr Nov A, Begnr Nov B Ms. K. J. Anderson: Grad Novr, Open A, Open B Mrs. S. D. Hodgens-Wood: Grad Openr, Util A, Util B JR SHOWMANSHIP: Mrs. L. Graser OH Tallmadge (I) RUBBER CITY KENNEL CLUB Summit County Fairgrounds 1100 North Avenue 229 E Howe Road (also) CLOSES: DECEMBER 21 MB-F Inc., SUPT FEE: $29.00-1st/ $17.00-2nd Judges And Their Assignments BEST IN SHOW Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz SPORTING Group: Dr. R. Meen Mr. J. R. Cole: Pntr-GS J. B. Ross: Ret-Lab Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz: Span-Ckr, Span-Eng Ckr, Span-Eng Spr R. H. Slay: Balance of Sporting Breeds HOUND Group: Ms. S. S. Hennessy Mr. J. R. Cole: Amer English Coon, Bluetick Coon, Plott, Redbone Coon, Treeing Walker Coon Ms. S. S. Hennessy: Am Fox, Basenji, Basset, B & T Coonhnd, Bloodhnd, Eng Fox, PBGV, Pharaoh, RhoRidge, Whip Dr. R. Meen: Balance of Hound Breeds WORKING Group: H. R. Ogarek Mr. J. R. Cole: Akita Dr. R. Meen: Giant Schn R. H. Slay: Kom, Kuv, Leonberger J. B. Ross: Grt Dane, Grt Pyr, Gtr Swiss Mtn, Mast H. R. Ogarek: Newf, Portuguese, Rottw, St Bern, Sam, Sib Hky, Std Schn, Tibtn Mastiff Mrs. R. H. Zimmerman: Balance of Working Breeds TERRIER Group: Mr. J. J. Ham Mrs. R. H. Zimmerman: Manch Ter J. B. Ross: Wst Highlnd Dr. R. Meen: Balance of Terrier Breeds TOY Group: Mrs. R. H. Zimmerman J. B. Ross: Pom Mr. J. J. Ham: Pood Toy Dr. R. Meen: Affenp, Eng Toy Sp, Pug Mrs. R. H. Zimmerman: Bruss Grif, Chihua, Shih Tzu, Yorks Mr. J. R. Cole: Cav KC Spans, Chin Cr, Hava, J Chin, Silky, Toy Fox Terrier Ms. S. S. Hennessy: Balance of Toy Breeds NON-SPORTING Group: Mr. J. R. Cole J. B. Ross: Fin Spitz, Norwegian Lndhnd Mrs. R. H. Zimmerman: Chow, Dalm, Kees Mr. J. R. Cole: Fr Bull, Lhasa, Lowch Mr. J. J. Ham: Balance of Non-Sporting Breeds HERDING Group: R. H. Slay Mr. J. J. Ham: AustrlShep R. H. Slay: Beauceron Mr. J. R. Cole: Entlebucher Mnt Dog, Fin Laph, Swed Vallhund Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz: Beard Coll, Bel Mal, Bel Shp, Bel Terv, Card-WC, Coll, Pemb-WC, Shetld J. B. Ross: Balance of Herding Breeds MISCELLANEOUS Group: H. R. Ogarek H. R. Ogarek: All Miscellaneous Breeds JR SHOWMANSHIP: Mrs. A. F. Yuhasz

Editors Note: This full page advertisement, which was published in the USA Today and The New York Times on Wednesday, November 30 and Thursday, December 1, respectively, is reprinted here for your information and support.

Dog News 133

Handler’s Directory Robert A. Fisher Kaki Fisher

Jessy & Roxanne Sutton Professional Dog Handlers

Specializing in Terriers and Working Dogs

Professional Dog Handlers Frakari Kennels 194 Quivey Hill Road/P.O. Box 204 Middle Granville, NY 12849 518.642.9225 KNL • 440.813.6388 c 12.09 kakifisher@earthlink.net 12.11

Jessy artofhandling@hotmail.com phone: 215-778-1253 7.09

12.10

Pkubacz@att.net

Roxanne roxannestamm@hotmail.com phone: 513-235-2099

www.suttondoghandling.com

(email)

2.10

5.12

Sue Capone, PHA Regina Keiter SUE 570 992-5705 email: scapone@ptd.net

1.12

12.10

1.11

9.11

REGINA 570 369-0192 email: rbriard2@ptd.net

113 Capone Lane Saylorburg, PA 18353

Diana Wilson

Show Dogs Beautifully Presented

303/638-1669 1298 Bluejay Avenue Brighton, CO 80601 Djwoof@aol.com • www.geocities.com/djwoof 4.12

*Fees feed rescued horses*

ERIN NESBITT

DAVE & LYNDA O’CONNOR-SCHNEIDER

1.10

Debbie Old West PROFESSIONALGoldstein HANDLER ALL BREEDS Professional

Members PHA & AKC Registered Handlers

ALL BREED PROFESSIONAL HANDLERS

Handler

& Groomer Kennels 2418 Grandview Drive

P.O. Box 180 Forestville, Pennsylvania Sparta, N.C. 16035 28675 724-735-9994 C 412-491-5520

336 372-2039 Logoiggyfizwig@vzw.blackberry.net © Debbie Goldstein

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2.12

Clint and Karen Livingston 1981 East 141 Avenue Brighton, Colorado 80602 210 865 8415 - Clint 210 865 2348 - Karen

9691 Flinn Springs Road El Cajon, CA 92021 (619)443-8250 Fax (619)443-0944 E-mail /Lynda@goldcampspringers.com www.goldcampspringers.com

tclpdb@aol.com

3.10

7.11

Carlos Carrizo

12.10

LINDA CLARK

1.12

5.12

3.12

AKC PHA RVT Tulsa, OK 918-625-8124 (cell) laclarkaht@aol.com www.wwpetcare.com

AKC Registered Handler

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7.12

Cell: 415 819-5773

1.12 1.11

Ernesto Lara

AKC Registered Handler Assisted by Leonardo Garcini

at

Greenfield 3.10

9.11

Tiffany Saxon

P.O. Box 330 Tel: (717) 445-9936 1181 Reading Road Fax: (717) 445-0577 Bowmansville, PA 17507 email: elaratierra@aol.com 6.10 6.12 mobile: 717-475-7069

Professional Presentation & Care of Show Dogs A drienne O wen 6849 S hadow R idge P l ace A lta L oma , CA 91701 909-472-5519 adrienne @ newpointkennel . com www 8.09 . newpointkennel . com 7.12

1.11

All Breed Dog Handler

1637 Moon Rock Rd Fallbrook, CA 92029

Office: 760-723-9564 Cell: 626-277-7172 t1saxon@roadrunner.com 1.11

134 Dog News

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Conversations with AKC/RHP Professionals Continued FROM page 128

their best and compete, while at the same time being able to maintain their friendships with those they compete with, outside of the ring.”

And this goes hand in hand with Rindi’s 5th characteristic: being a good competitor. Not only does #4 pertain to this but it is also important that a professional handler set the standard for others to follow. When we spoke about which handlers, aside from her mentors, helped to form the basis of her beliefs, Rindi shared a lovely experience involving the late Mrs. Anne Rogers Clark. While in middle school she was given an assignment to write a paper on someone famous that she looked up to and respected. Initially she planned to write her essay on Jane’s mother, Patty Lapinski, but when she spoke with her she pointed Rindi in Mrs. Clark’s direction. Mrs. Clark did not hesitate to spend over an hour of her time discussing her background and insights into her profession.

Always a strong proponent for promoting the youth involved in dogs, particularly women, since her own beginnings as a handler occurred during a period in history when there were but a handful of women handlers, let alone any women who were successful in the sport, she graciously shared her time with the young Junior, Rindi.

She shared some cute stories that Rindi was able to write about, but even more importantly, she always recognized and took the time to speak with Rindi later, when she saw her at the shows. It was this sort of experience that helped to lay the foundation for Rindi’s personal beliefs and how she chooses to conduct herself as a professional.

When at the shows I often find myself ringside observing the handlers in the ring and I sometimes find myself wondering what it is that drives them to get up in the morning and do what they do. Rindi’s response reflected her deep love and commitment to her dogs and her life with them. Her

answer was simple when I put the question to her: “The dogs, my relationships with the dogs.

When I am home what I enjoy most is turning out 4-5 dogs who get along well together watching them play and interact. I walk around my property with them and just enjoy being with them.”

This goes hand in hand with her philosophy of what are one of the more important aspects of running a dog’s show career.

“Maintaining a dog’s mental stability throughout it’s show career is so important,” she stated.

She went on to emphasize that if her dogs aren’t happy that will affect how they perform in the ring. Understanding the workings of a show dog’s mind is of the utmost significance, right beside the physical condition a dog maintains and the presentation true to its breed. “If a dog is happy, it sparkles and stands out in a ring where there are others of equal quality. Your dog might have the best trim and be in awesome condition, but if it just acts like it hates what it’s doing, you’re just not going to get the nod from the judges.” A lot of people just don’t get into their dog’s head and take the time to understand what makes them tick. It’s what a good handler does instinctually and differentiates them from the others. In observing the many ways that competitors choose to behave while in (and out of) the rings, I can’t help but to wonder if they are there for their own benefit (financial, ego, etc.) or whether they are actually there for the dogs (be it their own or a client’s). In asking Rindi where her own priorities may lie, I posed the question of whether it is the success of her dogs or her own success as a handler that mattered more, and how does she measure that success? She was quick to respond with “the dog’s success.”

She went on to describe to me, with conviction, her criteria for

describing what goes into this definition. It is the process of “taking a dog from start to finish, especially when the owners are able to recognize the change in their dog.” This may be as simple as getting a championship on a dog who comes to her with no training, no experience, no conditioning, and she is able to make it into a finished champion.

The dog leaves with a maturity and self assurance it did not have before and the owner is delighted with the experience of seeing the transformation. The aspect of fulfilling the wishes of the owner is something that is not described very often, but I think it is a vital part of the fabric that makes up what a handler gets from doing his/her job well. As Rindi further explained to me, “When I get a new dog from an owner, we set goals. They need to be reasonable and obtainable and realistic. I know that I’ve met those goals and I am successful when the owner is happy and the dog is equally happy. I love when the owner is present or comes to pick up the dog, and often because the dog and I have formed a strong working bond, it is equally or more happy to be with me.” It’s that sort of a connection that I think most owners would wish for their dogs as they embark on a show career, no matter what the magnitude. I have a fourteen year old, long retired from his days on the road as a Special, who still is absolutely delighted when we see his handler.

I

often hear complaints (from all sorts of sources) that Judges only point to professional handlers, or something along those lines. Given my own perspective I have my own answers for those outcries, however, I was intrigued to hear how Rindi might respond to that statement, say, while she was in the ring, perhaps waiting for the Judge to hand her the winning ribbon. First, she said, she would speak to the person about their exhibit. Did the quality of their dog merit the prize that evaded Continued on page 137

Dog News 135

Handlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Directory Doug And Mandy Carlson AKC Registered Handlers Doug 405 370-1447 Mandy 405 826-3884 5.12

8260 McColl Drive W Savage, Minnesota 55378 Phone: 952 890-6010 www.Bluffhighkennel.com

Aaron R. Wilkerson All Breed Professional Handler

Professional Dog Handler Murbe Kennels DHG, PHA & AKC Registered

P.O. Box 867 Wellborn, FL 32094

11293 Dunnigan Road Emmett, Michigan 48022

803 421.9832

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Guy H. Fisher

11.12

Home 810 384-1844 Fax 810 384-8225 Cell 810 417-0469

E mail: murbe_boxers@msn.com Web site: www.murbeboxers.com

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SHOWDOG HANDLERS

--ALL BREEDS-Jimmy & Mary Dwyer

www.PRODOGHANDLER.com

407 810-4036

akcdogs@aol.com 3.12

12.10

BRUCE & TARA SCHULTZ

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Board Certified Professional Handlers Members of P.H.A. www.SchultzDogHandling.com

12.12

136 Dog News

12.10

5540 San Miguel Rd. Bonita, California 91902

Bruce: 951 314-8357 Tara: 951 515-0241

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Conversations with AKC/RHP Professionals Continued FROM page 135

them? What about the condition?

The areas that should have been white may have been yellow, or the muscle tone may have not been equivalent to her own dog. Was the person’s dog behaving like a show dog or was it trying to go around the ring while cranking its head around backwards to see what was running up behind it? Presentation is paramount. The late Judge, Elaine Rigden, for whom I had great respect for, once made a statement which went something like this: “You can’t judge what you can’t see.” Professional handlers are supposed to be paid for their services which should include knowledge and ability, to name just a few attributes that may edge out others that do not have the time, knowledge, talent, etc. to present their exhibit in the best possible light, amongst a group of equal or better dogs. Sometimes this experience translates into a dog of lesser quality winning simply on presentation/condition.

And that, after all, may be solid grounds to present against that argument. Continuing along that same basic idea of professional vs. non professional, I asked Rindi what an owner’s expectations should be when hiring an AKC Registered professional handler.

“When a handler becomes a member of the AKC RHP they become accountable to the guidelines of the governing body(AKC) and as such there are consequences for not living up to the standards of the program.

There is a Code of Ethics and a long list of criteria which is part of being a professional. I made a commitment to live up to those guidelines as well to continue to grow in my profession through continuing education and an affiliation with the AKC. By being an AKC RHP member, an owner can expect their dog’s care and safety and well being to be my

priority. My facility and my truck reflect this, along with the way that I conduct my business in and outside of the ring.”

While I spend the better part of my own days, “viewing life from the road,” as it is, I often wonder how others living the lifestyle of a professional handler are able to maintain their dog’s health, attitude, physical and mental condition. And for that matter, of equal interest and importance, how do they do that for themselves? Rindi’s answer seems simple, but realistic enough given the demands on her time and the restrictions that her schedule impose. She does her best to maintain a travel/show schedule that provides no more than 2 weeks on the road at a time. And even when “off time” is limited to just one day at home, she insures that the time be spent in the yard so her charges have ample opportunity to run, play and “just be dogs.” If there are times when this isn’t feasible she maintains her dogs’ condition by biking them while on the road and the puppies are given lots of attention by going on walks. I can hear the grin in her voice as I pose the question once more, the part about her own health and well being, and she adds, “Ditto, on the walks and the same extra attention spent on the dogs. It keeps me sane, too.” So how does one handle success and for that matter, failure, when you’re in the spotlight? “I do my best to handle them both in the same way.

It’s a big priority for me to behave consistently. If I am “off ” my dogs can sense that and so I do my best not to allow the way that I act to be anything less than consistent. The dogs shouldn’t have to be subjected to the high’s and the low’s of my own emotions and stresses. That goes for my assistants/help, too. I really get after them when they let their responses impact the dogs.”

A

nd finally, just out of curiosity, I thought it would be interesting to find out, given the demands and total dedication that this profession requires, just how does Rindi balance her professional life with her personal life. I personally had begun to believe that this whole balance thing is somewhat of a myth. However, Rindi gave me an answer that gave me hope. After our initial laugh when addressing this conundrum Rindi gave me a best case scenario that truly speaks of the person she is. She moved her kennel to Charleston so that she could bring her family closer together. She regularly spends time with her young niece, with whom she has formed a very close bond.

When she is at home the family is together. Such is the richness that creates a place of strength from where she can go on to be the professional she is constantly striving to be. While on the road she further fuels this conviction by spending time with her circle of friends in the evening. “I LOVE to cook for people and so at least once a weekend if not more, I make dinner for everyone and have them back to my truck for dinner and Wii Karaoke. Lots of laughs.”

Like her dogs, and as so many professional athletes would attest to, paying attention to one’s source of “re-fueling” pays off in the final performance, in this case, Rindi’s presentation in the ring.

The RHP advertises each week, using a headline that states “Integrity, Commitment, and Passion.” In ending my conversation with Rindi I asked her as an active member in the sport of dogs and as a member of the AKC RHP, how do you define commitment and integrity?

And with one simple word she addressed her dedication to her chosen career: “Honesty.”

Dog News 137

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Handler/Hobby Kennel Louisville-Cincinnati-Indianapolis Area Over 150 shows annually within 350 miles.

Four Bedroom, 3 bath 3,000 sq. ft. Cedar/Rock Home with 16 Mason Fence Indoor-Outdoor Runs. Features include Large Heated Training Room, Feed Room, Grooming Room, Indoor Parking with Electric and Sewer Hookup for up to 42’ Motorhome. Multi Indoor Storage Areas. Large One B/R Townhouse-type Apartment In Kennel Building, plus another full B/R Apt. in Home. All this on 15 Acres with 7 Fenced Grass Paddocks for Dogs to Exercise.

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Breeders Directory

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138 Dog News

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Dog News Last Issue of 2011: December 16, 2011 Deadline: December 9, 2011 First Issue of 2012: January 6, 2012 Deadline: December 30, 2012

Dog News 141