Voices from the past

Voices from the past – and present – are now available on CDs

Listen to some of the finest minds – ever – in purebred dogs while you drive or fly to your next show on Dog Talk with Ric Routledge CDs.

Whether you are breeding, handling, judging or simply spectating you will learn so very much while enjoying interviews with some of the most interesting people the sport of purebred dogs ever knew.

The interviews are part of an audio series that Routledge, publisher of Show Dog Reporter, began circa 1990. He recorded about 100 interviews on cassettes, some of which were never released. About one-third of those interviewed are deceased. Some tapes are disappointingly short, others quite lengthy.

Routledge, who began publishing America’s first successful show dog weekly, Canine Chronicle, in 1975, said that in addition to interviews recorded years ago, he is beginning a new series featuring current show dog personalities.

New titles are added to the list every month.

CDs currently available include:

__ Lina Basquette (died 1994) acquired her first Great Dane in 1937, and became a licensed professional handler in 1950. Not only that, she was married at age 18 to Sam Warner the man who brought out the first-ever talking movie. She has strong opinions on both subjects. Recorded in 1991.

__ Mark Bettis has worked for some of the top professionals in America including Corky Vroom and Clay Coady. He went to work for legendary George Ward as a teenager and now owns Ward’s former kennel in Constantine, Mich. where he watches birds, boats and eerie ghosts float by. Mark, now a professional in his own right, has a unique opinion on everything and he shares all with us in this very interesting interview recorded in 2009.

__ Edd Bivin is a powerful speaker with powerful thoughts. He discusses a multitude of subjects including his start with Pomeranians as a youngster, his years as a breeder-owner, and what he expects from AKC among other topics. This CD could serve as a judging seminar as Edd explains what judges should and shouldn’t look for right.

__ Damera Bolte is one of the most respected breeder-handlers in the sport. She has bred Basenjis for over four decades while holding down a fascinating job outside of the dog world. She shares her wealth of knowledge with us in this interview recorded in 1999.

__ Martin Buser competed in his first Iditarod Sled Dog Race in 1980. He has gone on to win the 1,200 mile Alaska marathon four times to date. The Swiss native recorded this interview shortly after winning for the first time in 1992. He talks about how his lead-dogs work 100 feet ahead of him with no reins and how he conditions the finest athletes in the dog world.

__ Bob Covey, who won 106 all-breed bests in show with the American Cocker Spaniel Ch. La-Shay’s Bart Simpson, presents a graduate course on proper American Cocker structure on this CD. Every Cocker breeder, handler and judge should pay close attention to this interview recorded in 1996.

__ Buddy Dickey (died) discusses the essence of the Poodle in this interview recorded circa 1992. A professional handler, he also devoted his life to developing an incredible blood line at his Dassin Kennel making it a house-hold name the world over.

__ Terry Durkes, DVM wasone of the first veterinarians in America to make use of acupuncture as a treatment for animals. Acupuncture has been a part of his practice since 1975. He talks about the treatment and what it can and cannot do.

__ Earl Dunn is a top owner-handler. He was the first person to handle a Bullmastiff to an all-breed best in show which he did with four different Bullmastiffs. In this interview recorded in 1992, he talks about the challenges facing owner-handlers and those handling lesser known breeds, and about the Bullmastiff breed standard.

__ C.J. Favre went from handling airplanes to handling dogs when he and his fellow air traffic controllers went on strike in 1980. As far as he is concerned life worked out for the best. He talks about the handler’s life, what’s right and what’s wrong in the sport of dogs, in this 2009 interview.

__ Robert Forsyth is a former professional handler who won all the big shows and since retiring has judged all of the big shows. He not only handled dogs in the ring, but handled dogs in combat in WW 2. His vast experience comes across in this fascinating interview recorded in 1996.

__ Julia Gasow (died 1999) was one of the most successful dog breeders in history. She talks about how her Salilyn Kennels of Troy, Mich. produced hundreds of champion English Springer Spaniels that won everything including Westminster. This two-CD set should be required listening for every breeder be it a newcomer or old timer. Her words still hold true today. Recorded in 1993.

__ Sylvia Hammarstrom is one of the most successful breeders in history. Her world famous Skansen Kennel in northern California has produced over 1,000 champions in a variety of breeds, mostly Giant Schnauzers. She discusses the numerous controversial theories and concepts that she has developed over the years. This two-CD set includes two interviews, both recorded in 1991.

__ Hannelore Heller is one of America’s most prominent breeders of Dachshunds and has handled them professionally for many years. Warning: Do not judge Dachshunds before listening to this CD! Recorded in 1993.

__ Alan Levine handled many top winning dogs over the years including the famed Newfoundland, Newton. While he seemed to favor larger breeds, every breeder and judge should listen to Alan as he talks about many topics including canine structure in this interview recorded in 1999

__ Michael Kemp has, as a handler, won all of the big ones including Westminster with the top winning terrier of all time, Ch. Registry’s Lonesome Dove. The former professional entertainer talks about his extraordinary career in this interview recorded in 1999.

__ Jere Marder is one of the single most successful breeder-owner-handlers in history. The Chicago native has left her mark on her favorite breed – the Old English Sheepdog – forever by producing dogs that have won top honors all over the world – and on a rather limited breeding program, no less. She tells how she did it in this interview recorded in 1992.

__ Jimmy Moses is one of the single most successful handlers of the modern era. But few people realize he has been involved with purebred dogs since 1956 with a heavy concentration on German Shepherds since 1968. He is candid, very open and very entertaining in this interview recorded in 1993.

__ Dorothy Nickles (died 2009) judged all breeds and obedience until her death at age 99. Her delightful personality comes through loud and clear. You can feel her passion for the sport just listening to her on this CD. Recorded in 1993.

__ Tommy Oelschlage has owned and bred Siberian Huskies since 1975. In this interview recorded in 2009 he talks about the good and the bad of his favorite breed. Tommy O, has he is known in many canine circles, delivers an education to breeders and judges alike in this open and frank discussion. Every Husky breeder and judge needs to hear this CD.

__ Derek Rayne (died 1998) owned the first Pembroke Corgi to become an American champion. Though British born, he won the hearts of every exhibitor in America. The epitome of canine knowledge, he was as gracious to the novice as he was to old timers and it shows in this interview recorded in 1993.

__ George Rood is one of the most interesting members of our sport. A professional handler for over 50 years, he was also a professional pool player who regularly defeated the likes of Minnesota Fats, and was an Olympic-caliber diver. He tells all in this interview recorded at his Dayton, Ohio home circa 1993.

__ Delmar Shackleford (died) bought his first Bulldog in 1931 and continued to breed them for over 60 years. He produced over 125 champions including specialty and best in show winners, and about 50 more champions in other breeds. This is a fun interview with an old-timer who really doesn’t care what you think. Recorded in 1991 at his Indiana home.

__ Buddy Stevens has bred Miniature Pinschers for over three decades. His tremendous success in the show ring is due in part to his tremendous success in the whelping box. This interview, which was recorded in 1992, is still full of invaluable how-to breeding information.

__ Joe Tacker became a licensed judge in 1957, and has been an all-breed judge since 1991. Though he loves all breeds, obviously there is a special place in his heart for American Cockers. He talks about his six decades in dogs in this interview recorded in 1993.

__ Corky Vroom, before his retirement, was one of the most successful professional handlers in the history of the sport. At one time he had the winningest hound in history, the winningest working dog in history and the winningest herding dog in history. He talks about his amazing career in this interview recorded in 1993.

__ George Ward (died 2004) handled two dogs to Best in Show at the Westminster, and won BiS at Montgomery County several times. The legendary handler from Constantine, Mich. also handled the first dog of any breed to win 200 all-breed bests in show. This is a two-CD set. The first interview was recorded in 1992, the second in 1993.

__ Michael Work, a professional handler who has been involved with Basenjis since 1966, made a fascinating trip to Africa in 1987 seeking new blood lines for the breed in America. AKC registered those specimens two years later and altered the breed forever. He tells a fascinating story about that trip in this interview recorded in 1992. You don’t have to be a Basenji fancier to enjoy this tale.

CDs on the near horizon, but in no particular order, include Ric Chashoudian, Nina Fetter, Peter Green, Robert Moore, Bobby Barlow, Bob Hastings, Anna Nicholas, Edd Bivin, Roy Holloway Sr. and many, many others.

The following CDs are pure fiction presented with one purpose in mind – to entertain you with stories about the dogs you love while driving down the road.

__ Bar Sinister one of the greatest canine classics ever published, was written in 1916 by Richard Harding Davis. It’s a sad story in the beginning but ends well. This is the story that helped popularize Bull Terriers.

__ Gulliver The Great is one of the greatest short stories ever written about a dog. The story was written by Walter A. Dyer and was first published by “The Cavalier” in 1912. It features a Great Dane that finds himself on a life raft in the middle of the ocean with a guy that really doesn’t like dogs.

Prices and Shipping Information

CDs are shipped via first class mail

Some avid listeners have placed a credit card on file

and have asked that all CDs be sent to them immediately upon production

CDs sell for $15 each, plus $5 shipping ($20 total)

The 2-CD sets are $25 per set plus $5 shipping ($30 total)

US funds only.

Please inquire about shipping rates to destinations outside of the United States

Include your e-mail address and we will keep you informed of the status of your order

Major credit cards accepted

Contact us at:

Dog Talk with Ric Routledge

PO Box 267, Pennville, Indiana 47369

E-mail: showdogreporter@embarquail.com

Tel: 260-731-4400 Fax 260-731-4410

Migual

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Darrlburgs Something Special V Ikier RN

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Tommy O has devoted nearly 40 years to Siberian Huskies

By RIC ROUTLEDGE

Finleyville, PA- Tommy O’s introduction to Siberian Huskies was a bit auspicious to say the least.

Thomas Oelschlager, who got the nickname of “Tommy O” from J. Council Parker, has dedicated the greater part of his life to Huskies.

As a child, he kept a menagerie of pets that included everything from a mixed-breed Lab named Elmer P. Huggins, to a pet chicken that he nursed back to health from near death.

“That chicken went everywhere with me,” he recalls. “I taught him to ride on my arm.” That chicken came up missing one day just after the neighbor’s Husky had come calling.

“I took the dog back to the neighbor and asked if they had seen a chicken,” Tommy said. “The woman disappeared for a while. She came back and gave me $1.75. Said the dog brought my chicken home yesterday.

“Ironically, she gave me the dog the next day,” he said still amazed by the transaction. That first dog would lead to another, and another, and finally to Kontoki Kennels, which was so christened in 1973.

Between clients’ dogs and Tommy O’s, he has shown 17 different Siberian Huskies to best in show, and dogs carrying his kennel name have racked up about 263 all-breed bests, numerous national specialty winners, and 300 to 400 champions.

All of this success, he says, is based on “seat-ofthe-pants” breeding. Seat-of-the-pants breeders just have a natural feel for which breedings will and will not work, he added.

“I’m a firm believer in line breeding. Our kennel was built on doing grandfather-granddaughter breedings; grandmother to grandson, half-brother to half-sister,” he said.

Oelschlager said he begins evaluating puppies between eight and nine weeks of age. “What I see at eight or nine weeks is always what I end up with. It has never failed.”

The first thing he looks for in a young dog is athleticism.

“I want to see the gliders going across the yard, the innate ability to maintain that easy momentum which is so typical of a sled dog.

“They must also have a classic look to their faces, they’ve got to be pretty,” he said. “(There is) a definite look in the head pieces. You know they are supposed to be foxy looking; a beautiful refined muzzle, not snippy, but a beautiful taper to the muzzle. There is no such thing where you get the real course-headed dog with a racy body behind it. If it is fat and course up there, it is fat and course behind the ears, too.”

He also looks for a beautiful fill under the eyes, well-set ears, which, he says, are a hallmark of the northern dogs, small ears on top of the head, well furred with that classic Siberian, northern dog look, with a more oblique eye and the cheek. They have to have cheek to them, he added. And, he continued, if you don’t have a correct coat for a northern dog you don’t have a northern dog.

“No other breeds have to live in such harsh climates as what this breed does. If they don’t have a correct coat they die.”

A dog with a correct coat will do well in any climate, according to Oelschlager. “The climate may enhance the abundance of the coat, but the quality of the coat is the same. They do well in Florida.”

The Siberian is a “very gregarious dog,” according to Tommy. “They love everybody. They are never backward, but they are a little aloof. They are very, very bright dogs. They are a challenge to live with because any time you think they are sleeping and (you think) every thing is fine and they are not bothering anything, believe me they are thinking of what else they can possibly do the moment you turn your back.”

While judging is in the back of Oelschlager’s mind, the importance of continuing his breeding program keeps him from applying. “I’m so fortunate and so thrilled that I’ve been able to keep this breeding program working as well as it’s worked, and to be able to keep getting the consistent quality that I hope to have gotten that I’m glad I did it this way.When I think of judging dogs, and looking at many breeds and where they are today to where they were 15 years ago, I would think that I would probably be very disappointed to be standing somewhere judging a three-day weekend and seeing only an occasional dog that I thought was OK because I think the sport itself is suffering badly from quality is so many of the breeds.”

Tommy O has lots of compelling thoughts and insights about every aspect of the sport of dogs. But the lack of space prohibits publishing the entire interview. You can, however, hear all of it on a CD of Dog Talk with Ric Routledge. See information on the availability of CDs elsewhere in this edition.

BIS Am/Can Ch Bretica’s Man With The Big Cigar

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Voices From the Past – and Present – Now available on CD

Listen to some of the finest minds – ever- in purebred dogs while you drive or fly to your next show on Dog Talk with Ric Routledge CDs.

Whether you are breeding, handling, judging or simply spectating you will learn so very much while enjoying interviews with some of the most interesting people the sport of purebred dogs ever knew.

The interviews are part of an audio series that Routledge, publisher of Show Dog Reporter, began circa 1990. He recorded about 100 interviews on cassettes, some of which were never released.About one third of those interviewed are deceased.

Some tapes are disappointingly short, others quite lengthy.

Routledge, who began publishing America’s first successful show dog weekly, Canine Chronicle, in 1975, said that in addition to interviews recorded years ago, he is beginning a new series featuring current show dog personalities.

New titles are added to the list every month.

CDs currently available include: __ Lina Basquette (died 1994) acquired her first Great Dane in 1937, and became a licensed professional handler in 1950.

Not only that, she was married at age 18 to Sam Warner the man who brought out the first-ever talking movie. She has strong opinions on both subjects. Recorded in 1991.

__ Mark Bettis has worked for some of the top professionals in America including

Corky Vroom and Clay Coady. He went to work for legendary GeorgeWard as a teenager and now owns Ward’s kennel in Constantine, Mich. where he watches birds, boats and eerie ghosts float by. Mark, now a professional in his own right, has a unique opinion on everything and he shares all with us in this very interesting interview recorded in 2009.

__ Damera Bolte is one of the most respected breeder-handlers in the sport. She has bred Basenjis for over four decades while holding down a fascinating job outside of the dog world. She shares her wealth of knowledge with us in this interview – recorded in 1999.

__ Bob Covey, who won 106 all-breed bests in show with the American Cocker Spaniel Ch. La-Shay’s Bart Simpson, presents a graduate course on proper American Cocker structure on this CD. Every Cocker breeder, handler and judge should pay close attention to this interview recorded in 1996. (On Back Order)

__ Buddy Dickey (died) discusses the essence of the Poodle in this interview recorded circa 1992. A professional handler, he also devoted his life to developing an incredible blood line at his Dassin Kennel making it a house-hold name the world over. (On Back Order)

__ Earl Dunn is a top owner-handler. He was the first person to handle a Bullmastiff to an all-breed best in show which he did with four different Bullmastiffs. In this interview recorded in 1992, he talks about the challenges facing owner-handlers and those handling lesser known breeds, and about the Bullmastiff breed standard. (On Back Order)

__ C.J. Favre went from handling airplanes to handling dogs when he and his fellow air traffic controllers went on strike in 1980. As far as he is concerned life worked out for the best. He talks about the handler’s life, what’s right and what’s wrong in the sport of dogs, in this 2009 interview.

__ Robert Forsyth is a former professional handler who won all the big shows and since retiring has judged all of the big shows. He not only handled dogs in the ring, but handled dogs in combat in WW 2. His vast experience comes across in this fascinating interview recorded in 1996.

__ Julia Gasow (died 1999) was one of the most successful dog breeders in history.

She talks about how her Salilyn Kennels of Troy, Mich. produced hundreds of champion English Springer Spaniels that won everything including Westminster. This two-CD set should be required listening for every breeder be it a newcomer or old timer. Her words still hold true today. Recorded in 1993.

__ Sylvia Hammarstrom is one of the most successful breeders in history. Her world famous Skansen Kennel in northern California has produced over 1,000 champions. She discusses the numerous controversial theories and concepts that

she has developed over the years. There are two interviews on this CD, both recorded in 1991. (On Back Order)

__ Hannelore Heller is one ofAmerica’s most prominent breeders of Dachshunds and has handled them professionally for many years. Warning: Do not judge Dachshunds before listening to this CD! Recorded in 1993.

_ Buddy Stevens has bred Miniature Pinschers for over three decades. His tremendous success in the show ring is due in part to his tremendous success in the whelping box. This interview, which was recorded in 1992, is still full of invaluable how-to breeding information.

__ Joe Tacker became a licensed judge in 1957, and has been an all-breed judge since 1991. Though he loves all breeds, obviously there is a special place in his heart for American Cockers. He talks about his six decades in dogs in this interview – recorded in 1993.

__ George Ward (died 2004) handled two dogs to Best in Show at the Westminster, and won BiS at Montgomery County several times. The legendary handler from Constantine, Mich. also handled the first dog of any breed to win 200 all-breed bests in show. This is a two-CD edition. The first interview was recorded in 1992, the second in 1993.

__MichaelWork, a professional handler who has been involved with Basenjis since 1966, made a fascinating trip to Africa in 1987 seeking new blood lines for the breed inAmerica.AKC registered those specimens two years later and altered the breed forever. He tells a fascinating story about that trip in this interview recorded in 1992. You don’t have to be a Basenji fancier to enjoy this tale. (On Back Order)

CDs on the near horizon, but in no particularorder, include Ric Chashoudian, Nina Fetter, George Rood, Peter Green, Robert Moore, Bobby Barlow, MichaelWork, Bob Hastings, Anna Nicholas,Corky Vroom, Edd Bivin, Roy Holloway Sr. and many, many others.

The following CDs are pure fiction written with one purpose in mind – to entertain you with stories about the sport you love while driving down the road. If you think you recognize any of the characters – be it people, places or dogs – it is strictly coincidence. All characters are a figment of the authors’ imagination.

__ Year of the Dog is a full-length novel about the show dog world. This multi-CD story is an entertaining story written by a dog person for dog people.Written by Ric Routledge. (On Back Order)

__ Murder on the Bluegrass Circuit is a short mystery story that will keep you guessing to the end.Written by Ric Routledge.

(On Back Order)

__ Bar Sinister is one of the great classics written in the 1920s by Richard Harding Davis. It’s a sad story in the beginning but ends well. This is the story that helped popularize Bull Terriers. (On Back Order)

CLAUDIA ORLANDI, Ph.D. NAMED 2009 AKC BREEDER OF THE YEAR

– Award Presented at AKC/Eukanuba National Championship –

New York, NY – Claudia Orlandi, Ph.D. of Essex Junction, Vermont was honored with the 2009 AKC Breeder of the Year Award for her Topsfield Basset Hounds at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Sunday, December 13, 2009.

The annual award honors those breeders who have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. “Like other Breeder of the Year winners before her, Claudia represents the epitome of the responsible breeder — someone who aims to preserve and improve the breed they have dedicated their lives to and who puts the health and welfare of her dogs front and center,” said AKC Chairman of the Board Ron Menaker. “She has used her expertise to enhance the breeding programs of other fanciers and sets an ideal example for so many breeders in the sport. This recognition is very well deserved.”

Each year, one honoree is chosen from each of the seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. From those seven, one Group winner is selected as “AKC Breeder of the Year” during the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, which was held this year in Long Beach, CA on December 12 and 13. The Breeder of theYear ceremony will be included during the show’s simulcast on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 8 p.m. (EST).

Claudia has produced more than 100AKC champions, with Topsfield Bassets winning over 100 Best in Shows and 500 Group Firsts and holding various Breed and All-Breed records. Prominent Topsfield hounds include Ch Topsfield Bumper Cars, CD, ROM; Ch Topsfield-Sanchu Sports Car, ROM; Ch Topsfield Beethoven; and Ch Topsfield Vision Silver Noodles. Bumper Cars, a National Specialty Winner, is the top Group Winning Basset Hound in the history of the breed with 250 group firsts. Silver Noodles is the top winning Basset Hound bitch in breed history.

Claudia is also dedicated to education and conducts seminars for breeders and judges, including The ABC’s of Dog Breeding, Anatomy Review for Judges and Breeders, Hands-On Angle Evaluation in Dogs and the BHCA Judges’Education Seminar on the Basset Hound. She currently judges Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen and Junior Showmanship.

As the 2009 AKC Breeder of the Year recipient, Claudia will be honored with a commission from a canine portraitist to memorialize a prominent dog from her kennel and her name will be inscribed on a perpetual trophy.

They will remain on permanent display at the AKC headquarters in New York City. All seven Group honorees were presented with medallions during the show on December 13, 2009. Group winners included:

· Sporting: Leslie Russell – Oregon City, OR – Avon Farm Irish Setters

·Working: Judith G. Cooper – Lake Barrington, IL – Tip’N Chip Great Pyrenees

· Terrier: MaripiWooldridge – Mebane, NC – Terrydale Airedale Terriers

· Toy: David Fitzpatrick – East Berlin, PA – Pequest Pekingese

· Non-Sporting: Jean & Robert Hetherington – Oxford, NC, Hetherbull Bulldogs

· Herding: Michelle Edling – The Dalles, OR – Sky Acres Belgian Tervuren

For more information on all of the AKC Breeder of the Year Group honorees visit http://www.akc.org.

SADIE, A SCOTTISH TERRIER FROM MACKINAC ISLAND, MICH.WINS BEST IN SHOWAT NINTH ANNUAL AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

New Champions Emerge from Field of Nearly 4,000 Canine Competitors

Long Beach, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2009) – Earning a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship was CH ROUNDTOWN MERCEDES OF MARYSCOT a Scottish Terrier known as “Sadie” owned by AmeliaMusser ofMackinac Island, Mich.

Sadie was named the nation’s top dog by Best in Show judge Dr. Robert J. Moore after a weekend of intense canine competition in Long Beach, Calif. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship – recognized as one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world – joined a range of canine sporting events all under one roof, including the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC National Obedience Invitational.

These highly anticipated events featured nearly 5,000 dogs vying for the title of “top dog” and more than $225,000. This year, in celebration of AKC’s 125th anniversary, the show adopted an open format, allowing all exhibitors to enter and compete for championship points. In addition, 133 breed clubs also hosted specialties and supported entries in honor of this milestone. “We are proud to have Sadie and her owners join the elite family of Best in Show AKC/Eukanuba National Championship winners,” said Ron Menaker, AKC Chairman.

“The competition was especially intense this year, a fitting culmination to our organization’s 125th anniversary celebration. I am also pleased to honor our new EukanubaWorld Challenge Champion and our Best Bred-By Exhibitor in Show winner along with all of our participants and winners in conformation, agility and obedience. We thank them for their support of this show and AKC, and their enthusiasm for the sport of dogs.”

TheAKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be simulcast onAnimal Planet and the Discovery Channel on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 at 8 p.m. (EST). “We’re pleased to award Sadie with The Eukanuba Celebration of Champions trophy, which features a likeness of allAKC/Eukanuba National Champions, plus a check for $50,000 and a year’s supply of Eukanuba dog food,” said Dan Rajczak, Senior Vice President, Global P&G Pet Care and Snacks.

“The 2009 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship was the most hotly contested national championship yet, and we thank the nearly 5,000 competitors for a spectacular weekend.”

Best in Show Finalists and GroupWinners After winning Best of Breed competitions during the day, the following top dogs went on to win in their respective groups and compete for Best in Show: Sporting: CH SHADAGEE CAUGHT RED HANDED, an Irish Setter known as “Emily” owned by Debra Burke, Tim Burke & Ellen Bieler of Montague, Mass.

Hound: CH GRANDCRU CLOS ERASMUS, a Greyhound known as “Era” owned by Rindi Gaudet & Melanie Steele ofWaxhaw, N.C.

Working: CH DUBA-DAE’S WHO’S YOUR DADDY a Boxer known as “Bosco” owned by Charles Vose, Wendy Bettis & Lynn Jansson of Riverside, Calif.

Toy: CH SMASH JP MOON WALK a Toy Poodle known as “Walker” owned by Ron Scott & Debbie Burke of Dillsberg, Penn.

Non-Sporting: CH DAWIN SPITFIRE a Standard Poodle known as “Jetta” owned by Linda Campbell of Toronto, Ontario CA.

Herding: CH SYLVAN ARGENT SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE a Rough Collie known as “Sax” owned by Dr. Cindi Bossart, Connie DuBois, Nancy Comparato, D. Greene, Leah Warner & Stacy Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Miscellaneous: TENANGO a Xoloitzcuintli owned by B Gimenez-Valdez & Fernandez Posada from Mexico.

Other top-dogs awarded during the two-day event included the following:

EukanubaWorld Challenge

This international event featured top dogs from 40 countries and six continents. Italy’s CH AXEL DEL MONTE ALAGO, a Bracco Italiano known as “Axel” owned by Bitte Ahrens & Salvo Tripoli was awarded a hefty purse of $10,000 along with the title of “World Challenge Champion.”

Junior Showmanship

In the Junior Showmanship competition, for handlers from between 9 to 18 years of age, Demery  Paladichuk and her English Springer Spaniel “Gleason” was awarded the coveted title of Best Junior Handler, along with a $2,000 scholarship.

Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show CH RUSH HILL’S RIVER ROAD PAYOFF, a Golden Retriever known as “Vegas” was awarded Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show, edging out more than 1,300 dogs representing 32 percent of the total competitors entered in the “Bred-By Exhibitor” competition. Ross’s owners Mark Struble, Tanya Struble & Kelsey Dunn of Lake Stevens, Wash. were awarded a $15,000 cash prize.

Agility and Obedience Competitions

The 2009 AKC National Obedience Invitational and the AKC Agility I n v i t a t i o n a l were held in c o n j u n c t i o n with the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. The two events demonstrated the highest level of training and teamwork between dog and handler and were the culmination of thousands of trials held throughout the year.

For the second year in a row, the AKC National Obedience Invitational Champion is a Labrador Retriever commonly known as “Tyler,” owned by Petra Ford ofWashington, N.J. Five agility dogs and their owners – one dog/handler team in each of the five height categories – were crowned at the AKC Agility Invitational, which brought together more than 450 dogs from across the country and beyond. Placing first in their height division (8″, 12″, 16″, 20″ and 24″ respectively) were:

· 8”- “Tobi” a PembrokeWelsh Corgi owned by Darlene Paul of Sykesville, M.D. · 12”- “Letti” a Cardigan Welsh Corgi owned by Michelle Permann of Torrence, Calif.

· 16”- “Luka” a Pyrenean Shepherd owned by Ashley Deacon of Redwood City, Calif.

· 20”- “Jace” a Border Collie owned by Lisa Carol Ross ofWoodinville,Wash.

· 24”- “Flare” a Doberman Pinscher owned by Yvonne Mancino of Pataskala, Ohio.

Download high resolution photos onAKC’sWeb site at http://www.akc.org/press_center/photo_gallery/high_rez_2009.cfm

American Kennel Club Honors Rogue Valley Kennel Club With A Community Achievement Award

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® announced recently that the Rogue Valley Kennel Club (RVKC) of Grants Pass, Oregon has been named a recipient of the AKC® Community Achievement Award for hosting an exceptional AKC Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO) Day event.

The RVKC received one of three awards for the fourth quarter of 2009– Lake Cumberland Kennel Club of Somerset, Kentucky and Western Carolina Dog Fanciers’Association of Dillsboro, North Carolina also received recognition.

The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs,AKC-recognized federations and their members.

The AKC selects award recipients who promote purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.

The Rogue Valley Kennel Club increased attendance and interest in their sixth annual AKC RDO Day by offering free obedience lessons for all local purebred and mixed breed dogs for three weeks preceding the event.

More than 70 dogs attended these classes, and on RDO Day, 40 dogs and handlers participated in AKC Canine Good Citizen testing. Other RVKC RDO Day activities included a “Meet the Breeds” that featured more than 40 breeds; rally, obedience and grooming demos; talks on canine first aid and health care for senior dogs by two local veterinarians; and a microchipping clinic.

The club also obtained both pre- and post-event media coverage. Members made two appearances on local radio stations and placed an article in the Daily Courier. The local NBC affiliate also attended RDO Day and ran a segment that night featuring coverage of the AKC CGC testing, Meet the Breeds, and information about the importance of responsible dog ownership.

“We thank the members of the Rogue Valley Kennel Club for being ambassadors of responsible dog ownership in their community,” said Sheila Goffe,AKC’s Director of Government Relations.

“The club works to make its event bigger and better each year, and we appreciate their efforts to reach as many people as possible with this important message.”

Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year round.

Up to three honorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts. To nominate a club, visit http://www.akc.org/public_education/community_achievement.cfm

American Kennel Club Honors The Lake Cumberland Kennel Club With A Community Achievement Award

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® announced recently that the Lake Cumberland Kennel Club (LCKC) of Somerset, Kentucky has been named a recipient of the AKC® Community Achievement Award for hosting an exceptionalAKC Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO) Day event. LCKC received one of three awards for the fourth quarter of 2009–Rogue Valley Kennel Club of Grants Pass, Oregon and Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association of Dillsboro, North Carolina also received recognition.

The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations and their members. The AKC selects award recipients who promote purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.

LCKC celebrated RDO Days in many ways throughout the month of September. They hosted a “Dog DayAfternoon” at the Pulaski County Public Library, which included the establishment of a RDO Day bookshelf at the library, public education about responsible pet care, a screening of the AKC DVD about responsible pet care and the movie Hotel for Dogs, and a donation collection for the Pulaski County Humane Society.

The club also ran obedience classes in September and asked all participants to sign the AKC Pet Promise. They conducted a microchip clinic mid-month, chipping 21 dogs and distributing RDO Day and AKC Companion Animal Recovery educational literature. Letters to the editor promoting responsible  ownership ran in the Lexington Herald Leader and Somerset’s Commonwealth Journal.

Other creative educational efforts included the creation of a bumper sticker (titled “Love Is Not Enough – be a responsible dog owner”) that was promoted with an article and photo in the Commonwealth Journal and a local art exhibit sponsored by the club – “Celebrating the Dog” – that honored canine companions.

“The Lake Cumberland Kennel Club has done a wonderful job promoting responsible dog ownership, their club and theAKC within their community, and we thank them for their efforts,” said Sheila Goffe,AKC’s Director of Government Relations. “This is one of the most unique Responsible Dog Ownership Day celebrations we have seen, with multiple events throughout the month. It was obviously very effective, as the club was able to reach many groups within their community.”

Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year round.

Up to three honorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts. To nominate a club, visit http://www.akc.org/public_education/community_achievement.cfm

American Kennel Club Honors Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association With A Community Achievement Award

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® announced recently that the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association (WCDFA) of Dillsboro, North Carolina has been named a recipient of the AKC® Community Achievement Award for hosting an exceptional AKC Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO) Day event. WCDFA received one of three awards for the fourth quarter of 2009–the Rogue Valley Kennel Club of Grants Pass, Oregon and Lake Cumberland Kennel Club of Somerset, Kentucky also received recognition.

The AKC Community Achievement Awards support and recognize outstanding public education and legislation efforts of AKC-affiliated clubs, AKC-recognized federations and their members. The AKC selects award recipients who promote purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership within their communities or who have successfully introduced, monitored and responded to legislative issues affecting dog ownership.

The Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association partnered with the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department to host a large-scale event in its community. The club’s myriad of activities included a parade of breeds; disc dog, agility, rally and canine freestyle demonstrations; police K-9 exhibitions by Jackson County Law Enforcement; a Q&A session with Search and Rescue handlers and dogs; AKC Canine Good Citizen testing; games for dogs; microchipping; and a dog and owner costume contest.

The WCDFA held their event in the Town of Sylva, which recently installed a series of new doggie clean-up stations.

To support that effort, club members hosted a raffle – attendees that signed the AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Pet Promise were given free dog waste bags as well as tickets for a chance to win raffle prizes at the end of the day.

The club also garnered local media coverage with pre-event articles in local newspapers The Smoky Mountain Times and The Sylva Herald & Ruralite. Local TV station WLOS-TV attended the event and aired segments on the 6pm and 11pm news.

“We are pleased that the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association took on the task of hosting such a large and multi-faceted event,” said Sheila Goffe, AKC’s Director of Government Relations. “With all the different activities, the club reached a wide audience and introduced community members to the wonderful world of dogs. We applaud their enthusiasm for education.”

Nominations for the AKC Community Achievement Awards are accepted year-round. Up to three  onorees are named each quarter. They receive a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation’s public education and canine legislation efforts. To nominate a club, visit http://www.akc.org/public_education/community_achievement.cfm

Summer

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Zoe

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C.J. Favre went from handling airplanes to handling dogs

C. J. Favre

By RIC ROUTLEDGE

CUMMING, GA. – It took action by a President of the United States to convince C.J. Favre to become a professional handler.

During his hitch in the Army Favre, a Mississippi native now residing in Georgia, served  as an air traffic controller in Vietnam.

After his discharge, he graduated from the Federal Aviation Agency’s training facility in Oklahoma City.

Favre and Lisa, his wife of 33 years, discovered dog shows in 1976 when she decided to take her German Shepherd to obedience school. A friend gave him an Irish Terrier, which he trained and took to an obedience trial.

“It’s a very humbling breed,” he said without explanation. They went from obedience trials, to Shepherd specialties to all-breed shows, and began breeding Shepherds, Kerry Blues and others under the Lisiji kennel name. They studied hard, listened to such  mentors as George Mederios of Bentancourt Kerry Blues and Edna Sullivan of Irishmen Kennels. And, he added, lots of trial and error.

Favre began handling for others, mostly as a favor, all the while working as

a controller and advancing up the ranks of PATCO (Professional Air Traffic

Controllers Organization).

“I was president of the local PATCO in Montgormery, Alabama for three years,” he said. “I was one of the guys who went around the country promoting the strike.”

Then in 1981, PATCO walked out and President Ronal Reagan fired all who

went on strike. “It was a big part of my life. I was a controller for 10 years,” Favre said.

At age 35 with a decade in a unique occupation not easily duplicated, Favre

decided to turn professional. “The strike was the best thing that happened to me,” he said recently. “It got me more involved in dogs, and this is a lot calmer life than being a controller and having to deal with bureaucrats.

“Thanks to Mr. Reagan. He’s my hero,” Favre said a bit sarcastically while grooming a rowdy Norfolk amidst all the barking and chaos of a four-day cluster.

When asked if he felt safe traveling via the airlines, Favre hesitated before answering.

“They system is probably as safe as it can be,” he said, “but I don’t fly that much. I don’t trust the system that much. When we went out on strike in 1981 the government did their typical program as far as not staggering their hiring, and the people they kept in there weren’t as qualified as the ones that left. And now all of those people are getting ready to retire so they (FAA) will have their own little self-made strike with a major turnover in personnel at one time.”

Favre said he has seen a lot of changes in the sport since turning pro nearly

30 years ago.

“You don’t find as many people doing wire coated dogs,” he said. “People don’t want to learn, just want to do shortcuts. There are no shortcuts in taking care of dogs or how to groom them. It’s all hands on.”

Handling is still a good career for those who recognize potential problems, he said. But a person should get an education first, he added. Young people contemplating a career in dogs first need to learn how to run a business, according to Favre, including billing and bill collecting, accounting, business law, and only then go to work for a handler to really learn how to care for and groom dogs.

“They just see the two minutes in the ring and just see the glory,” Favre said. “They have no idea of the overhead, and don’t understand the ramifications of the whole business.”

Judging is probably not Favre’s future, certainly not the immediate future. The financial requirements AKC has put on becoming a judge are “pretty staggering,” he said. “It’s pretty expensive just to get your foot in the door, and takes too long to get a group now.

“It takes years to get established as a judge even though you have spent years in dogs,” he said. “AKC loses a lot as far as knowledge doing it that way.” Favre said that while the sport has problems, “I still enjoy it or I wouldn’t do it. I like the camaraderie. I like the people out here.”

“I just like the job.”

By RIC ROUTLEDGE
CUMMING, GA. – It took
action by a President of the
United States to convince
C.J. Favre to become a professional
handler.
During his hitch in the
Army Favre, a Mississippi
native now residing in
Georgia, served as an air
traffic controller in Vietnam.
After his discharge, he
graduated from the Federal
Aviation Agency’s training
facility in Oklahoma City.
Favre and Lisa, his wife of

Goldfever

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