If there is one constant in the history of man, it is his relationship with his beloved canines.
Going back to the earliest recorded history, the relationship between dogs and humans has been prominently featured in the arts; many centuries ago, paintings and carvings in cave dwellings often featured canines.
For centuries, our dogs have served not only as companions but also as stable and reliable work partners. They share a history of helping us with hunting, guarding, and protecting not only us but our possessions, property, livestock, and a multitude of other things as well. They have served us in both wartime and peacetime, and they can be seen everywhere helping the police, our service members, airport security, and numerous other agencies.
I do not believe there is another living species, including the human race, that is more dedicated and reliable than the unconditional partnership with our dogs.
Dogs are universally loved and cherished throughout the world and have served people from the poorest backgrounds to the thrones of the most recognized leaders in the world’s history.
Not only can dogs be seen serving people in many different situations, they also possess the unique ability to relate to almost every type of person alive. Consider guide dogs for the blind, various assistance dogs, and dogs that can sense impending health concerns and warn their owners. No doubt, they are one of the greatest gifts God has given to man.
Many people will recall that “special friendship” with one or more of the canine companions that have helped them through difficult times in their lives. It may have been the childhood companion that was the only comfort for a child dealing with a tough home life. It could be the one friend who was always there to listen to you, even though he couldn’t talk back but could cuddle and comfort you when you needed just to be listened to.
Those of us involved in the sport of purebred dogs know all too well that each of our different breeds has a unique skill set.
The exceptional abilities that the dog provides to man point me to the opening line of this essay. If the late, great children’s book author Dr. Suess were to write a book about our sport, he might title it: The Sporting World of Purebred Dogs, The Places It Will Take You and the People You Will Meet on the Journey.
There is sufficient background history to demonstrate that our sport is universal. In almost every corner of the world, there are like-minded people who adore their dogs, enjoy competition, and strive to breed the best dogs they can.
While horse racing is known as “The Sport of Kings,” it is the sport of purebred dogs that is the sport of all humanity, both the rich and the poor. It is also one of the most inclusive and diverse groups dedicated to one sport in the world. It is the only one I know of that is so inclusive of people of all ages and backgrounds, including professionals and amateurs competing together.
Have you ever just looked around at the people in our sport? If you did, you would find the titans of industry, scientists, archeologist, stars from TV and film, athletes of all types, philanthropists, doctors, lawyers, everyday factory workers, those with backgrounds in technology, also our youthful elementary and high school students, teachers, and just about every profession in the world.
Don’t forget we have that coat of many colors when it comes to religious, social, political, and sexual orientation. Our diversity is unparalleled in the world.
Like the world we live in, we have the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to the people in our sport.
But the unifier, I hope, is our love of Man’s Best Friend and the joy he brings to us all.
There are some people in our sport who, unfortunately, seem only interested in satisfying their egos, while on the other hand, we have many who are dedicated to preserving and improving not only their breeds but also the sport we all love.
If you are a person who enjoys any competition, purebred dogs have something for you.
There’s the basic and, in my opinion, most essential part of the sport, Conformation, which by its very name points out the purpose of not only maintaining our breeds but also improving them through the hard work and dedication of great breeders. We also offer Field Trials for those who enjoy the various hunting, scenting, and herding competitions that showcase each breed’s unique abilities in these areas. There are also a variety of Performance events. We truly have something for everyone, including people of all ages.
Now, if you are one of the great participants in our world of competition, you will also have access to the many other side benefits our sport has to offer.
The world of competition in our sport is, as I mentioned earlier, global. When competing, we all have the chance to visit other cities, states, and in many cases, other countries throughout the world. Each stop allows us to see and explore different areas, not only in our country but wherever we go.
There are many amazing things to see in this world, and if you can take advantage of them, even for just an afternoon, you will be amazed by the many special sights and sounds you will be exposed to.
Many people only travel to and from shows, trials, or other forms of competition, never taking the time to explore the fantastic world around them.
As a child, I loved to read and often wondered about the many places featured in the books. To me, it was just a dream to imagine that I would ever see or experience any of those places. However, thanks to this crazy sport of dogs, I have had amazing opportunities to visit most of the United States and numerous countries across five different continents. Thinking back to that young boy growing up in a blue-collar Polish neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio, it is hard to believe I have been able to see some of the most amazing places in the world. It is also equally impressive, considering the many people I have met from every walk of life and the friendships I have formed.
All of this happened because I purchased an Old English Sheepdog in my youth. Fortunately, someone introduced me to the sport, and many other people who loved their dogs helped me get started on my journey and mentored me in this wonderful world of dogs.
During one of my judging opportunities with the late Jim Reynolds, we had the pleasure of judging in the city of Odesa, Ukraine. It was a great trip and an enjoyable opportunity to not only judge many good dogs but also meet with a gentleman who had worked at the Red Star Kennels and shared insights about the development of the Black Russian Terrier breed. He also provided us with an insider’s view into how dog shows in the “Old Soviet Union” were conducted and how they differ today. We visited the city and saw the palaces and numerous other sights in this historical city. It has been difficult to watch on television the devastating destruction of this city and its historic structures because of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The one thing I have found in my travels is that when it comes to dogs, we all share one common goal: To continue promoting and preserving our dedication to the sport and man’s best friend.
Carol and I recently had the privilege to judge for the Alaska Herding Group Club as well as the Alaska Sporting Dog Association in Chugiak, Alaska. It was our first trip to the 49th State, and it was a fantastic trip.
The history of Alaska dates back to the Upper Paleolithic period (approximately 14,000 BC) when groups crossed what was then the Bering Land Bridge. There is a lot of history available on the state, but the short version is that the United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867. A few years later, in the 1890s, the Yukon Territory brought thousands of miners and settlers to Alaska for the “Gold Rushes.”
In 1912, Alaska was granted territorial status by the United States. In 1942, during World War II, two of the Aleutian Islands had been occupied by the Japanese, and recovering the islands became a matter of pride for the United States. Military bases were constructed in the territory, and Alaska was eventually granted statehood in January 1959.
There are only 16 all-breed shows per year in Alaska, but they do have many Group and Specialty shows. However, as you can imagine, the shows are relatively small in scale. Though the shows are small, they are competitive, with many wonderful dogs. Kathy Howse and Amy Rosling served as Show Chairs for their respective clubs and did a great job in putting on a quality event. The shows were held outdoors, and although Mother Nature was not as kind as she could have been, the weather was tolerable. The dogs and exhibitors were terrific, as was the great hospitality from the clubs.
Aside from the show itself, the highlight of our trip was our plane excursion into Denali National Park and the journey around Mt. McKinley (also known as Denali). What an amazing and majestic trip it was. We drove to Talkeetna, a small, artsy, and eclectic town about 100 miles south of Denali, where we boarded a small, vintage 1965 plane with 10 others for the trip to the mountain. We were fortunate to go on what our guide told us was one of the best days they had experienced in months. Although cold, it was a bright and sunny day, and we were warned to wear sunglasses, as the reflections and brightness could harm our eyes if they were exposed for too long. To say it was majestic is an understatement. If anyone doubts the incredible work of God, this trip will erase any doubt.
For over 2-1/2 hours we explored the beauty and unique tapestry of the mountains from all sides, and even landed on one of the over 400 glaciers to walk on, experiencing this incredible world wonder. From the plane, we could see a group of climbers on their journey to reach the summit. We were told that, on average, it takes three weeks to make the journey, and there are still many accidents and rescues that take place each year. Another interesting fact about the climbers is that they are required to return all their waste and trash, including human waste, in special containers when coming back down after reaching their goal.
For such a large state, the population is relatively small, so traffic was essentially nonexistent. However, we did see numerous troopers monitoring the speed of motorists on the roads.
One thing you can be sure to see is native moose. They can be seen wandering throughout the state on the streets, in people’s backyards, and basically wherever they want to go.
We tried our luck at fishing for King Salmon, although we were about 10 days to two weeks too early for the season. We spent a very cold six hours on the river. Unfortunately, we did not catch anything, but we enjoyed the beauty of nature and the wildlife, including numerous bald eagles and other birds, during the day.
Although the solstice had not yet arrived, it was strange to see daylight at 4:00 AM and still be light outside between 11:30 and midnight. I have to admit that it would have been cool to be out on the golf course that late and not be worried about darkness.
Alaska was just another incredible opportunity provided to me by our wonderful sport, and I hope to make it back someday to see more of this extraordinary state.
Canton, Ohio, is the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is considered the birthplace of professional football. The city is also home to the McKinley Kennel Club and its Hall of Fame City Classic dog shows.
Back when I began showing dogs in the 1970s, the McKinley shows were held downtown at the Civic Center in January, with the second show being held later in the summer. I remember when the late Nial and Marie Koonts were the Show Chairs, and those January shows could be a real challenge to attend in those Ohio winters of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Today, the shows are held at the Stark County Fairgrounds, less than three miles from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Show Chairman Myra Roth and her committee and club members adopted the football theme in accordance with the city’s fame for its rich history in the sport. Exhibitors and judges were encouraged to celebrate their favorite teams by wearing the jerseys of their favorite franchise or university. I loved the theme, as it brought a festive change and provided a relaxed and colorful atmosphere for everyone.
Even AKC (American Kennel Club) Field Representative Sandy D’Andrea was spotted carrying an “Officials Yellow Flag” just in case there needed to be a “flag on the play.”
What I enjoyed most about the two-day show was the relaxed atmosphere, the throwback to the old days when many shows were held at local fairgrounds, and the large number of owner-handlers exhibiting at the shows. The Samoyeds and Siberian Huskies held Breed Specialties along with the cluster. They also had a large football-and-dog-themed raffle, and I was stunned when I won a “Tailgate Gift Pack.” They also had a raffle for Amazon, and gas gift cards for those who participated by wearing team jerseys. My Ohio State National Championship jersey brought me luck as I also won the gas gift card.
If you live near Canton, Ohio, be sure to put this club on your calendar for next year. It was a nice change from the four-day circuits to a great two-day event with local appeal and a great turnout of families and owner-handlers. Hats off to Myra and her crew for a great event.
Just remember, there is so much you can gain from participation in our sport. All you have to do is make the effort. There are great places to visit and great people to meet and get to know. Don’t just “show and go.” Stop and enjoy all that the world has to offer.
