Meet Patricia A. Sosa – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Non-Sporting Group Judge

Meet Patricia Sosa – 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club Non-Sporting Group Judge

1. Can you describe your reaction to receiving an invitation to judge the Group at the 2025 Morris & Essex Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show?

Patricia Sosa: When I received a call from Wayne Ferguson, I was surprised, as I had been very fortunate to have judged this prestigious show four times prior. I had no idea a call was a personal invitation to judge a Group. Shock, joy, and pure excitement are the words that came to mind. Then the bigger issue was to keep a secret for a few years. It was exciting when the panel was released and to see my name.

2. What does it mean to judge a Group at the only all-breed show to take place once every five years?

Patricia Sosa: There are a few very special events, but with this one especially, since it is only held every five years, it’s such an honor.

3. In your opinion, how does this show differ from other AKC events?

Patricia Sosa: This show is so different than other AKC events due to this unique aspect: it pays homage to Mrs. Dodge’s tradition, which has been revised by Mr. Wayne Ferguson. Her love and dedication to the sport and the prestige it carried has been brought back to life, and that’s why it is so unique.

4. What were you thinking or feeling moments before you stepped into the center of the Group ring?

Patricia Sosa: On this day, every dog that entered the ring was as fresh as one could imagine. It was exciting, but as they entered the ring, everything settled and my work began.

5. Was there a heightened energy coming from the dog and handler teams? Did you feel any excitement from the spectators?

Patricia Sosa: Each and every dog and exhibitor was on the top of their game that evening. They were all there to win and it was plain to see by all. The crowds were deep and each dog was celebrated with cheers.

6. How challenging was this assignment? Can you share your selection process?

Patricia Sosa: The challenging aspect of the judging for me was that there were so many breeds that were exemplary and worthy of a ribbon. I looked at each breed individually to their specific Breed Standard. A judge’s job is to evaluate how close each exhibit comes to that Standard. I am judging what is breeding stock, so it is imperative to always remember that. For me, that was how my decisions were made.

7. Do you have a word or two about your Group winner?

Patricia Sosa: The first go-round sets the stage and then the examination and the down and back is next. My winner on the first go-round caught my eye with the essence of what his Breed Standard requires, with reach and drive that was equally in step with his down and back. When I stood back and took in his presence and construction, I was impressed. He was elegant with no element outshining the other. His conditioning was superb as was his exhibition. On the day, he was very close to his Breed Standard. The other placements were also so close to their Standards, as well as their conditioning and their presentations. It was so hard to only have four ribbons, as I could have handed out so many more. On any day it would be a judge’s delight to have any of the breeds walk into their ring.

8. A dog show of this magnitude is a monumental undertaking. Is there anything you’d like to say to the M&E Show Chair, and the club’s Officers and Committee Members?

Patricia Sosa: I have no words to express my admiration to the elements that are behind this show. If anyone is involved with a dog show, you understand the amount of work that is involved. This is not just another dog show… this is an event! I do not believe there has been a turnout quite like this in the past. As I walked the grounds all day, all I could see were people everywhere. The excitement was contagious, and all were happy and smiling. The coordination to have this go so smoothly is the work of many, many people. The list is too long to mention, but to each and every person who has dedicated five years to make this a success, my hat is off to you!

9. Are there specific ways in which this show furthers the cause of purebred dogs?

Patricia Sosa: The beauty of this show is that the spectators can come and enjoy not only the dogs and the history but also the reason to love and own a purebred dog. All one had to do was look at the smiles, laughter, hugs, and tears of the day to tug at one’s heart to want to be part of the experience.

10. Do you have any thoughts on the next iteration of Morris & Essex?

Patricia Sosa: I know that the work has already begun for the next Morris & Essex, and it will be as good as, if not better than, the 2025 Morris & Essex. My hat is off to everyone who makes this show such a huge success. I am thankful to have played a small part in such a monumental day.