When you become involved in the sport of purebred dogs, you will eventually become part of a huge new FAMILY. That’s right, a “Family.”
A Diverse Family
The dog world is made up of possibly the most diverse group of people you will ever find. We have all ages, all races, social and economic diversity, religious diversity, and sexual orientation diversity, as well as a variety of political and other views on the world in which we live.
Yet, even with such a wide range of people, we are a family. When you become part of this family, the people in our sport will go out of their way to assist you and be with you when you are in need—regardless of your differences.
Organizations like Take the Lead have been there on many occasions to help people in our family in times of medical and other pressing needs when life throws them an unexpected “curve ball.”
We indeed have our black sheep of the family, our weird uncles and crazy aunts, as well as any number of crazy relatives, but we all have a love for our four-legged friends and a mutual desire to see everyone succeed in our sport.
Just like all families, we have weddings, births, and life’s milestones that we share, clubs that we join, and so many things that we do together in our crazy little world.
Family We Miss
We also share in the great losses of life of our many members. It seems like over the past couple of years we have experienced a rise in the number of people we have lost. Recently, long-time breeders, exhibitors, and well-respected judges, Pat Laurens and Pat Hastings, crossed the rainbow bridge to the great dog show in the heavens, and both will be missed as they leave behind a legacy to our sport.
More recently, however, we lost a precious member of our family who was in the prime of her life. The recent loss of Jamie Donelson has shaken our family like no other that I can remember. Jamie, taken from us at the tender age of 39, was truly one of those special people who probably did not have an enemy in the world. A beautiful young woman, a super-talented professional, and just a truly warm and loving person, Jamie was always living life to the fullest. She could brighten your day and bring a smile to your face just by being there. A humble winner and a gracious loser in the ring, Jamie was the epitome of a consummate professional.
In my 50 years in this sport, I have never seen such an outpouring of love from the entire dog community on her loss. It is truly a testament to the wonderful person she was. She will be a bright light at the dog show in the heavens and she’s left behind a legacy that our younger family members should try to emulate. Jamie will be missed, but I am sure she will not be forgotten.
Orlando & the YEAR’S END
Well, it’s that time of year again when the focus moves to Orlando for the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin and, of course, the Orlando Cluster that takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before the main event. The Cluster Liaison is Linda Rowell, and the other two Show Chairs are Glenda Stephensen for the Space Coast Kennel Club of Palm Bay and Leslie Kovacs for the Brevard Kennel Club. Of course, Linda represents the Central Florida Kennel Club. This cluster, along with the AKC Royal Canin show, has in recent years been the determining factor in the final tally of which dogs will end up Number One All-Breed, along with the top rankings for many Group and Breed winners.
These three ladies work so hard with Michael Canalizo and the AKC show to put on the fantastic week of shows that many of us look forward to attending. The facility provides us with huge rings and plenty of grooming space in a very clean and well-lit building. When it comes to facilities, this one is, for sure, right at the top.
There are very few shows in the country that draw the level of competition that the Orlando shows provide. If you have never attended these shows, you are missing out on a great experience. Seminars for judges, numerous specialties, great vendors, majors in most breeds, wonderful hospitality, and a “who’s who” in the dog world will all be on hand.
If you attend, please be sure to say “Thank You” to the Show Chairs and all the volunteers who work all year to provide this great cluster that brings an end to the show season.
A New Year & New Goals
As 2022 comes to an end, many are already plotting their goals for 2023. The new year will kick off quickly and it will be interesting to see which dogs retire after AKC/Royal Canin, since Westminster will not be held until May of 2023. When “The Garden” was traditionally held on the second week of February, many of the top dogs ended their careers at that prestigious show while many new and up-and-comers got off to a great start with a nice win at The Garden. It has been an unfortunate result of the pandemic and other outside issues that have forced Westminster to once again change dates and locations for the most recognized dog show in the world.
The great leaders of the Westminster Kennel Club have always worked hard to protect and preserve the history and traditions that have made it the second longest-running sporting event in the United States. We can only hope that a permanent date and location for this great event will be achieved sooner than later.
Prayers Needed
Multiple Group Judge and Cardigan Welsh Corgi Breeder David Anthony is scheduled to enter UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, on December 7th to receive a stem cell transplant due to bone marrow cancer “myelofibrosis.”
He will spend one full-month in the hospital followed by two months of regular monitoring in a facility nearby. Please keep David and his family in your prayers. You can mail cards and encouragement to Dave at UPMC Shadyside Hospital, 5230 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 16232.
As this year comes to an end and another begins, my hope for everyone is that we live every day of our lives as if it were our last and that we learn to appreciate all the good things we have. We all need to learn to be kind to one another and follow the example that Jamie Donelson gave to all of us in her very short life.
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