WESTMINSTER ROUND THE CORNER
As has happened virtually every year since 1877 dogs from all over America and some from the rest of the world will once again head towards New York City for what many consider to be the world's most famous dog show, the Westminster Kennel Club. With this, its 136 Annual Show, Westminster extends its reign as America's second longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby. Figures indicate a total of 2,077 dogs entered plus 105 juniors. Entries were further reduced this year to 2,000 from the 2,500 usual entry limit due to renovation work being done at the Garden. This new limited number, it is said, will be in effect for at least another year. Other changes include Toys and Terriers being judged in the MSG Theatre on another level within the Garden with no spectators being allowed to mingle with exhibitors in the Benching areas on that level. Additionally this year there will be a 7pm release as opposed to the normal 8pm release. Ronnie Irving in this week's column goes back to the year 1912 when it was claimed an "even more traumatic disturbance to its regular venue than it is experiencing today" occurred. Indeed the club was forced to leave the Garden and go to a different venue in the altogether. A move that may eventually be forced upon Westminster, one would think, should the situation worsen at the Garden or the new renovations make the arena totally unusable for dogs. Meanwhile, with you we look forward to Westminster subject, to certain hardships we expect to endure and hope that the future brings an even more acceptable and usable venue for our dog show world.

REGULATING THE SALE OF PUPPIES ONLINE
The Internet has as we all know become much more than an information highway. It has become and continues to develop as a major source of sales for not only merchandise but for the sale of dogs which has sky-rocketed on so many of the so-called no-fee selling sites. Unfortunately all too many of these no-fee selling sites have no set policy nor guidelines for the sale of these dogs. All too many of which come from the unregulated commercial breeder. Many of these sites claim that its pet sections are NOT intended to facilitate uncontrolled breeding, irresponsible aspects of commercial dog trading or the trade of dogs or any other animal for the purpose of fighting or stud service. Whatever the intentions—good or bad— enforcing them are totally unregulated and basically ignored. Who is there to determine whether or not the seller is responsible? Who establishes the policy to protect the dog in these situations whether or not it is a commercial or homebred sale? Similar problems arise in the rescue and rehoming of dogs where the extent of these practices have created a commercial aura unthought-of of five years ago. Indeed there are some people who believe that the shelter/rehoming people will replace the pet shop as these institutions turn to the possible breeding of strays in order to fill its depleting supply of dogs to sell to keep these shelters opened. The word regulation rankles certain people but let's face it unless and until local, state and federal authorities move into these situations and pass enforceable and do-able laws the dogs which are our main concern will continue to come out on the short end of the stick.

THE AGILITY PHENOMENON
Agility has topped the one million plateau entryways in 2011 becoming the first AKC sport other than conformation to achieve this level. That's quite a milestone as Agility exhibitors and clubs represent the growth of our sport in today's society. It was interesting to note that in the "public" Board Minutes recently released Board member Amen suggested that consideration be given to permit Agility Clubs to finally become AKC Member Clubs. Under Bylaws—here we go again—Agility Clubs are excluded from becoming Member Clubs! Yet another example of archaic and out-of-date Bylaws.These pages have been asking for years for this to be changed or even discussed. Finally it has hit home and perhaps just perhaps Mr. Amen will succeed in at least having this thorny problem discussed. And for everyone's sake let's not make a secret out of this discussion too. Let's be more open with the constituents, a worthy goal for Delegates and Board members alike.

TWO SETS OF BOOKS!!!!
Really now, were you aware two sets of Board Minutes are published after each Board Meeting? One for the general public, which is incomplete and general, and one for the Delegates, which is complete I am told, referred to as the VERBATIM BOARD MINUTES on the Delegate Portal line! What kind of nonsense is that to censor the public transcript and give the Delegates an itemized one? Done in the interest of security and to protect the wrong information from falling into the wrong hands is the excuse used. Have you ever! When all that accomplished is for the disgruntled Delegate, which has occurred (see this week's AND MORE Column) to post the email sent to him or her anywhere they darn well please. The idea for the policy may be worthwhile but implementing it in this day and age is impossible to do! So why not just let everyone know what is really going on is our advice to those so involved.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
The "Good Things We Do Campaign" implemented by Board and Staff last year is a cleverly designed effective tool outlying the beneficial services accomplished by AKC. It gives people good reason to register their dogs with that organization. Whoever designed it and wrote it up deserves an extra pat on the back, that's for sure. The problem has been however in its implementation. How many of you are aware of this campaign and how many of you have seen it publicized out of AKC functions? The number is all too few and as a result it has under-achieved in its performance. However there is still time to recoup and go out and spread this word consistently nationwide. If that means invading one of those sacrosanct Reserve Funds these pages are all for doing it before there is nothing left to save at all.