The Gossip Column: December 12, 2025
So here we are, the last dog show weekend of the year. It all comes down this weekend as the large entries for the week can change or cement the ranking for owners and their dogs in a year-long contest. The “Too Close To Call” is a real assessment in several of the top group winners. But come Sunday and the final point counts are tallied the seven top group winners will be feted at the PURINA PRO PLAN SHOW DOGS OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER partnered with DOG NEWS on Saturday, January 31st at GOTHAM HALL in Manhattan, while a little further west the 12th annual Westminster Masters Agility Championship competitions will be held at the JAVITS CENTER. Don’t forget while you are in New York during the WESTMINSTER WEEKEND to visit the DOG MUSEUM. Last year former American Kennel Club president DENNIS SPRUNG arranged for the Museum to be open so those wishing could get a chance to visit this fabulous collection of dog art. As you look around the show this weekend and notice the miraculous weight loss of your once chubby friends, for most its thanks to the diabetes and weight loss GLP-1 drugs sold under the brand names of Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy. Now this most popular weight regime has turned its attention to your over weight cats. It is reported that 60% of cats dogs are obese and many suffer from diabetes. One San Francisco company, OKAVA PHARMACEUTICALS has started a study to inject small implants that will slowly release the medicine over a month’s time instead of weekly injections that is presently used by humans. As a longtime breeder and exhibitor of a vulnerable breed I read with great interest that the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, also a vulnerable breed, celebrated its 150th anniversary with the ROYAL KENNEL CLUB of England. It is the second oldest breed club in the world yet less than 100 puppies of the breed are born annually in England. Dannie breeders, like my breed Skye Terriers, and other breeds in danger are supported by breeders who are determined to keep these breeds alive and relevent. All of us were saddened to hear of the passing of DICK CALDWELL. DICK and his wife PATTI were the proud owners of the English Toy Spaniel COOPER, the 2022 Top Winning Toy Dog and Purina Show Dog Award Toy Group Winner. DOG NEWS sends our deepest sympathies to PATTI and the rest of her family and friends. Celebrating year-end Birthdays …TOM BRADLEY, MARY DUKES, ANDY LINTON, TERRY HUNDT, HANS KABEL, DAVID HARPER, CHARLENE MASCUCH, HELEN INGHER, MIKE BOWSER, NANCY SELF, LINDA GEORGE, CARLOS PUIG, HEIDI COLE, BOB FUTH, COLE GABEL, JOHN REEVE NEWSON, ROBERT CHAFFIN, ADRIAN GHIONE and KENNETH LEVISON. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support for DOG NEWS and wish that the New Year be a healthy, happy and winning 2026 for all. Safe Travels.