John Mandeville sent back pictures of Del Valle that I have used to accompany this “AND MORE” article. One of the pictures showed AKC packaging for food treats. It is pictured here, next to this paragraph. This is part and parcel of the AKC licensing agreement that was announced last year, initiated by Dennis Sprung. I believe this was before he was named president and part of his duties was to develop such a program.  Additionally, I understand these treats will be sold throughout the country, labeled as “AKC training treats.” Not only should this provide AKC with a good source of additional revenues, but it will have the further effect of giving AKC name recognition. That, in fact, could help increase registration, too. Amongst other licensing areas I know are the AKC plush dogs featured in the FAO Schwartz catalogue. The Oreck vacuum cleaner program was a financial success for AKC, too, but that, of course, was not part of a licensing program. There are also the AKC Christmas cards, which are being done through the Holiday Card Center, and this too has in the past proven worthwhile. Furthermore, the pet insurance program seems to be in positive ground as well and is expanding nationally too. All this bodes well, one would think, for AKC and its causes and core constituency as well.
As to that AKC packaged food picture, I was surprised that John did not comment about this in his Del Valle article. However, he did mention AKC's methods in attempting to get more revenue as number six in his "AN AKC TOP 10" article of October 8. Personally, I would have rated the licensing programs and other  similar endeavors much higher and never would I have rated the Field Staff as number one! I called John and told him of my feelings about the Field Staff. My problem is not with the Field Staff itself—most of them are top-notch people and many are good if not dear friends. My problem is with their job functions and the manner in which they are carried out. As far as I know, there is no definitive job function outline available. I have asked for one in the past and been ignored. There is no reason I guess for me to be singled out and be told what one should expect of field staff at shows, but overall wouldn't it be a good idea for someone to pencil in what is minimally expected. I mean are they nothing more than computer nerds sending results back to shows or do they have the right and power to enforce AKC rules or even be consulted about what is going on? At some shows I see them opening boxes of catalogs and at others acting as TV time runners. Should they be evaluating judges? And on what basis? And how effective is their input? Do they really take stands on how people perform or do they merely read the paperwork to make sure the procedure is followed? When one sees something that one knows should not be going on and you tell them, do they merely report back to N.C. or should they approach the offending person? Ad nauseum…these are just some of my problems  with the field staff. And that's not their fault, but those who administer the duties. They are the problem as far as I am concerned.
Certainly the old argument that a Monday show will not draw was demolished last weekend in California. Look at the Monday Del Valle, which had over 2,500 actual entries! Of course, Sunday had over 3,300 and the Specialties on Saturday are a big draw, but it does go to show that with hard work, decent panels and a base from which to operate, Monday can be as appealing as any other day of the week. Perhaps Tuxedo should take that to heart with Westchester and give it a new try if for nothing else but as convenience to the exhibitor. This could have the added incentive of increasing Westchester's entries, which could carry over to Tuxedo as well.
I would be remiss not to mention that I was heartened to read that Peter Mann is once again associated with the Trust at The Kennel Club in the U.K. I always thought and wrote, I may add, that I thought that both he and his wife Joyce were victimized by politics in the U.K. To its credit, those who headed TKC fought the good fight for Peter but eventually gave into his wishes. Too bad, too, but a nice recovery for Mr. Mann, I think, with this latest action. Peter is knowledgeable, trustworthy and overall a great asset for The Kennel Club and all of its activities. •
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