Eastern had been one of my favorite shows for decades. When it was joined with Ladies and Middlesex (I think another club may have been in on the original four days other than Middlesex) I remember how many members of Ladies so opposed the linkage. My dear friend Darby Chambers was one of those so
vehemently against Ladies combining with Eastern. You realize, of course, the long history of feuding between Eastern (in the old days it was terribly macho and exclusive) and Ladies, led by the rebellious wives of most of these same gentlemen. Well as the years have progressed, the marriage between Ladies and Eastern has become most favorable, and I think that today even Darby—who was realistic if not forgiving—would approve of how these four days work so well together today.
True, the floor is impossible on the feet and you feel beat up after one day much less four, but the tradition and excitement of the shows, even though no longer downtown, continue on. One would hope that no other set of shows is thinking of competing on this weekend, although rumors to that effect are flying fast. Spectator attendance is said to have broken all prior records. Best in Show the last night was the California bloodhound, which I think is number one hound. Saturday the Truesdale's boxer, shown by the newly wedded Kim, was Best in Show. On Friday Coco—yes, she is back after her three puppies and looking the part—took top honors. 
The first night the Lange-Vergeneti-Wood-Ardono GSD bitch fast on the track to her 100th all-breed won Best. I think she now has 95! Oh, yes, Coco was not shown Saturday or Sunday due to Mr. Beale's wife being a co-owner and John being the newly appointed Show chair of Eastern. I love John, notwithstanding his being a rabid Red Sox fan. And I mean rabid as in the disease. Along with Chris Nance’s attitude, I further re-intensified my devotion to the Yankees as a result of the "kindness" shown by the two of them to me about the recent results of the World Series. Not that I would not have treated them the same way had the tables been turned, which unfortunately they were not.
The Take the Lead party was one of the best ever held on Friday night, with excellent food, competitive bidding for objects, great donations and a grand feeling of camaraderie.
While David Merriam is not expected to announce his decision whether or not to run until after the Board meeting of the l5th of this month, I will be surprised if he does not decide affirmatively. His need on this Board should be more apparent than ever. It would not surprise me to see all four sitting Board members re-elected, but with David's entrance and Garvin's
popularity, there are truly only two seats to contest. I certainly am a believer that Steve Gladstone should be re-elected as well. I realize he's been somewhat of an irritant to certain people, but his questioning mind is most important for the Board—it helps keep them on their toes. I understand that Carl Ashby and David Meisels have submitted petitions as well. With other people as possibilities, should David decide to run, with the current cast of characters established, I have made up my mind who I will be rooting for as the fourth person—but until the final announcement, I won't say who it is. Perhaps I'll never say who since it would probably hurt him more than help him—oops, that's more than I had intended to say but that sexual reference does limit things a bit, I guess.
I hope you all have a great holiday and a healthy and peaceful New Year. My special thoughts go to Brandon Wooldridge in Ward 57 of Walter Reed Hospital. Iraq and all our servicemen are on our minds heavily as we celebrate the
holidays. But because Brandon is so close to us all, he is receiving just that extra bit of thought, love and prayers. To you all, a happy and healthy one, and we will return on January 7, 2005 as DOG NEWS enters its twenty-first year of weekly publication. •
