I can't say that we went to judge the CAP's annual Match Show in Bogota, Colombia, without some concern. First of all the stories of possible violence that our national press writes about that country are always in the back of one's mind. Let me tell you that the six days we were in Bogota were as enlightening and sophisticated as any time spent anywhere in the world. Not only were the people genuinely charming, the City, particularly the north part of it is as much European as it is Latin. The boutique hotel we stayed at, the Porton, was reminiscent of the Lancaster in Paris. An incredible jewel of a hotel—perhaps not as pretentious as the one in Paris  but certainly every bit as lovely. I understand some American judges in the past have expressed concern because the army and/or the police carried guns in the streets. Well, really, after 9/11 isn't that a bit naive? As for our hosts and hostesses, they treated us royally. Perhaps they should be writing for certain dog magazines telling us how to put on a show and how to treat both exhibitors and judges! We saw no signs of any violence which may not be the case in the mountains, but that is another story altogether.
The show itself is held on the Polo Grounds of the Country Club Bogota. The city, with a population of close to nine million, has grown so fast that, indeed, the Country Club, which had been founded in what was just a few years ago "the country", is now virtually within the city limits.  I know Abbey Shaw has asked me not to mention Santa Barbara in any of my columns (I guess she didn't like what I wrote in the past), but all I can tell you is that this show and this club reminded me of Santa Barbara circa Tom and Ann Stevenson and even Mr. Heckert as well. The manicured lawns, the incredible rings, the ambiance and the care and concern for exhibitors and judges alike is unbelievable. The prime shaker and mover, of course, is Yolanda Vargas, who reminds me of a combination  of our own beloved Ramona Van Court Jones and Ann Stevenson herself. She is tough, precise and devoted both to the purebred dog and to running a class operation. I would strongly suggest AKC hire her to head a conference of show chair people (along with Leena Harjapaa of Finland and our own Dr. Deubler) about how dog shows should be run today!
As for the dogs, both Gene and I were pleasantly surprised at the high quality at this Match Show, which totaled about 150 dogs each day. Not surprisingly, in many instances we came up with different winners in breeds, groups and Best in Show. The Basset I awarded best to on Saturday was American bred and a lovely if not overdone exhibit for the States. Perhaps that's how he ended up in Bogota. He had a lovely head and shoulder, beautiful front with no signs of knuckling over whatsoever.  His feet were not the greatest—but tell me what Basset has great feet? He had a topline and movement unfaultable that night. Gene awarded him the group the next day, but I must say the dog did not show as well for him as it did for me. Gene's best was a lovely Dobe dog that I, too, gave the Group to the night before, but again the Dobe looked far better for Gene than it did for me the night before.
 I awarded best puppy to a beautiful compact black and silver miniature, which I also gave the breed to over a number of specials. Gene, too, gave the schnauzer the puppy terrier group but awarded a Clumber best pup, which I, too, awarded the puppy sporting group. In Sporting and Toys we virtually disagreed in every breed—I take it back, in Toys we were in basic agreement except in IGs. Overall we were impressed not only with the condition of the dogs and the manner in which they were presented, but also by the good sportsmanship of each and every exhibitor and/or professional handler. Certainly from a deportment standpoint, many of our professionals could learn a thing or two from them, that's for sure!
 As for the dispute between the clubs in Bogota, I'm not too sure why we should have been dragged into the matter at all. Certainly the people from CAP—the club that invited us—were ladies and gentlemen at all times. Unfortunately, the day before we were to leave we received a strange fax from the President of ACCC, which, of course, we could not and would not honor at such a late time. Truth be known, with all the facts on the table I'm not sure that the implied, if not stated, request not to judge there would not have been turned down altogether anyways. Really, who in the world is FCI to tell anyone where or even how to judge? I mean, really, FCI permits its judges to judge in Las Vegas at non AKC shows but expects other people not to judge at clubs they don't recognize? What kind of nonsense is that?
Overall, the Bogota experience was one of the highlights of our dog show travel careers. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the people we met there, how kind they were to us and how lovely this city and community can be. If you get the chance, go to Bogota for sure and enjoy the warm, gracious hospitality of the Bogotans particularly and the Colombians generally as well as all of the people associated with the CAP. •
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