It would appear that both AKC/CAR and Take The Lead's Katrina Fund drives have gone a long way in helping to establish the fact that those in the Fancy are concerned with more than their immediate purposes of breeding dogs and going to dog shows. True, Take the Lead's Fund is more limited than CAR's overall fund drive, but why shouldn't it be? Take the Lead is an organization founded to help people within the sport. One would expect them to be more limited in scope than, say, CAR, which performs services for every type of animal there is. One should expect and truly encourage these kinds of distinctions in fund drives and fund purposes. I understand that in Greeley, Colorado, both organizations were strongly supported financially by spectators and exhibitors alike. The silent auction held by the Otterhound Club donated a raised $5,000 to AKC/CAR, whilst over $1,700 was collected for Take the Lead. I missed any such monetary efforts at Westchester, but knowing those good folk, I am hopeful that I merely missed seeing overt efforts to collect monies but that some sort of donations were raised and/or made.
The Westchester show remains one of my all-time favorite dog events. The grounds at Tarrytown's Lyndhurst estate are truly grand. The historic grounds and incredible environs should be appreciated even more next year when two shows—one on Sunday, the other on Monday—will be held there. Who needs flowers in the group ring when you have Lyndhurst for a backdrop? I must admit, though, to have missed that little touch. Indeed, next year, motor homes will be accepted again, which should help increase the entry if a larger show is your desire. Personally, I like the quality of the show and its size as it stands now, but that's just me. Tuxedo will join Somerset at its fine location in New Jersey so those of us who have been complaining for years about the Friday to Saturday to Sunday drive across the Tappan Zee had better look for something new about which to grouse!
Winners for Best was the Colored Bull Terrier at Tuxedo, which when in condition as he was this weekend is simply a great terrier. Shown as usual by Kathy Kirk. The Boxer was Best at Somerset, shown by Kim Pastella, while the Irish Setter shown by Jeff Arch was Best at Westchester.
 At a recent show, during Best in Show, the Group and Breed judges were watching the proceedings when to everyone's astonishment one of the Group judges called on their cell phone the owner of a dog being shown as it was being examined by the BIS arbiter. This judge proceeded, in front of one and all, to describe the other dogs in the ring and what this person considered to be the faults of all the other dogs! The people on either side of the caller who were to adjudicate Best the next two days were shocked at best. The judge was admonished by one of their judging colleagues. The next night the person did the exact same thing. Let's face it, cell phone usage on show grounds are abused as it is. To permit this kind of usage is absolutely both inappropriate and downright wrong. Cell phones must be banned within rings, that's for sure. •
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