Going to Springfield, Massachusetts, for dog shows has, through the years, become a fact of life for anyone on the show circuit scene in the Northeast, for sure. Through the years, and as the novelty of going there has worn off, I believe I am correct in saying that close to, if not more than, 25 clubs hold their shows there during a calendar year. I don't think I've been up there for three years now, but as usual, they are very functional and basic-type shows that appeal more to the ardent show goer than to the spectator. Entries are always large—Saturday's South Windsor show had 3,000 dogs. They are run most efficiently, with good-sized rings in two buildings that are neither awe-inspiring nor really bad. Conditions are more than tolerable, with apparently good clean-up for all. That the lighting has never been great nor the bathrooms updated is unfortunate. One would have thought that by now Eastern States could modernize the interior somewhat to accommodate our show goers. Particularly with the comparatively new parking lot charge, which for years had been gratis. Those monies, if kept by “ES,” could go towards sprucing up the place. Surely in their favor, as opposed to the Fitchburg scene of a week or two prior ago, no charge is had for reserved grooming space. I understand over 500 petitions were signed in protest to this new andunacceptable practice there. How AKC permits this is beyond me. It's yet another example of its selectivity in getting involved in some issues and not in others. Best for the night was, in Springfield, the English Springer shown by Kellie Fitzgerald. You know, it's always nice to come home and see our great American dogs, particularly after these so-called World Dog Shows. You just have to admire and be pleased to see what we do and how well we judge compared to these shows. Certainly this was my feeling in Springfield.
Some other meandering. First of all, the shocking and untimely death of Mike Larizza at the age of 46 threw us all for a loop. Mike had not been too active of late on the show scene. He was a well-liked competitor who exhibited his charges in magnificent condition. My sympathy to his family and close friends.
I understand Mr. Chashoudian received a slap on the wrist, with a minor suspension and fine for his writings of late, which, in my opinion, were well deserved. I further understand Jim McTernan has been named the show chair of Montgomery and that Richard Seelbach will take over Jim's prior role of being in charge of the grounds. Jim will have big shoes to fill with Dr. Deubler's retirement, but having known Jim and his capabilities for as long as I have, I am confident he will be able to do a top-notch job. I'll tell you one thing, though, I would not want to be in Jim's position, particularly in light of the legend rightfully created by “Doc” in her day at Montgomery. Good luck to you, Jim, that's a given.
I don't know whether there is a right and/or a wrong in the NAIA controversy caused by the recent Grace Moran article in DOG NEWS. First of all, we know that no one takes kindly to criticism of any sort, particularly in the dog world. Grace is obviously, based on her article, to the left of left in the animal rights philosophic mode.I'm not—I give much more leeway to the practical side rather than the ethereal. NAIA has always been an anathema to me but not necessarily a negative one. I see room to ask them questions, but to so roundlycondemn them is too much for me. I think they perform more positively than not. On a somewhat related topic, I truly wonder whether Board Members of AKC should continue to hold Board seats on organizations such as CHF, Take the Lead, the Dog Museum, CAR, or even NAIA and stay on AKC’s Board, too.I know one can always recuse oneself when there are direct conflicts on any vote or issue, but still there is some kind of stigma attached to these more than dual roles and situations.
One final thought is that I wish you all well at the Invitational, and if you don't take home as much money as Sandy did at the last one, oh well, there's always next year, isn't there! •