First, let me say that in my enthusiasm to report about the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Show, I referred to the Saturday show as being on Monday and the Sunday show as being on Tuesday. Thanks to all of you who called this lapse to my attention. I was able to correct this on our Web site. Thanks again. I don't know whether this error was a sign of creeping Alzheimer's ora reflection of my desire that the show itself be held mid-week, so as not to be held in competition with other AKC-licensed shows.
Let's hope that as we enter the new year, one resolution to be followed is that signed contracts with judges will not be unilaterally broken due to differences in philosophies, which have nothing to do with an ability to judge the breed in question. The prime example, of course, last year was a Golden Retriever Specialty club that broke a contract signed with Ron Menaker because of his stand on Petland. Who was responsible for implementing this terrible and illegal decision has turned into somewhat of a cause célèbre. The letter to Mr. Menaker, a copy of which I have in my possession, specifically indicates input from the Delegate to The National Golden Retriever Club in breaking the contract. I wrote about what I considered to be this negative input, which he answered on the Delegate e-line. That answer basically denied any involvement. He was incorrect, insofar as I'm concerned. After being advised of what he had written on the restricted e-line, I wrote and received permission from an owner of that e-line, Steve Gladstone, to answer his assertion. I quoted the specific language of the Secretary who wrote the letter, indicating his involvement. I now hear that not only was he involved in this decision, but a prominent, now former inactive employee and occasional exhibitor, took part in pushing this through, too. I don't question anyone's right to have differing opinions with anyone or their right to express them openly, too! What I question is the abrogation of a legally-signed document not over a judge's ability to judge a breed, but due to an outside philosophical disagreement. This just has no place in our sport whatsoever!
I am told Dennis Sprung gave a very good presentation to the Delegate Body about informing them relative to the mixed-breed considerations going on before the Board. Whether the Delegates received the idea positively or not is secondary to the fact that I am told the Delegates seemed to appreciate being informed in advance of what was under discussion. I don't think everything Board and Staff are considering should necessarily be handled in this fashion, but when one is dealing with potentially contentious subjects, that's the way to go, for sure. Perhaps had Petland been handled in a similar manner, the whole uproar could have been averted or at least diffused. One thing you must admire—these people learned from that Petland mistake, for sure.
What is the role FCI should play in the U.S.A.? I admire their merchandising of their organization. Other than that, do they have any place in America? I think not. It is a clever and effective organization, particularly for the smaller foreign kennel clubs throughout the world. What, in fact, FCI does for the dog world on any level seems questionable. Sure, they control the running of some shows, and major ones at that. But what, in terms of money or morale or support, do they offer dogs anywhere? What is being done by them in DNA; puppy mill situations in Eastern Europe; dog health-related causes; BSL, ad nauseum? That's one of the reasons much of the Canadian contretemps confuses me. The Canadian Kennel Club allegedly didn't answer some letters of inquiry over a period of time from FCI. (As an aside, Iknow for a fact FCI, in its dealings with other non-member clubs, reacts similarly). So what does FCI do? They decide not to permit Canadian judges to judge its shows, and perhaps not even to register Canadian dogs for competition at their shows. This may, by now, have all been straightened out, but my immediate reaction was to ask what does CKC owe FCI anyways? Just because they want, are theyentitled? Maybe yes, maybe no. But, of course, what about the Canadian judges who would miss FCI assignments and be unable to reciprocate for FCI judges to have assignments in Canada? That’s the major brouhaha, I think. And that's what it all boils down to. I know CKC has had its problems through the years, but they are still independent and are thatnation's kennel club. They should act without fear of sanctions from FCI. And if there are any, so what?
Well, this ends a long year for me. It's not been the healthiest year of my life, but with 2007coming, I look forward for you all to have a happy and healthy New Year, and to seeing you all again soon and frequently. Happy Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a healthy and safe New Year. •