It's hard to believe that the very vital Arthur Haggerty passed away earlier this month. I knew Art for many years. He was a valued member of the Walkill KC when I was show chairman there. While we hardly worked in tandem, as those were the days of his great successes in becoming arguably the number one dog trainer in the U.S., if not the world, his input was always valued. Through the years, we remained in touch, while his Hollywood cameos were reminders of times passed, to me anyways. He became a frequent contributor to DOG NEWS, and his articles were well written and most pointed and interesting. He will be missed by many. A service is to be held on August 5 in New York City.
Last weekend, I returned to the Riverhead show “out East,” as we Long Islanders like to say. I must note that there were major improvements at the venue, which was a tribute to all involved. It was extremely hot there, as it was basically throughout the entire country. I'm not too sure that shows should be held when thetemperature climbs to the 90s or 100s. This was not the case here, but I understand it was impossible in both Minnesota and Illinois, where the temperatures, certainly at the latter show, went over 100 degrees.
We went out to the show with one of the AKC interns from the NYC office. She is the delightful Adrianne Hill, who hails from California and who is so involved with Newfoundlands. She is pictured with Dennis and Susan Sprung on the first page of this article. I first met her when she showed under me in the first “Assistant Handler Competition” held in Santa Barbara. She was a talent then and has developed intoa full-time handler and an above reproachable dog persontoday. One thing, though, I don't understand is why those “Assistant Handler Competitions” have not caught onthroughout the country. They are fun and educational to boot.
I see that the Beauceron is to compete in the Herding Group once it is fully recognized in the States. That's a weird one, to my mind. With the Irish Red and White Setter about to enter Miscellaneous, one must wonder what Group other than Sporting this breed will be placed in! Really, now, let's forget these arbitrary Group assignments and establish a committee to realign all the Groups. Again! This was done in the past, but I have a feeling this Board is strong enough to overcome the objections to the fight that ensued over past recommendations.
I would strongly suggest to those of you who follow the Board's comings and goings to always look at the Addendum to AKC Board Minutes, which are published along with the Minutes. It really helps shed light on the direction in which they are headed. That way, one is rarely blindsided by any action they may be considering. •