T wo disparate books written by prominent and visible conformation personalities have recentlybeen or are about to be published. Scheduled for a September send-off is the hardcover, four-color children's book written by our own Karen LeFrak. Titled Jake The Philharmonic Dog, endorsements by no lesser individuals than Itzhak Perlman, Beverly Sills and Lorin Maazel grace the back cover. Whilst the symphonic community had advance notice of the book, receiving raves from one and all, it is about time for the dogcommunity to join in as well. This is the first in a planned series that features delightful illustrations by Marcin Baranski, as well as a glossary of musical terms. But thereal kudos must go to Mrs. LeFrak, who conceived and conceptualized this charming story inspired by a real live terrier that had become the canine mascot at Avery Fisher Hall. Karen was able to combine in this book two of her personal passions—bringing culture and musical appreciation to young people and her avid love of dogs. Published by Walker Books for Young Readers at 175 5th Avenue in New York City, the price is $16.95. Mrs. LeFrak's proceeds from this debut book will be donated to the New York Philharmonic, on whose Board she serves. I understand a book about the ballet is next in line. I urge you to introduce any child of your acquaintance to this novel but universally appealing tale.
The Recipe Collection by Bob Berndt is but another example of the multi-hobbied and multi-talentedaccomplishment of the former Board Chair of AKC. This is not the standard “how to” cookbook but rather a collection of recipes. What is of great value, in addition to a myriad of diverse and oft times unusual and mouth-watering recipes, is a guide to a common table of measurements. As any cook knows, following recipe measurements can oft times be bewildering. In addition, the equipment to use, which allow matching the dishes to the size of the recipes, are recorded. There are also valuable baking and roasting charts, as well as a listing of common herbs and spices, with recommendations on which foods they best enhance. This collection is a 50-year tribute to a love of food by Bob. For anyone interested in cooking or who throws parties, you should add it to your cooking library post haste. Published in June2006 by Friends and Family Cookbooks (www.friendsandfamilycookbooks.com).
In last week's issue, John Mandeville wrote about the “Chuck-A-Duck” brainchild of Patty and Danny Jenner, which raised good money for Take The Lead. He sent us pictures of the goings-on, which are reprinted with this report. It looks as though everyone had a lot of fun at the new venue, John included. And we all know it takes a lot to impress Mr. Mandeville! I can't helpbut question, though, what Penn Ridge was doing there in the first place and how in the world Philadelphia was given approval to hold its show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania! That should strain anyone's credulity, notwithstanding John's seemingly benign acceptance of the situation.
One last thought for this week. It seems thatduring theAugust heatwave, a handlerin the Midwest, traveling to and from a dog show, had an air conditioner generator break down. As a result, nine dogs were alleged to have died. Now, then, when I wrote AKC should move in on heat-related show instances, I was not referring to this kind of happening. I was referring to “on-site”occurrences, not off-site accidents. But those of you who wrote me, blaming AKC for not taking action in this case were, I believe, totally offbase. On the other hand, David Merriam's response to both the Editorial and my comments about the need for a regulatory role for AKC in these matters verged on the frivolous. I was disappointed in my good friend's reaction in this matter, as was I in his failure to vote on any matter related to the recent changes in the judges' approval processes. Oh, well. So it goes. •