ANDREA MCARDLE who originated the role of ANNIE in the Broadway production of ANNIE. For her finale she sang TOMORROW alongside her was SANDY the Otterhound aka GCHB Aberdeen's Zoltar RN BN-V
Thu, 02/12/2026 - 4:42pm
The Gossip Column: February 13, 2026
By
Eugene Z. Zaphiris
The PURINA PRO PLAN SHOW DOGS OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER partnered with DOG NEWS was a huge success. The crowd was in a festive mood despite the snow and cold that gripped the city. The evening included the winners of the achievement awards with LINDA ROBEY Judge of the Year, KEITH BAILEY Breeder of the Year, ADAM KUCERA Owner Handler of the Year, REBECCA CROSS Professional Handler of the Year. The Cluster of the Year went to the KEYSTONE CLUSTER and National Specialty of the Year went to the GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG CLUB OF AMERICA. A very nice tribute to four-time Westminster best in show handler, PETER GREEN. He was presented with a gift from Westminster Kennel Club President DONALD STURZ, who left the Javits Center to travel crosstown to make the presentation. The evening awards ended with the induction of the ANNE ROGERS CLARK HALL OF FAME award to the very deserving NANCY SHAW. It was my pleasure to present NANCY with her award. and to welcome back former AKC president DENNIS SPRUNG who received a standing ovation. But before the awards, this year's entertainment was the very talented Tony award nominee ANDREA MCARDLE who originated the role of ANNIE in the Broadway production of ANNIE. For her finale she sang, what else, but TOMORROW. She wasn’t alone on the stage for her finale, standing alongside her was SANDY (the Otterhound aka GCHB Aberdeen's Zoltar RN BN-V Owners Lydia Hearst & Chris Hardwick) thanks to the help and generosity of the MCILWAINE FAMILY, JACK, ANDREA, JASON and HEATHER and it was a spectacular sight with 450 guests and one dog. And special thanks to JACK MCILWAINE for supplying lunch to the DOG NEWS booth at the dog show. Judge BRUCE SCHWARTZ had to cancel his judging assignment, owing to ill health. Fortunately nothing serious and he's fine. Professional Handler KLAYTON HARRIS missed the weekend, while loading his vehicle at home for the trip to New York, he fell on the ice and broke his ankle. He was missed and we hope up and about and back in the ring shortly. Two Westminster judges from England, IAN GABRIEL and GAVIN ROBERTSON traveled with friends and family that numbered ten. Also present were two officials from the ROYAL KENNEL CLUB, Chief Operating Officer JANNINE EDGAR and the multi-titled SUE SAMPSON. It was good to see an enthusiastic JOSE PAYRO promoting the point American & Mexican combined dog show in Mexico City, November 12 to 15th, 2026.
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Thu, 02/12/2026 - 4:42pm