Goodbye, Girlfriend
Published remembrances of dog-show folk are becoming all too common these days, when it seems some of our longest-shining lights are dimming with an alarming frequency.
Sadly, there is a new name to add to that luminescent list: Anne Katona of Lincoln, Nebraska.
With her husband Jack, Anne started breeding her beloved Kerry Blue Terriers after they moved to California in the mid-1960s with their young daughter Audra. Before she judged her last dog show this November, Anne adjudicated five full groups, plus additional breeds in the remaining two.
Those brief biographical details, however, don’t even begin to scratch the surface of Anne’s contribution to the dog world she so loved. Today, when an analysis of the sport is invariably reduced to lamentation over cut-throat competitiveness and callous self-absorption, Anne was its antithesis, its antidote. Her ultimate legacy is without a doubt the tens of thousands of instances of grace and generosity that left an outsized impression on those with whom they were shared.
Betty-Anne Stenmark collected and organized the following recollections of Anne. More than any words of condolence, no matter how heartfelt, those personal memories and anecdotes eloquently convey just how deeply she will be missed. And for those who did not have the privilege of knowing her, they convey, in the caress of a nervous puppy’s head or dunk of a teabag in a steaming cup of water, just how great a loss the sport of purebred dogs has suffered with her passing.
A Celebration of Life will be held during the first week of August in Lincoln, Nebraska; details are pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation and Take the Lead.
Charlotte Patterson — I remember judging with her years ago, and she had brought small boxes of candy for her stewards. She was so kind and the stewards so surprised. Anne told me she always thought stewards needed to know how much they contributed to the success of the day.
Scott Sommers — We stayed at Matt and Gene's house and had a few days off, so we shopped around Oyster Bay. We went to a pizza place, and she ordered a pizza with no cheese. Every time I would see her, it made me laugh.
Nancy Lonas — I stewarded for Anne one weekend, and she decided I was hers for the weekend and wouldn't let me go to anyone else. She was a treasure.
Ann Roth — I first met Anne when she was an AKC rep and I was a newbie judge. She was such a great teacher! I still remember to this day her suggestions on how to better run a ring, how to sort large entries, and how to best use your time observing movement and natural stance. Her method of supporting and coaching judges was most effective and had a positive influence on those she mentored. In later years, when she retired and joined the judging ranks, it was always a pleasure to be on a panel with her and share her great dog knowledge ... again, always positive and educational. She will be missed!
Loran Morgan — Finding out today about Anne Katona passing away was heart wrenching. She was such a kind and beautiful lady! When she learned of my mom’s passing, she planted a tree in memory of her! I’ll never forget that act of kindness and support. Rest in peace, Anne. You will be missed!
Sherrill C. Snyder — Great dog woman and lots of fun, knowledgeable and fair. Will miss her more, and every time I see a Reese’s Pieces I will always smile.
Thomas Nesbitt — We are totally devastated to learn of Anne's passing. David and I had plans of visiting them in their new home later this year. So sad she is gone, but very thankful for some amazing memories.
Bonnie Linnell Clark — I always wanted to be like her! I didn’t have a chance. She frequently brought me gifts when we were on panels together. Dog-bone-shaped paper clips. The first time we were together after I lost Kisses, she brought me a Chihuahua statue, a really cute one. Thank you for honoring Anne. You are like her in so many wonderful ways!
Betsy Dale — I met Anne about 30 years ago, and we enjoyed sharing dinner when I was in her area on business. I was fairly new at judging, and she was always generous with tips and ideas. Anne had the best sense of humor and a kind heart. An unbeatable combination! What a great impact she has had on our dog fancy; she set a wonderful example for us to follow. BLESSED BE.
David Kirkland — Anne never met a stranger and lit up every room she entered. Her love of our sport and positive spirit were immeasurable. For these reasons and many more, she will always be a very special memory to me.
Cindy Vogels — I think the first time I met Anne, she had just started judging and did a big Southern California Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier specialty at Great Western. Her BOB was a young dog of ours. Later, we became friends when I was breeding Kerry Blue Terriers and used a dog of hers. David and I had the pleasure of hosting Jack and Anne at the farm. As so many have said, Anne was warm, affable and a good friend. Her tree-planting memorials and tea-bag Xmas greetings were famous. Let’s all have a cup of tea and donate a tree to Anne.
Delores Burkholder — Anne and I met at shows in Utah, where she was judging and I was a field rep. We instantly became friends. We laughed a lot that weekend. Later we worked together when she was a field rep. And then we both were judging and stayed together whenever possible.
I can’t begin to say how much her friendship meant to me. She was my Terrier mentor. We had shown several Terrier breeds as handlers. Then we decided to go to the AKC show in Orlando to see and learn more about Terriers. That was another wonderful trip.
I went to their home in California. We did the wine-country train and toured and shopped and had great meals. We were both Starbucks fans.
I never got to meet Jack or her daughter and granddaughter. But we talked about our families every time we were together. And then the addition of the Maine Coon cat that Jack had always wanted and now is the family pet.
When she was in the hospital with blood clots in her legs, I was so worried about her, but just as true as Anne could be she said that’s nothing compared to what I was going through with cancer treatment.
I wish I had talked to her more in the last couple of months to try to encourage her as she did with me in these last few months.
Anne will never be far from my mind. She was one of my very best dog friends and a wonderful human being.
Joe and Murrel Purkhiser — No more cruises, no more stay-overs, no more dinners, no more phone calls, but the memories are everlasting.
Bye, Sis … we’ll meet again soon.
Patricia V. Trotter — Anne Katona could light up a room just by walking in the door.
A woman who genuinely loved people as much as she loved the dogs, Anne always had a positive, upbeat and encouraging attitude. Her attitude was inspiring and infectious.
Her dog career started in Kerry Blue Terriers when she and her husband Jack were young. They were the consummate breeder/owner/handlers. Jack was their mainstay as a trimmer, and they were quite a successful team in California, and campaigned a well-regarded Best In Show winner.
When Jack started traveling overseas more on business, Anne applied her deep knowledge of dogs to judging. She quickly became a well-respected judge, approved to evaluate five full groups and a good chunk of two more in her portfolio. Later, she became an AKC field representative before returning to judging.
As a rep, Anne was “user-friendly” to everyone involved in the sport, from exhibitors to judges. Exhibitors were welcomed and encouraged in her ring; she was always ready with a kind word for a nervous handler and a soft touch for a new dog.
Prospective judges always enjoyed their interviews with her because of her kind, professional demeanor. She had a way of putting them at ease while giving them confidence about what they were doing in the ring.
She was an active member for many years in the Santa Clara Valley Kennel Club. People loved her. She was everyone’s friend, and everyone was her friend.
To put it simply, everyone loved Anne Katona.
I will always treasure the days I spent with Anne and Jack this May at their new home in Nebraska, and then at the Chow Chow National where I judged, and Anne lovingly critiqued me from ringside.
I will always remember her warmth, her kindness and her many contributions to the wonderful world of dogs and their people.
She was a dear friend to us all and will be sorely missed.
Anne judging the 2005 Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America National Specialty.
Greg A. Anderson — Everybody who knew Anne just adored her! I’ve known her for many years; she guided me in so many ways, as a rep, a judge, mostly a friend. She would call regularly to make sure I was OK through all the problems I was having and dealing with my mother. Then when mom passed, she was the first person who called! We talked for hours, such a conversation. She also really loved good food! Especially baking, she was a true supporter of my cookies. Ordered them regularly for friends and family. We swapped recipes and helped each other bake better. Anne was such a kind person and so helpful. When my dad passed in December, she was the first to call. She planted two trees in memory of my folks. I just adored her. Thank you, Anne! I’m off to plant a tree! Much love, respect and fondness.
Doug Johnson — I had the privilege of a long friendship with Anne, and news of her passing certainly caught me off guard. I send my condolences to Jack, her daughter and her family.
I got to know Anne as an exhibitor. She was kind and generous with me, as she was with all her entrants.
Many years ago, Anne was judging the Sussex Spaniel national in Columbus, Indiana. It was a lovely day with a large entry. Our ring was flanked by cornfields and train tracks on a humble fairground in the small county. She was a delight as she always was, but particularly so with the folks of this lesser-known breed. As the breed was assembling for Best of Breed judging, the weather began to turn. She said she should have consulted Jack (her husband) on this! There was a loud siren noise in the distance, and she turned to her steward to inquire. Tornado siren, not a test! With that she took off running to a shelter as a massive tornado headed our way, her flock following! While sheltering she remained calm, cool and collected. She made her entrants feel safe and comfortable in this new and awkward situation. When the weather cleared, she regrouped and went directly back to work.
For me, this is a metaphor for how Anne saw her role within the AKC system. Whether she was working as an AKC rep or judging, her ring was always a safe place for anyone. She insisted on creating a welcoming environment for everyone. She even brought gifts for her stewards!
We judged together recently very close to her new home. I was so grateful to have spent that weekend with her, her retirement looming. Knowing our paths wouldn’t cross with the same regularity, this time was treasured.
Anne taught me, as she did so many, that the art of judging dogs was also a performance. She wanted everyone to enjoy themselves, to feel seen and respected. She approached with positivity and fairness, treating everyone equally and adjudicating breeds individually and specifically.
Anne had a flair for graciousness and kindness we rarely see in the sport. We are all the better for having shared time with her. I will miss her and memories of her will serve as a reminder to all of us to be more like her in every way.
Janet Allen — For many years the AKC reps at the Harvest Moon Classic/Del Valle Dog Club have claimed their favorite breakfast treat, and it is enjoyed year after year even though they have retired. Anne (and Allen Odom's) favorite is a yummy raw apple sheet cake with cream-cheese frosting. Just like Anne, this is a delightful, homey, unpretentious cake, full of flavor and satisfying …
Anne covered all these bases — a friendly, communicative, non-judgmental and knowledgeable soul who, with her cup of tea, reached out to all to make our sport better. Always a kind word, suggestions well delivered. She loved the dogs, she respected the exhibitors. Losing Anne is a great loss to all of us; in her honor we should emulate the values she espoused.
Northern California Terrier Association, from Pat Mullin, NCTA President — Anne was a founding member of NCTA, formed back in 1980. Anne was a valued member first known as an active breeder/exhibitor of BIS-winning Kerrys under the Tyrella prefix, and later a well-respected and beloved AKC judge. NCTA's 2024 show will be dedicated in Anne's memory.
Virginia (Ginny) Lyne — One of the kindest, most gentle and considerate people I shared time with in the sport, Anne and I first met back in the ’80s when she saw me waiting in a hotel lobby in California for a ride to the show I was to judge. Since they never showed up, I was quickly whisked off by Anne to my assignment. As an AKC rep she was the best — fair, clear and with a wonderful sense of humor for awkward situations. I remember cooking dinner in her Pleasanton home and teaching her how to make Babbotee. When I stayed with her in Reno we did the rounds of her favorite clothing stores and joined her weekly coffee girls meeting. The most generous hostess, Anne always gave of her heart to all. Every Christmas I received a card with a tea bag so we could share a cup of friendship tea. I will miss her so much. My deepest sympathy to Jack; they were a very special couple who clearly adored each other.
Amy Rutherford – A few years ago I won my first BIS under Anne. This was huge for me for so many reasons. I first met her when I was 16 and had admired her from that time on. I was clearly thrilled that day: It was a puppy I bred, it was her very first dog show, and she did the unimaginable. But what stands out to me is how Anne matched my enthusiasm that day. She loved the dog, but she was just so happy with how happy I was. It was genuine. That's who she was. We relived the moment several times over the years, and it makes me smile. A breeder at heart, an upbeat cheerleader to so many, a person I sadly just took for granted would always be there. All my best to her family and friends.
Amanda Pettinato – My deepest condolences go to Anne Katona's family. Anne was an amazing person, inside and out. She would always have the biggest smile on her face. She had so much patience with new handlers and puppies in the ring. I always remembered her telling me, “Just let him be a puppy and we'll get through the examination together.” I loved watching her judge Juniors, as she just took each person with a smile and warmth. I never felt intimidated in her ring. I felt welcomed, supported and felt like I could go to her for information on how to improve. Anne was always so excited to hear the new things going on in my life, who I was working for, where I was living and if I was happy. Anne will be truly missed! Rest in peace, Anne.
Charlene Smutny — Anne Katona was my absolute favorite judge. My favorite memory of her was telling me, “Take your time and don't worry about the wiggling puppies.” My Poodles adored her, and I knew they would be safe with her when they were unsure.
Wilma Johnson — Anne and I met, as I am sure most of you did, at dog shows. It wasn’t until both our families moved to Reno that we became close friends. Over the years of our friendship, we regularly traveled to neighboring states and took wonderful trips to the Montgomery County Terrier show. Anne would judge, and I would watch or ring-steward for her. Before meeting Anne, I had no idea a little green Prius could go 80 mph uphill! Between the two of us we always got to our destination with a few stops along the way to go antiquing or discount-mall shopping, Anne all the while talking dogs and dog people. She knew some of the most interesting people from all over the world. I always felt Anne should have been a teacher. There is nothing she liked more than helping people new to the sport. She went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome in her ring, wiggles accepted!
There are lots of lucky people who have received a greeting card with a tea bag enclosed or a little box of handmade chocolates. It was just Anne’s way of letting you know she cared. If you lost a loved one, Anne most likely had a tree planted or made a donation in their name.
It is painful losing Anne, but it is because the gift of knowing her was so great. Rest easy, Anne, you will always be my friend!
Bill McFadden — So many memories of Anne, who I fondly called Mrs. Katona even though we have been friends for 40 years. Anne walked up my driveway early in my career with a gorgeous Kerry bitch on a lead. I was totally miffed; I thought she was taunting me. No, she thought I should try showing a Kerry. That began a friendship and mentorship that has lasted, I think, 43 years. She and Jack taught me how to groom, condition and handle a Kerry. “Shandy” was my first winner that could hold her own in any competition. I don’t know what direction my career would have taken without her and the Katonas.
I don’t believe our sport could have a better ambassador! I know Taffe and I are not the only ones to have the gentle steering, cheering support and encouragement that she freely gave. As annoying as her “wiggles are allowed” routine seemed when you were showing all day long to her, it is now a really special memory included with her lollipop moniker for every dog shown to her.
I think in her honor we should all strive to be more patient with newcomers and spectators, and always see the glass as half full! I’ll miss you, Mrs. Katona.
Anne with Bill McFadden at the first Morris & Essex revival show.
Judy Vanderlip — I’ll miss my friend and mentor of over 40 years. Her happy eyes and infectious smile for all.
I’ll miss her positive attitude and influence and willingness to help both new and old in our sport.
I’ll miss our never-ending search for that “perfect” cinnamon roll, those comforting packets of tea that would show up just when needed.
I’ll miss our impromptu road trips for your fill-in assignments and counting how many U-turns it took us to get there. Would this trip set a new record?
Anne’s family, friends and our sport have lost a shining light and positive spirit.
I’ll just miss you. Rest well.
Kitty Burke — A few hours ago I was in Walmart picking up a few things when a friend of mine called to tell me that Anne Katona had died, and I couldn't believe it. So I stood there holding onto my shopping cart and cried like the sap that I am, while people nicely avoided me. My friend and I cried together and reminisced about what a fabulous lady she was, how we couldn't believe she was gone and how much she would be missed. Anne was a wonderful woman who loved the dog-show world and all its people and dogs. She made everyone who entered her ring feel comfortable if they were a novice and special if she knew you. She was loved by so many of us and will be missed by all. The last time I saw her and she said she was retiring, I made her get out of her chair so I could hug her and told her I'd miss her, and she said don't worry, we'll see each other again. I sure hope she was right. If I'd known that would be the last time I'd see her I would have hugged her longer and told her how much she meant to me. Don't wait to tell the people you love just how much you love them. Rest in peace, Anne, till we meet again.
Catherine Carey — “Well, hello there, Lollipop”… This was an iconic greeting most of us exhibiting our puppies to Anne experienced when we put them up on the table. Soft hands glided over the dogs, making it a pleasant experience for the nudgy puppy or nervous handler as she used her years of knowledge to evaluate the specimens we all brought to her ring. Anne judged what was at the end of the lead, not who was holding it. She had the experience and confidence to do her own thing. Win or lose, you felt that you, at that moment, were the most important person and dog in the ring. Always with a smile and ease she would say, “Take them around, allow plenty of space between yourselves. Wags and wiggles are allowed!”
I have known Anne for decades in the show ring and later decades as a dear, kind, loving, caring friend. When I was going through my breast-cancer fight, Anne was there cheering me on, sending thoughtful cards, messages, flowers and those always enjoyable bags of tea she used to sneak in the envelopes! She was a ray of sunshine in my time of darkness. She was instrumental in my receiving some aid from the wonderful Take The Lead organization.
We kept in touch outside of dog shows, hearing about her travels with her beloved Jack. Hearing how proud she was of her daughter Audra and son-in-law Scott out in California, and Ava her granddaughter in her adventures and success in college in Vermont. Family and friends meant everything to Anne, and if you were fortunate enough to be called “girlfriend,” you felt the love from afar.
During Covid, I sewed handmade Covid masks for Anne and Jack to keep them safe. (Hers with Kerry Blue Terrier fabric, of course, and Jack with Pittsburgh Steelers fabric!)
Last year when I was faced with the stresses of having to find a new safe place to live, losing house after house to higher bidders, Anne kept saying to me, “Put it out to the Universe. The right house is out there. It is just waiting for you.” Boy, was Anne right! I found the BEST house after 16 bids and moved last November. Anne was so happy for me and my Cockers that we finally had a dream come true. She and Jack had completed the build on their new house, and we were each moving into the new chapters of our lives. Anne was retiring from judging and looking forward to being home more, avoiding airports, connections, flight delays, hotel rooms, etc… but I knew she would miss seeing her “dog family.” Every exhibitor who had the privilege to show to Anne came away with a great experience and sense of mutual respect.
This past Christmas in my new home, I received a Christmas card from Anne. Enclosed was a hand-penned note along with a check. I sank into my chair as I read her note and cried like a baby … why was she doing this? I called Anne right away in tears, questioning her generosity, and she said to me: “I want you to get something for yourself that you would never treat yourself to.” After much thought I announced to Anne that I was using her incredible generosity to a commission an oil portrait of my top-winning Cocker Spaniel, my “heart dog” “Willie”(MBIS MBISS Am/Can Ch. Buttonwood’s Crown Royal, LOM-HT, RN, CGC). Anne knew “Willie” well over the years and approved.
When the oil painting arrived this spring from the amazing artist Christi Teliman, who had been displaced by the Russian invasion from her home in Kyiv, Ukraine, I took a photo of it hanging in my bedroom and sent it to Anne. She was absolutely in awe of it and thrilled, saying, “It is a real artist who can capture the essence and soul of a dog through their eyes!” Anne said this was exactly what she had hoped I would do … “Pay it forward.” Anne giving me this once-in-a-lifetime gift of a commissioned oil painting was also giving this extraordinary artist money to live on and survive in her war-torn country. This made Anne so happy! For me, it was a true lesson of love, respect, kindness and humanity. I will keep paying it forward, Anne!
Every morning when I wake up and set my eyes on the painting, I think of “Willie,” the artist Christi Teliman and most of all … Anne Katona, who I was so grateful to have known as my friend. Thank you, Anne, for decades of love and memories … till we meet again, “girlfriend,” on the other side, I raise my cup of tea to you!
Jack Katona, her loving, caring and supportive husband of 56 years — Anne had many interesting stories to tell me about her judging assignments over the years. One story in particular has always stuck with me.
She was judging a large entry of Cocker Spaniels. A lady brought her dog in, and after examination, Anne told her to take the dog down and back. When the lady started to go, she said, "Let's go, Bubba." Off they went, and Anne started to cry. The lady on returning saw Anne crying and said, "Was I that BAD?"
Anne, wiping her tears, explained to her with a smile that she did just fine, but this past week she had lost her own dog, and we called him "Bubba."
Anne didn't mind "wigglers" and "waggers" in her ring.
Karen Ericson — Cherished friend, mentor and inspiration. She so obviously enjoyed her judging, and the exhibitors loved her. Full of Southern charm, but make no mistake: She was a full-on Terrier when needed. She was always there for you to help in any way.
Her presence and mischievous sense of humor will be truly missed. Until we meet again ....
Bruce Schwartz — I am still having a difficult time processing the thought that I'll never hear Anne saying, "HEY, YOU" to me again. In life, there are those handful of people you can always count on to only want the best for you. Anne was one of those people to me. She always would say that I was the brother she never had, and I always looked up to the frank, honest and direct way she dealt with life. All exhibitors in her ring were equal. She would show the same respect and kindness to a novice exhibitor as she did to a top professional. As a breeder, judge or AKC field staff member, she had a great passion for the sport of purebred dogs and the importance of integrity. In Anne's ring, it was only her evaluation of the dog that came into play.
She was so proud to judge the group at Montgomery County in 2002. This was a show she really revered, as Terriers were her passion. Within the Terrier Group, her breed, Kerry Blues, always remained special to her, as well as her friends within the breed. She always was educating people about her breed and was a true "dog person," showing a real passion for our sport.
Anne was judging at Santa Ana a few days following my mom having a stroke. She came with me to visit my mom, and her entire demeanor was so uplifting to my mom. She just had a way of making people feel that no matter what the situation, everything was going to be OK.
I know Anne touched the hearts of many people in our sport. The best thing we can all do as we remember her is to strive to emulate her kindness and integrity.
Joan Luna Liebes — Anne was my local AKC representative. As a judging newbie, Anne was always kind and helpful with improvement suggestions. We had many conversations over the years as an AKC rep and when Anne returned to the judging world. Anne was my friend. I miss her already.
Eric Liebes — I first met Anne when we were on a panel together in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1998. I was a fairly new judge; she was much more experienced. I had gone to school in Laramie and knew the local restaurants and town history. We became fast friends and stayed friends through her later career at the AKC and back to judging. I'll remember and miss her always.
Betty-Anne Stenmark — There are so many wonderful stories that spoke about just who Anne Katona was. I will add just a few funnies that when I think of Anne I always remember.
Back in the early ’80s several times a week Anne and I would meet for a walk. Anne was a wonderful gossip, never nasty and always funny, and I'd hear all kinds of news, but most often she didn't get the names right and I'd have to guess who it was and eventually I hit on it; we got a lot of laughs out of that.
I was the one who encouraged Anne to apply to judge; she was first approved for her beloved Kerrys in 1986. Anne and I were often mistaken for each other. For a decade or so we looked alike, even my mum thought so. Once she allowed her hair to go gray, that was the end of that! Exhibitors would swear they'd shown to me when in fact they'd shown to Anne, and vice versa. She always said our mother didn't have much of an imagination: She was Anne, I was Betty-Anne. We called each other sis. Anne never knew a stranger, she was always outgoing, friendly and kind to all. Her favorite judging assignment was Best in Show at Montgomery County Kennel Club, which is pictured here.
Anne planned to retire from judging when she turned 80, but Covid got in the way of that. As much as she loved her dog-show family and seeing her friends, after 38 years of judging she was ready to retire. I only wish she'd gotten a few more years to enjoy that new home and retirement with Jack. I still have a few of her dog-bone-shaped paper clips here, another small gift she often brought her friends. I never see one without thinking of Anne. It will be an odd Christmas this year not receiving Anne's Christmas card with the Lipton tea bag tucked in it.