Richard Souza exhibiting at the 2019 Afghan Hound Club of America national specialty.
Tue, 05/25/2021 - 1:41pm

The Gossip Column, May 28, 2021

Richard Souza writes, and Texas gets new AKC field rep

In this sport of purebred dogs, we make many friends and acquaintances. Seeing these same people week after week and year after year, we feel like we know them. But the reality is, most times we know nothing about them. As is the case with the man from COASTWIND Afghan Hounds, RICHARD SOUZA. We all know RICHARD. While we live on opposite coasts, I have known RICHARD for many years. But not until he sent me the manuscript of his soon-to-be published memoir titled A CAGE FULL OF MONKEYS did I know in depth anything about his life. It’s an honest, heartwarming and heart-wrenching story of a boy growing up in a small town in Northern California's Sacramento Valley and coming to terms with his life and how he fits into society. His surroundings are unique, but his coming of age, and his relationship with family and friends, are a journey all of us can relate to. An interesting read about one the most successful breeders, exhibitors and judges in our country. RICHARD has a unique writing style, and his vivid descriptions pull you into his life as it unfolds. As the publication date nears, the book is available for preorder on AMAZON. Type in RICHARD SOUZA and it brings you right to the book. Having read his book and appreciating his writing style, I asked if he would consider writing a column for DOG NEWS and he graciously agreed. His first column, BEATING A DEAD HORSE, appears in this week’s issue of DOG NEWS. WELCOME ABOARD! ...

One down, as one of the three available AKC field representative positions has been filled. Texan JILL BELL has been hired to as the newest field representative who will stay remain in Texas. We wish her the best of luck in her position. ...

In celebration of the big televised agility competition, we received in the mail a presentation box with several gift items, all related to agility. Agility is a crowd favorite for the general public and brings lots of good will to our sport. This past Tuesday, May 25th, the AKC AGILITY PREMIER CUP aired on ESPN. The event, filmed at the May 15th competition, included more than 90 dogs and their owners. There was $10,000 in prize money divided among the winners. Canceled last year like most events, this year’s event took place on May 15th at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. ...

News from our friends at the MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION: All contributions made before June 30th to the MORRIS ANIMAL FOUNDATION will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000, thanks to the generosity of MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH. Such a great organization worthy of your support. ...

On a personal note, I received my second Covid vaccination. Having had Covid and now vaccinated, I strongly urge those of you who haven't gotten the vaccine to do so as soon as possible. I was luckier than most, having had an infusion, but it was still a very unpleasant and dangerous illness. At best it will spare you a hospital stay, or worse.

 

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