The Gossip Column, May 7, 2021

The AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB has announced the three recipients of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards are given to three individuals in three categories: performance, companion events and performance. In the area of conformation this year’s recipient is none other than our living legend PETER GREEN, who has been recognized from so far and wide, if medals were given to wear on your lapel, he’d look like a Russian general. His accomplishments are legend and suffice it to say he more than deserves this honor. I don’t personally know the other two individuals, but by their biographies they are certainly worthy of this award. In the area of companion events BETTY M. WINTHERS has been active in the sport for more than 60 years. She is a Breeder of Merit with her German Shepherd Dogs, a judge and a field representative for obedience, tracking and rally. In the area of performance, the award was given to JAMES BASHAM posthumously. He finished many dual champions, starting with two Irish Setters, and continued his success with his clients’ dogs in several different breeds, including Gordons, German Wirehaired Pointers, Weimaraners, German Shorthaired Pointers, Vizslas, Pointers and Brittanys. ...

The WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB has recruited the services of REEL HEALTH to oversee the health issues for their upcoming dog show. Their health protocol has been approved by New York State and the Westchester County Departments of Health. You must have proof of a Covid-19 vaccination or schedule a Covid-19 test with REEL HEALTH on the Reel Health Registration survey for the WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB June 2021 event. It can be found at www.reelhealth.com/wkc. Another AKC PET DISASTER RELIEF TRAILER has been delivered to Kootenai County, Idaho, with contributions in part from the COEUR d’ALENE DOG FANCIERS CLUB. ...

KAREN LEFRAK might breed Standard Poodles Off Fifth, but her music is very much On Demand as one of the selections for Piano Chill on Apple music. CAROL WIDENER, breeder of top-winning Shetland Sheepdogs, Salukis and Italian Greyhounds under the Lorac prefix, has passed away. Our deepest sympathies to her family. ... 

DOROTHY MACDONALD, multiple group judge and Brittany expert who mentored many, has passed away. Her interest in Sporting breeds is well known, and her family actually had a shooting box from which they shot game. A sought-after judge, she was the 2001 Westminster Kennel Club Best in Show judge, where she awarded CECELIA RUGGLES, ELEANOR MCDONALD and FLAVIO WERNECK'S Bichon Frise Ch. Special Times Just Right the top spot. Hard to believe that was 20 years ago. A fine lady who will be missed. Please read PAT TROTTER’S remembrance of DOTTIE in this issue of DOG NEWS.