Fri, 10/14/2022 - 11:51pm

Remembering Patricia W. Laurans

August 12, 1939 - October 8, 2022

Patricia W. Laurans

August 12, 1939 -October 8, 2022

 

The dog fancy has lost one of its most passionate supporters, Patricia W. Laurans. I have personally lost a member of my extended family who has been a part of my life since the mid-’60s. Pat offered me guidance, mentorship and support throughout my years as a breeder, exhibitor, teacher, judge, delegate and staff member of the AKC in addition to our serving on the Board of Take the Lead together. Pat was generous with her time, and provided the same tutelage to so many in our sport over the years, including handling lessons in the ring.

Jaqueline Adams became a part of Pat’s life in 1981. They have shared their lives together in a home which included space for Jackie’s art studio, surrounded by beautiful gardens in Newtown, Connecticut. Jackie has asked that you plant a seed, water, love and nurture it into a beautiful plant. I relate this to how Pat nurtured and aided so many people, with love and support throughout their careers.

Pat Laurans attended Boston University. Following graduation Pat taught at Walnut Hill School and began her involvement with Doberman Pinschers that she co-owned with Terry Hundt. J. Monroe Stebbins became their handler, and as time progressed they became assistants to Steb, expanding their involvement in multiple breeds.

 

 

In time, Pat became a handler with Joy Brewster, and she became involved in owning and breeding German Wirehaired Pointers. Ch. Hilltop’s S S Cheese Cake CD was a record-holding bitch in the breed at the time. Pat’s most recent involvement was as a co-owner of GCHS Heywire N Deep Harbor Love That Dirty Water CD JH AX OAJ NF, “Beacon,” who was a top Sporting dog for the past three years. Pat enjoyed participating as a member of the team and being the co-breeder of the litter Beacon had during Covid.

Pat became active in the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America, serving as the delegate from 1981 until her death. Pat was an active member of the delegate body, serving as a member of the AKC Board and as the chair of the Parent Club Committee. During her time as chair the committee conducted Parent Club Conferences, established committees to review constitutions and bylaws, show sites, breeder education and parent-club best practices, and was a force in defending the rights of parent clubs.

Pat started her judging career in 1984, ultimately approved to judge the Sporting, Hound, Working and Herding groups and Junior Showmanship. Pat judged many national specialties, including the German Wirehaired Pointer national three times, judging internationally as well.  Pat was thrilled to have judged groups at Westminster and the AKC National Championship. 

 

 

One of the most significant accomplishments in Pat’s life in purebred dogs was the establishment of Take The Lead in 1993. Pat was a founding member with close friends Tom Bradley, Dottie Collier, Jeff Pepper, Mike Larizza and Ellen Frost. Who knew that the first meeting that took place around her kitchen table and that first party Westchester weekend would evolve into the organization that it is today!

Rest in peace, my dear friend, until we meet again!

 

 

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