The Gossip Column: June 20, 2025

Time is running out for you to celebrate and recognize the good works and services that our four-legged friends give us. The deadline is fast approaching for the nominations for the annual AKC ACE AWARDS offered for canine excellence. The award is offered in six different categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Exemplary Companion, Search and Rescue, Therapy Dog, Service Dog and Teams. The nominations for a dog you think worthy close on July 1. Nominating applications are online. ...

In an identity crisis, the AMERICAN SHIKOKU KEN CLUB has requested that the breed be realigned from the Working Group to the Hound Group so the breed will be consistent with the country of origin and the FCI. They also requested that the breed name be changed from Shikoku to Shikoku Ken. ...

The delegate from the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, GLEN LAJESKI, made a very reasonable proposed change to the bylaws regarding board term limits: The recommendation was to change the time period that a board member must remain off the board from one year to four years. (A very reasonable solution to the merry-go-round of on and off the board that makes a mockery of term limits.) “Upon the motion of DR. GARVIN, seconded by DR. BATTAGLIA, the Board VOTED (unanimously) to disapprove the amendment.” Interesting to note they are two of the longest-serving directors. Hard to break up that old gang of mine. If it were up to me, two four-year terms, either consecutively or apart, and you’re done for good. ...

Celebrating a Wedding Anniversary … JOHN & LINDA KRUKAR. Celebrating Birthdays … KAREN LEFRAK with the release of her latest music, KAREN WILSON, PERRY PAYSON, MICHAEL KEMP, RANDY MCATEER, CLAY COADY, VICKI SEILER-CUSHMAN, JOHN MURPHY, BOB BUSBY, LISA WEISS, RACHEL CORBIN, JIM FREDERIKSEN, HENRY ODUM, STEPHEN CABRAL, CARMEN SKINNER, PATTI WIDICK NEALE, WHITNEY PERRY LEYTON, PETER PETERSEN, MARY NORTON and CALLEY ANNE POTTS-RUPP.