The Gossip Column: May 24, 2024

What a weekend, starting with the PURINA PRO PLAN SHOW DOGS OF THE YEAR AWARDS DINNER partnered with DOG NEWS to the Tuesday-evening grand finale, when judge ROZ KRAMER selected the Miniature Poodle Ch. Surrey Sage owned by CATHY GAUCHE and bred by KATHLEEN WALLEN and KAZ HOSAKA, and handled by KAZ, who retired that evening following a long and successful career as a professional handler. A most popular win among those in the arena and around the world. This year’s show was dedicated to the late DAVE HELMING, who served as show chairman. ...

Under the leadership of DONALD STURZ the show ran smoothly and without a hitch — even the weather cooperated. No surprise here that DONALD has settled comfortably into his leadership role. Westminster is Westminster, and there was expected and inspected judging. But as with most dog shows, the cream rose to the top and the Best in Show lineup was impressive. The black-tie awards dinner was a full-house affair with stage and screen star LUCIE ARNAZ as the evening’s entertainment. She inherited her talents as a singer and actress from her parents LUCILLE BALL and DESI ARNAZ. As we celebrated the top-winning dogs of last year, we also announced the winners of the national online voting for the top Judge PAULA NYKIEL, Professional Handler CHRIS MANELOPOULOS, Breeder MARGERY GOOD, Owner-Handler FABIAN NEGRON and Dog Show LOUISVILLE KENNEL CLUB. ...

The coveted ANNE ROGERS CLARK HALL OF FAME inductee was dog-show photographer JOHN ASHBEY. JOHN received a long-lasting standing ovation that left him speechless. I don’t think he realized how well respected and liked he is by one and all. So worthy was this recognition. On the lighter side of the evening, the GOLDEN POOPER SCOOPER AWARD (given in recognition of various individuals in different areas of our sport) went to fashionista ROXANNE SUTTON, who never saw a designer’s creation she could resist buying (or wearing). ...

Canadian judge JIM REYNOLDS, no stranger to us in the States, is recovering from a recent stroke. He is now in rehab, and those who would like to send him a card of well wishes can do so at this address: JAMES REYNOLDS, 3580 Rivergate Way, Apt. 405. Ottawa, Ontario K1V 1V5 Canada. ...

Very sad news with the passing of Great Dane breeder and exhibitor TOOTIE LONGO. The blond dynamo was known for her great love, black Great Danes. Her success in the breed is well known, as she broke barriers with blacks. She was honored along with her former husband JOE as the AKC Working Group Breeders of the Year in 2013. Bright and funny with a no-nonsense streak, her comments and observations on the world of purebred dogs and life were spot on. TOOTIE has been sidelined by long-lasting results of the Covid-19 virus and the cancer that took her life. Arrangements are as follows: May 28, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Brunner Funeral Home, 8466 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060, and May 29, 11 a.m. Mass at St. John Vianney Church. Luncheon to follow at 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Lake Humane Society, 7564 Tyler Boulevard, Building E, Mentor, OH 44060.