Sat, 06/26/2021 - 7:49pm

10 Questions

... asked of Tom Bradley

Exhibitor, breeder, judge, show manager, exhibitor – full circle

Hometown: Watertown, New York

Sign: Capricorn, but I was almost a Taurus. That’s another whole story!

 

 

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

Not that I am aware of.

 

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

“The Big Bang Theory.” Do not call me any day between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

 

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?

Reduce or eliminate clusters. I know that in many areas of the country, venues are difficult to come by. Clusters thus make it easier and less expensive for clubs to hold their shows. BUT, as in the case of my home club, we were the only club in the top quarter of New York State. There are now no clubs north of Syracuse, and personally it makes me wonder if I would be involved in the sport at all if this had been the case 50-plus years ago. A fact that some might feel would be a plus, no doubt!

 

4. Most valued material possession?

Most valued as in heartfelt not monetarily. Many years ago, Elliott and Mari Beth and I traveled to England to attend the famous Gun Dog Show, England’s equivalent to our Montgomery for Terriers. While motoring through the Cotswolds, we managed to do a little shopping. We discovered a small shop with a lot of “dog stuff,” and I spied a beautiful Greyhound porcelain: A dog lying down with her tail falling over a hind leg. Beautiful tiny ears. A fabulous iridescent gray color. I asked who the artist was and was told that she was local. I then asked if it was a limited edition and the shop keeper replied, “Yes – of one!”

I wrapped her in soft clothes and clean underwear and carried her in my shoulder bag for the rest of the trip. She resides on a choice spot in my living room, and every cleaning person that I have is warned that if she is damaged, they are fired! The lesson is that not every treasure has to have as much dollar value as memory value. A great trip!

 

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

That I really was a zoo director for a long summer. That I really did breed, raise and show chickens. That I really did and do pick up poop in the kennel runs.

 

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

It is hard for me to say, but I can tell you that many people confuse me with the other Tom – Brady, not Bradley.

 

7. What are you “famous” for?

For many years, and it continues today when I go to the grocery store after Westminster, I get stopped by friends and strangers alike. Mostly “Why that dog?” and “Why not a Labrador?” It is no secret that America hates little hairy dogs, but especially Poodles of any size or color.

 

8. What website do you visit most often?

Easy. NYT Cooking. Obviously!

 

9.  What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?

Every win is memorable, but especially a Best of Breed at Westminster, the AKC National, Montgomery and any national specialty. I don’t pay much attention to “defeats,” but there was one that sticks in my mind.

Many years ago I had a young Pointer, Luftnase Justin Thyme. He spent the winter at Camp Forsyth. I picked him up there on my way to the Cherry Blossom Circuit. He was awarded WD at the first show, and the next day repeated his win. The judge looked kindly at him and put him at the head of a fairly long line of specials. Behind me was my friend Erica McCurley with Byzan Drummond of Crookrise – a very handsome black and white dog with a scar across his muzzle.

After a short period of time, the judge said, “Around you go!” and Justin and I led off. A few steps in, he shot ahead and, looking back, jumped in the air. I got him under control and continued on, only to have it happen again.

At that point, the judge awarded Drummond Best of Breed, and Justin was Best of Winners. I wasn’t aware until afterward when a bystander told me that the winner had been allowed by my friend to come forward and bump my youngster not once, but twice.

And she thought I wouldn’t remember!

 

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

“What is it with you and Irish Setters?”
 

 

© Dog News. This article may not be reposted, reprinted, rewritten, excerpted or otherwise duplicated in any medium without the express written permission of the publisher.

Stay Connected

YES! Send me Dog News' free newsletter!