Question of the Week

Toni and Martin Sosnoff

New York, New York

It was a privilege to know Kaz and to admire his talent. In all the years when we contended in the ring with him, he never was anything less than a gentleman and a remarkable competitor who presented his dogs to perfection. We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of this very special dog man. 

Barbara Pepper

Swannanoa, North Carolina

One memory that is very special to me started in September 2021 at the Talbot Kennel Club show in Delaware. I was doing one of my fairly rare Best in Shows, and among the seven group winners was an absolutely stunning Poodle puppy. I couldn’t take my eyes off her and awarded her the RBIS.

Later, when taking photos, I seem to remember that Kaz said it was one of her first shows, and she had taken breed and group first from the puppy class. As many know, shortly after that Kaz broke his foot and this wonderful puppy’s career was forced to be held up.

However, that’s not the point of this memory. In the years following, whenever I happened to see Kaz with Sage, he also made a point of saying, “You found her first.” This unnecessary and unsolicited statement was so typical of Kaz. He was always supportive and inclusive. It means a lot to me that he acknowledged my tiny part in the amazing journey he and Sage shared. I truly hope we can honor this very special person by emulating the values he exemplified.

As we are saying, we all need to "Be like Kaz.”

Timothy Brazier

Palm Springs, California

I met Kaz in the early days when he was at the Clarks. Totally committed, dedicated and so talented. I always respected and admired him. I’m still processing his shocking loss. It haunts me.
RIP, my friend. I send my love and support to Roxanne.

Joy S. Brewster

Newtown, Connecticut

Shocked to hear the news. A gracious gentleman who was a perfectionist in his trimming and presentation of his beloved Poodles. In the ring, he accepted wins and losses equally. I am so glad he achieved his lifelong dream of winning the Garden. Certainly, a realization that we never know what lies around the corner of life. Accidents unfortunately happen too often. 

Mary Ann Alston

Ocean Pines, Maryland

It isn't fair! Kaz did everything right in following his dream. He mentored under the best (Anne Rogers Clark), worked hard to learn about care, conditioning, grooming, handling and breeding. Truly a dedicated professional. 

George called Kaz to congratulate him on his career and his recent Westminster win. They had a great conversation. 

It isn't fair!

Karen R. Scheiner

Cherry Hill, New Jersey

There are some people who are larger than life. You watch them work from afar, you envy their skills and abilities, which are certainly beyond measure. For years, that was my impression of Kaz Hosaka.

Only recently, I started to show a black Mini Poodle in puppy class. Although I didn't know him, Kaz was always kind and considerate when he saw me. He was specialing Sage, so I usually watched his performance.

Anyway, at the York shows last March, after Poodles were shown and I was waiting to go into the NOHS ring, Kaz came over to where I was grooming my Poodle on the table. I think either he liked my dog, or he felt sorry for me. Nevertheless, I was thrilled that he came over, as I never would have had the nerve to approach him!

Kaz then graciously offered to help with my Poodle’s topknot. “Oh, yes!” I exclaimed. He told me to wait a minute, and then he ran out of the building. Moments later he returned, laden with his own grooming supplies; he was so professional in every way. He took out the topknot that I had set, and, with truly magical hands that moved as fast as the speed of light, he recreated a beautiful topknot. I just couldn’t believe he was extending himself in this way!

Before he left, I asked him if he would consider showing my bitch. I told him, “You know, if you took her, you would win!” His matter-of-fact response was, “Of course, I would win. That is why people pay me!"

I thanked him immensely. The next time I saw Kaz, he was with Sage on TV, thrilled to have been chosen Best in Show at Westminster. That was, of course, the big win that he was counting on. I was so happy for him.

Carla M. Heath

Billings, Montana

He was the most polite, loving and understanding person I ever met, and was very helpful with my breed, Shih Tzu. I never remember him being negative, and he will be missed dearly.

Clair Pocavich

Palmyra, Pennsylvania

I was at a show watching Toy Poodles while waiting for my breed, Pugs. A Poodle walked in the ring, and I wasn’t sure if it was red or brown. Kaz was set up behind me, waiting for Miniature Poodles. I turned around and asked him what color the Poodle was. He looked and me and smiled, and said, “Red — just like your hair.” 

David K. Qualls, DVM

Jacksonville, Florida 

I remember becoming friends with Kaz when he was just beginning his very successful career showing dogs. We used to see him at shows during our travels, mostly showing Poodles, and he was always working hard until well after the show was over. 

One day, one of his Miniature Poodles had an accident and had obviously broken her front leg. Someone told Kaz that I was a veterinarian, so he found me back at the RV and I was able to set and splint his dog’s leg so she was stable until he was able to get her back to his own veterinarian near home. Kaz was always grateful for that, and we became friends. 

It was nice to watch his career progress and especially his wonderful Westminster win. I was always proud to tell my non-dog-show friends who would see him on TV that he was a friend of mine. 
Kaz was a great dog man, a good person and I am proud to have been his friend. Our sport will miss him. 

Lydia Coleman Hutchinson

Middletown, Maryland

It has taken me a while to respond to this question because I am still in shock. I’m having a hard time realizing he is gone from us, but I am thankful he left us with the memories associated with winning the premier award at Westminster with his beloved Sage. I am grateful that I shared meaningful hugs with him and Roxy as she was carrying Sage at the after-BIS party. I will never forget you, Kaz.

Janet York

New York, New York

When I started showing my Cavaliers in 1996, Kaz was like a mentor to me! Not that he was well versed in Cavaliers, but rather he knew the difficulties a new owner-handler had in the show world.

We enjoyed many good sushi dinners, always sharing new places to go!

I miss him so much! RIP, my friend!

Bobbie Wood

Cranford, New Jersey

Kaz was a master at presenting his Poodles. He would come into the ring and set up his dog — didn’t matter what size — like he was presenting the most magnificent, precious object in the world. His total concentration was on making that dog absolute perfection, both standing and in motion. I loved watching his performance in the ring, whether I was watching on the computer or judging. He was kind, friendly and always appreciative of his success. The world lost a truly special man!

Sulie Greendale-Paveza 

Fort Pierce, Florida

Simply the epitome of what anyone involved in our sport should strive for. A most talented groomer and handler, a kind and caring person, grateful for all his successes, and graciously accepting his losses even when not deserved, always willing to share his wealth of knowledge with others, and, most of all, one of the kindest and most respectful participants in our sport. A gentleman always who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Rebecca Baum 

Nassau, New York

I was fortunate enough to be in the Toy Group ring with Kaz several times. He was always modest, friendly, a gentleman, and a master in the ring. I loved watching him and his stellar dogs in action. Truly a great loss to the show world. 

Walter Sommerfelt

Lenoir City, Tennessee

Kaz was the epitome of a true professional, always a gentleman. He pursued perfection in his craft, and his charges were always presented in great condition. Always with a smile and willing to help anyone who needed it. The sport has lost a great promoter and the kind of person anyone could look up to and aspire to be like.

Desi Murphy

Monroe, New York

My greatest memory of Kaz will always be watching him win the Garden this year.  It was very emotional for so many, many of us. 

Stan Tissue

Fort Hill, Pennsylvania 

I just started going to shows about three and a half years ago. It seemed like Kaz was there at every show we attended. We said hello or good morning a few times, I think I congratulated him a few times, but I didn’t really know anything about him.

We have two Standard Poodles, so I was interested in seeing them at the local shows, and his Poodle was always perfect. My show dog is a Flat-Coated Retriever. Our ring times are usually first in, 8 to 8:30. Kaz was always there before we got there, getting his Poodle ready. It just takes a lot of work. 

Kaz was a professional in every sense of the word. He was a standout in a region full of exceptional professional handlers. Always in a good mood, always ready to go, and he and his Poodles always looked fabulous. I was sad to hear he was retiring, but so happy to see him win BIS at Westminster. The news last Sunday was very upsetting. 

Jay Phinizy

Acworth, New Hampshire

There are simply two words that describe Kaz, whom I always enjoyed watching and was one of the better handlers: quiet quality.

Leslie Shriner

Warrenton, Virginia

The memory I now treasure most about Kaz Hosaka was watching him prepare Sage for Group competition at Westminster this year. It was a peaceful moment in time, no fanfare, no stress, no one around, just the innate connection with the dog and the shears a perfect extension of his hands as he smoothed away a few, last, invisible-to-me imperfections. I was entranced watching his graceful mastery, just as I have always watched him for decades.

It was beautiful, the moment was perfect, and the result historical. I’m so sad I will never get to watch his artistry again, but I am so grateful I stopped and took the time to watch it then.

I will never forget the Legendary Kaz Hosaka.

Sue Goldberg

Warren, New Jersey

Such bittersweet memories of a true gentleman. So delighted for him to be awarded BIS at Westminster, and so, so sad about his passing far too early. Whenever he showed a dog to me, win or lose, he was always gracious, personable and professional. When I was about to judge in Japan, he made me a list of key expressions that would come in handy. He always had time for everyone, and many of us were looking forward to Kaz beginning a new chapter as a judge. How much we could all have learned about Poodles from him! Sincere condolences to his wife, family and friends and sadness for our entire sport on the loss of a genuine professional, a great dog man!

Jeffrey Hanlin

Irwin, Pennsylvania

Being in the presence of Kaz Hosaka was like taking a master class in perseverance, patience, kindness, humor, devotion, intuition, trust, sportsmanship, respect, friendship and humility. He was the living embodiment and essence of every good thing we should all aspire to become, and he possessed a level of talent that comes around maybe once in a century.

Thank you, Kaz, for being the person who always inspired everyone around you to reach higher, to try harder, to become better, to never stop learning and, most important of all, to never believe that anything is impossible. Your journey with Sage has been a privilege to witness at both the little shows and the big ones, and the memories of your many late-night stories in the setup are something we will always treasure.

Debbie Campbell-Freeman 

Ventura, California

Firstly, sincere condolences to Roxanne and all the friends who knew and loved Kaz.

Annie and Jim first told me at Santa Barbara Kennel Club in the early ’80s about asking Kaz from Japan to join them. My mother had a couple of Fircot Mini Poodles in the ’60s, so I knew Annie a bit as a young child. I got my first English Cocker in 1981, so I reconnected with Annie after that time. I met Kaz at Westminster in the mid-’80s, and I was proud and honored to judge his beautiful Poodles later on when I became a judge, including Vicki, Spice and Sage.

The last time I saw Kaz, I gave Sage the group in Philadelphia last November. We reminisced about earlier times, and I told him I learned so much about Poodles from him. He hugged me goodbye and said, "See you soon." There is never enough time to spend with someone we all consider not only an icon, but a legend and friend. There will never be another Kaz. Rest in peace. Arigato, Sensei Kaz.

Michael Canalizo

Mill Neck, New York

I know every word printed about Kaz is a testament to being such an incredible person. But along with all his deserved accolades, there might be some (humorous) things not mentioned. 

One year at the AKC National Championship, Kaz had Poodles competing in both the Toy and Non-Sporting groups. While he was in the ring with the Toy, his Mini was needed in the "ready ring" for the next group ... No Mini to be found.

Long story short ... I get on my Segway and try to find his set-up. I did, and with seconds left before the group enters the ring, I fly into the ready ring with his assistant (who didn't understand all the announcements in English) piggybacked on my Segway, one arm around me and the other arm clutching a black Mini Poodle!

Come to think of it ... Kaz was always the last to get into the ready ring every year because he was such a perfectionist and groomed them until the very last second. So many learned from his perfectional efforts. He influenced the breed in such a positive way.

Janet Cupolo

Hellertown, Pennsylvania

I had admired Kaz from afar from my first experiences at dog shows. How could one not admire sheer perfection? If I passed by him, he always smiled, even though he didn’t know me. 

Finally, at Letisha and Carlos de la Torre’s wedding, I was seated between him and Harry Booker. It was the first time I had spoken with him, and he was just as charming as I imagined. Between the two of them, I soaked in much dog info, and in particular, a great discussion about Poodles! 

After that, Kaz always said hello, and asked how I was. I’m sure he still had no idea who I was, but thought he knew me from somewhere! I will miss those smiles and hellos.

Lindsay Gorder 

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We were in the Best of Breed ring at a Poodle specialty in Massachusetts this past fall. After completing my down and back, I stepped back to pat my dog on the chest and begin our go-around. I didn’t realize how close the table was moved while doing my pattern, so, to my sheer horror, my leg caught the table where Kaz already had Sage set up on.

Here I am in a ring with one of my idols — and I knocked down the table with his special on it.

Fortunately, Sage didn’t miss a beat and showed to perfection. Not only did Kaz not get angry over my mistake, he gave ME a hug and told me it was OK because I was so upset over the accident. The rest of the weekend he would see me and laugh about it — meanwhile, I was still horrified!

Kaz taught me that there is always a way to handle things with grace. We will miss you, Kaz.

Polly Smith

St Stephens Church, Virginia

It is hard to put into words my feelings and reaction when I got the call that Kaz had passed.

I will never forget Kaz’s words when he put Sage on the table for me to judge the first time: “Bob would love her.” And indeed Bob would have, as I did.

We will never see the likes of Kaz in our sport again. It was a great honor to have known him and enjoyed his company. Rest in peace, my friend.
 

Nancy K. Lindquist

Chesapeake, Virginia

Kaz was one of the first professional handlers I met as an owner-handler. He was always so friendly, kind and helpful. I usually parked RVs for our club, and when I saw Kaz's Airstream coming into the showgrounds I would smile.

One of my best memories of Kaz was when he came to our CVDFA show, which was a day after floods and tons of mud. I wondered how anyone would make it to the ring with a clean dog! Then I saw Kaz coming up to the ring with a white Standard Poodle. He showed it to perfection, and it was groomed and clean to perfection! He was one of the great handlers who will always be remembered.

Bradley Odagiri

Honolulu, Hawaii

I met Kaz many years ago, and he was my ideal model of a professional Poodle handler and groomer.

A little more than month before Westminster, I had a weekend judging assignment for Troy Kennel Club and the Poodle Club of Massachusetts specialty show. I was surprised to see Kaz and Sage there. I love Sage and honored her with a group, and the next day the specialty show.

I had planned to attend Westminster because Kaz was to retire at Westminster and later go to see his father. I was glad I was there to see him culminate his career with this awesome ultimate win!

In October 2013, Kaz’s son Koishi, from his first wife Miwako, got married in Japan. Kaz did not attend and contacted me to do him a big favor. He wanted me to give his son his wedding gift when they honeymooned in Waikiki. I accepted this request and was very fortunate to have met his son and wife. I also met Miwako and her mother. His son looks like Kaz with the same kind of hair, but taller and heavier.

I was glad to do this and to have met that side of Kaz.

We had planned to meet at the Tokyo International show in 2025, but I will keep Kaz in my heart when I am there.

I have many fond memories of my longtime special friend, and he will be missed.

“Aloha O’e, Until We Meet Again …”