Louisville KC photos by Kim Booth
Probably one of the more contentious, continuing, underlying topics of debate in the AKC Board room revolves around the matter of exactly how much the fancy should pay in the running of AKC events. Some people seem to believe that a total free ride is in order, whilst others believe that in these days of falling registrations, AKC should be mightily reimbursed for its actual costs in the licensing and/or sponsoring of various competitive events. Indeed, until the recent increase, which becomes effective in 2008, licensing fees for show-giving clubs had not been increased since 1925! Can you imagine, the nerve of the Board to increase the licensing fees for independent specialty shows from $25 to $50. How dare they tax these clubs so harshly, implied a writer in an article in DOG NEWS. Was she kidding? No, she was not. Now then, where else in the world has a fee to do anything anywhere remained the same for 82 years? In 1925, I wonder what expenses and fees judges were getting, if any. Should that standard of over 80 years ago apply to all judges and writers as well? Dream on is my reaction. I find a $50 fee far less than onerous, and if a club can't afford it, then don't hold the show is my feeling. In the most recent EVENTS CALENDAR, there are listings of all specialty shows held in America. Some have larger entries than others, but a lot of that depends on the breed and the type of specialty show. The great majority seem to fall into an entry area of 60-75, insofar as the independents are concerned. Sure, there are some shows where entries are less than 10—does this kind of an entry call for a show? I'll leave that up to you to decide.
Of course there are other areas than specialty shows where AKC is asking for and now gets financial input. Judges application fees, for instance. I find this perfectly legitimate, considering the expense that AKC goes to inapproving judges. True, this puts an economic strain on some, but you've got to ask at what point does the free ride stop?
Well, our zany and creative friend, Janet York, is at it again. Now comes her latest publishing venture entitled Frederick Goes To Hollywood. These adventures of a “precious Cavalier on his way to Hollywood” are chronicled as only Janet could do. The illustrations by the verytalented Mike McCartney, combined with the photos by Winning Image, make the entire package a fetching and winsome treat. Published by Piccadil Productions (155 East 72nd Street, New York City, NY 10021), at $20, this is a fun diversion and makes a great gift for any dogaphile.
On a more serious note is that horrendous spay and neuter proposal being worked on in California. Poor Frederick—if that bill goes through as is presently being sought, he can forget Hollywood altogether. This would make California not only the least friendly dog state in the nation but would also deny the local merchants where dog shows are held, the opportunity to continue to make all that money the shows normally bring in. Personally, I doubt the likelihood of passage in its present state, but unless we fight against the bill with all our hearts and passions, we run the risk of portions of this odious bill being adopted.
One last thought, which revolves around the approval of outdoor shows in early April and late March. Let's face it; we all know how unpredictable East Coast weather is during this time of the year. Personally, I would never approve an outdoor show prior to Harrisburg—it can be iffy, even after the Blue and Gray, but at least you have a chance of pulling it off. Our late March and early April weather has been cold, to the point that there was even snow in Virginia. And let me tell you, having spent three years in school in that greatCommonwealth, rarely does a late snow really stick, but it can get bitterly cold. Greater Fredericksburg cancelled its Saturday show due to snow and slippery conditions, even though the prior show days were held in anything but decent weather. Fact is, I am told it was freezing. Calling the show off may have been a mistake—I'm told it was, but then again, I was not there. Nonetheless, I put the blame on Events at AKC for having approvedit in the first place. Whether or not the show committee acted too hastily is another matter, but who got shortchanged, as per usual? The exhibitor, of course. And that person is the totally innocent party. When in the world are we going to tackle this weather question and provide some sort of recompensation for the put upon exhibitor? And for those of you who tell me how expensive it is to run a show, you're right. Nonetheless, the exhibitor has to be considered, too. Cut expenses and lessen your overhead. You want to know how? Write and ask me, if you can't guess what I'll tell you. It's particularly hard to take this cancellation, since two or three days of shows were already held at this location, so most expenses were already covered. Who takes it on the chin? The exhibitor, of course. Come on, Mr. and Mrs. Delegate, how long can you turn your backs on this problem? •