Penobscot Valley Kennel Club photos by Kim Langlands
I've got to say that what people wear and on what occasions is so individual, I rarely write about it. Privately, I may gossip to friends and ask, “How could he/she wear that!” but those are private, not public, comments. But lately, certain dog show attire has become so inappropriate that it needs to be publicly discussed. Let's face it, the professional handler, 99 percent of the time, both male and female, cannot be faulted about what they wear. I may not exactly approve of the garment selections, but rarely is it inappropriate. And, I must say, most amazingly, that most exhibitors of either sex I usually find appropriately dressed. That being the case, about whom are these thoughts directed, one may ask. Well, specifically, it is the judge—God help me for writing about this—and, even more specifically, I'm referring to some of the more inappropriate outfits of certain “lady” judges. Although, I must admit, some of the lady field reps' outfits can leave me aghast as well. Now then, I realize we can't always be an Emily Post disciple (that reference alone dates me), but is it unreasonable to expect not to be embarrassed by the outfits of some adjudicators in the ring? Be these extreme evening gowns of Brunhilde proportions or pantsuits or jeans designed to accentuate the thighs, hips, or derrieres of the people in question. What's wrong with a good old fashioned, ordinary dress? Aren't they concerned with the image they project to the public at large? Most men wear ties and jackets when they adjudicate. (Note that I didn't use the word “judge”—there is a giant distinction, to my mind, between a judge and an adjudicator. An adjudicator is basically a pointer to dogs—which, believe me, too many people in the ring are—whereas a judge is a person who passes an authoritative opinion on a subject. But I digress.) Now, then, in no way am I suggesting a return to the days when lady judges wore hats and white gloves to shows, but do people have to look as though they have just finished cleaning up after their dogs when they judge? I think not. Just a little common sense and a mirror should suffice, don't you think?
I was amazed to hear that the delegates voted and the Board approved a Sunday-Monday meeting to be held Westchester Sunday. I mean, really, what a way to insult one of the great traditions of our dog world. The meetings in front of the super's tent to discuss dog world affairs was a great Westchester tradition. Westchester itself is one of the gems of the East Coast circuit. I must admit, in the past several years, these type meetings have become fewer and further apart, but to an old-timer like me, Westchester is still in a class by itself. Why a Delegate Meeting should interfere with it is inconceivable. Perhaps today's delegates are unaware of the importance of Westchester to our sport.
As upset as we all have been—and very rightly so—over the Michael Vick situation, there is a festering problem which must be confronted by the dog show going community. I refer to the proper monitoring and handling of the underage assistant to the professional handler. Westminster weekend this past year after and/or at some of the pre-show parties, some pretty serious underage drinking is alleged to have gone on. Supposedly, but on good word, I have it some heavy partying took place with serious after party problems. Today there is word of alleged sexual misconduct in Texas between a handler and his underage assistant said to have taken place. I hope it's not true, since I know and like very much the accused person. Nonetheless, the problem seems to be a growing one. Ignoring what is going on is just not the answer. The entire personal “junior” situation from showmanship to assistants should be re-evaluated. Parental input and obligation, together with AKC's role, must be mutually discussed and analyzed. I don't really have any answers, but intuitively, I know that ignoring these matters only opens the door to even more unacceptable behavior. I would suggest this is as important as any Parent Club Conference could be, and someone had better take the proverbial “bull by the horns”—and soon, too! •
