The Gossip Column: July 1, 2022

As a long-ago Bloodhound breeder and exhibitor who won my first Best of Breed at the 1978 WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB with a Bloodhound, I was so happy to see TRUMPET and HEATHER BUEHNER reign supreme. I guess because I have some firsthand knowledge as to what it takes to breed and show Bloodhounds, I’m especially proud of HEATHER and the dogs she has presented over the years. Congratulations to all involved in TRUMPET’S success: BRYAN & CHRIS FLESHIER, TINA KOCAR and of course HEATHER. ...

All seven dogs were so deserving; it was hard decision, as you couldn't be wrong in selecting any of the dogs in the ring. It was a great ending to the five-day WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB show. It really was a full-circle event with DON STURZ, someone I’ve known forever as we are both fellow Long Islanders, judging the final. Saturday and Sunday the popular obedience and agility competitions were held, and Monday was the start of conformation judging. ...

That evening the long-awaited PURINA® PRO PLAN® SHOW DOGS OF THE YEAR AWARDS partnered with DOG NEWS were presented to the winners at a cocktail party held at LYNDHURST thanks to the generosity of the members of the WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB. If it takes a village, our villagers for the event included SHERRY BRESNAHAN, COREY (CECIL B. DEMILLE for his direction) BENEDICT, BRIAN BENGELSDORF, ANN VIKLUND, NANCY HERRON and HEIDI HARTMAN, the VANNA WHITE of the evening. It was a casual event that was enjoyed by all the 300 guests and a nice way to end the day. ...

The big surprise of the evening was the announcement of the 2021 inductee into the ANNE ROGERS CLARK HALL OF FAME. I was honored to present it to DAVID HELMING for all his years of service to the sport. DAVE shuns the spotlight and was completely unaware of what was about to be announced. Thanks to those who could keep a secret: his wife PEGGY and those I asked to make a video congratulating him, MICHELLE & MICHAEL SCOTT, MILAN LINT and WAYNE FERGUSON. It did take him by surprise when his name was announced, which was warmly greeted by the guests. ...

The other surprise presentation was the testimonial given to retiring ANN VIKLUND, who over the course of the years has been the face of PURINA® PRO PLAN® at dog shows. Among the thank-yous was a photo essay taken from photos over the years. A very popular lady who will be missed. Stepping into her position is the equally qualified and personable ANNIE BALOTTI.