The Gossip Column: October 18, 2024

The devastating weather patterns that have created havoc across the country particularly in the South have caused several kennel clubs to cancel their upcoming events. Already cancelled is the BRANDON FLORIDA KENNEL CLUB. What to do about the increase in frequency of this problem as to exhibitor refunds and the like? We asked this question in this week’s Question of the Week, and the answers appear in this issue. ...

The CANINES & COCKTAILS WITH A HOLIDAY TWIST gala will once again be held during the Orlando cluster of dog shows. This yearly event is so generously underwritten by TINA & BILL TRUESDALE to raise funds for the AKC CANINE HEALTH FOUNDATION. It’s always a great night for music and dancing. So mark your calendars for Thursday night, December 12, at the Rosen Hotel. Tickets are now available; for further information, visit their website at caninesandcocktails.org.

DESI MURPHY has to be the most traveled American judge. No sooner did he return from a judging assignment in Bologna, Italy, then he quickly turned around and is flying off to judge in Japan, where he is a frequent visitor. ...

The passing of AL CHEAURE, the 19th president of the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB, sadly went unnoticed by most. He was a nice man who had to very quickly learn the ins and outs of the sport as he came to the job. After a career in the Navy, he was an alternative choice instead of hiring someone within the sport. Our deepest sympathies to his wife and family. ...

Another passing of note: Poodle fancier and author DEL DAHL has passed away. A fixture in the sport for so long, it’s hard to believe he is no longer with us. Our sympathies to his family and friends. ...

Our thoughts are with TIMOTHY REESE on the loss of his beloved husband RANDY WINTERS. Both TIM & RANDY are well known for their successes in the Toy Group. All of us at DOG NEWS send TIM and family our deepest sympathies. A celebration of life will be held on RANDY’S birthday at the Sagebrush Events Center, 800 Park Avenue, Idaho Falls, on Sunday, October 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ...

Celebrating Birthdays … KEITH PAUTZ, KITTY BURKE, ED SMIZER, BARBARA ANDERSON, BETTY-ANNE STENMARK, DOT SIMBERLUND, JOANNE REED, BRIAN MEYER, ANN RAMSBOTTOM-WHITE, STACY THRELFALL, KIMBERLY SILVA GARRETT, CHRISTIE MARTINEZ, KATHY HRITZO HEIMANN, KASEY & KRISSY O’BRIEN, JAMIE HUBBARD, MARGERY GOOD, ROBIN SEAMAN GRENIER, SUZANNE DILLIN and JON COLE.