10 Questions ...

Profession: Retired department chairman of world languages, teacher, translator, interpreter

Dog Sport Involvement: AKC judge, Grand River Kennel Club/Ashtabula Kennel Club/ VP Cuyahoga Valley Hound Association/Regatta Classic Show Cluster Chairperson, American Dog Show Judges board member, American Dog Show Judges seminar coordinator

Hometown: Split between Mentor, Ohio, and Nice, France

Astrological Sign: Virgo

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

Anything with the number 13 I try to avoid, even at dog shows!

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

HGTV “House Hunters International.”

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?

I would try to understand and grasp the inner workings of the organization. People are so quick to criticize before walking in someone else’s shoes. Once understanding of the role of the president, then effective and productive changes can be made.

4. Most valued material possession?

My French animalier bronzes dated from the 1800s by Jules Pierre Mêne, Dubucand, Frémier, Gayrard, and Lecourtier.

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

Since I am so tall, I am afraid of heights!

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

To no one, I believe, since we are all unique individuals. However, on the dog scene, I am just a regular guy wanting to improve the canine quality of life in the world.

7. What are you “famous” for?

On the culinary front, definitely my French onion soup and baked beans — the best from both worlds! I am also noted for giving worldwide seminars on canine topics.

8. What website do you visit most often?

Probably my bank account. I am always wondering where and why my money is going!

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat and what was it?

Many years ago I spotted a Saluki bitch with which I was enamored. I told the breeder if at any time she wanted to place the bitch, I would take her. Well, one day the breeder contacted me and asked me to take the Saluki bitch. At that time, the Cobo Hall shows in Detroit were fabulous. I entered the bitch and was awarded BOB over specials. Also, flying for the first time with dogs to the International Kennel Club shows in Chicago with two dogs and having them awarded BOB and Winners Bitch under Louis Auslander. It is within the importance of the breed ring itself I have gained much satisfaction and memorable events.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

I wish someone would ask me why I am so shy? LOL!