Sat, 02/12/2022 - 4:07pm

Editorial: February 18, 2022

Dogdom’s favorite redhead, Ann Viklund, retires

For decades, the support of dog-food companies has been a great financial asset in our world of breeding and exhibiting purebred dogs and hosting dog shows. These days these companies are owned by big conglomerates that move their executives from one company to another. Like any new broom, these executives often reign in their budgets by eliminating financial support to dog shows. It’s hard to explain the value of supporting us, as we sell puppies and travel throughout the country, so our power is not restricted to one area. Because of that broader range it’s hard to put a value on our sport. We have become accustomed to varying degrees of support. When these companies are invested, they have someone who becomes the face of the company. Some became the fabric of our sport and left an indelible mark; some names that come to mind are Ken-L-Biskit’s Bud Most, Bil-Jac’s Dick Becker, Pedigree’s Dennis Harris, Eukanuba’s Vicki Seiler-Cushman and of course our favorite redhead Pedigree’s Ann Viklund.

Ann announced her retirement as Director, Breeder/Enthusiast Conformation Team from Purina Pet Foods effective April 1, and sadly it’s not an April Fool’s joke. Ann became that face and took it to new heights. She became so invested and involved that with the financial might of Purina they have supported so many areas of the sport. Ann’s interests have included involvement of the design of the Purina Event Center, the expansion of the Purina Top 100 Dogs that is based on the Dog News Top Ten List, helping the growth and support of the Westminster Kennel Club and helping the growth of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s televised Thanksgiving dog show – so much so that Ann was the first woman member to be on the board of directors in 142 years of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. Her support and works also include a board membership at the AKC Canine Health Foundation, where she was awarded the AKC CHF President’s Award. Dog News joins the fancy in giving Ann a big thank-you for all she has done for the sport. We look forward to seeing her at dog shows and retriever trials with her French Bulldog and Labrador Retriever, respectively.

Fortunately for Purina, the width and breadth of talent does not end with Ann: She will be succeeded by Annie Balotti. Annie has been with Purina since 1998 and with the conformation team since 2002. She worked in establishing the Purina Event Center and has been an area manager since 2007. As Annie moves into her new position, she will be replaced by Jessica Flach, who will be promoted to Senior Specialist and will be dedicated to the Purina Event Center. All of us at Dog News wish Annie and Jessica good luck in their new positions. Well qualified, they have big shoes to fill as they assume the positions of our favorite redhead, Ann Viklund. 

 

 

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