Editorial: February 21, 2025

This editorial will start out with its own full disclosure: American Kennel Club president Dennis Sprung has been a true and loyal friend for more than 50 years. He has been by my side through life’s high times and low times. Even with that bond that we share, which is brother like, it never stopped these pages from addressing issues that were contrary to Dennis, and we never shied away from asking the hard questions. Dennis knew it wasn't personal; it was business. We fully understood that a major part of his position as president was to cater to the whims and wishes of the self-serving board of directors. But the unprofessional, ill-timed and insulting way in which they fired Dennis from an office he has held for 22 years has cast this board of directors in a light that is so low class that it pains us to think they are the helm of our sport. And all this took place while we celebrated the long-awaited return of the Westminster Kennel Club to its Manhattan home. Dennis has a little more than two years left on his contract. Was his performance at this late date so below par that this coup had to happen without proper planning and a polite and thankful way for Dennis to retire? In what would be a normal transfer of power, a search committee would be formed to look for and interview prospective presidential candidates. When chosen, that person would work alongside Dennis to learn the unique intricacies of the job. Not fire someone and then start a search. Was it spur of the moment, or a plan that had to be put into motion in the few short weeks before the March annual meeting and election, where it was conceivable that the four new directors would not vote in favor of this ill-timed and belittling firing? It is alleged that Dominic Carota, who cannot run for his board seat due to term limits, is actively seeking the job of president. It is true that years ago Chairman Lou Auslander made himself the president without pay while they searched for a new president. But it was best said by vice presidential candidate Lloyd Bentsen when he told Dan Quail, “I knew Jack Kennedy. I worked with Jack Kennedy, and you, sir, are no Jack Kennedy.” This is the same Dominic Carota who crashed the black-tie awards dinner party without an invitation and then posted photos of himself at the event, appalling behavior by such a high-profile individual. The other switch from board member to paid employee was the fiasco of the Judi Daniels presidency, and we all know how that ended. Enough said. We deserve to know the thinking and reasoning for this dismissal. If no official statement is forthcoming, one would hope that the delegate body as a whole would insist on an explanation at the next delegates meeting. The board is made up of delegates from member clubs who represent us, the lifeline and blood of this sport. It’s time for full disclosure, and it should be demanded by each and every one of us who loves and supports this sport, which at this moment is devoid of any sportsmanship.   

Eugene Z. Zaphiris

Editor and Publisher

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