Fri, 02/28/2020 - 3:54pm

The Gossip Column, February 28, 2020

Westminster recap, David Haddock, Joe McGinnis

WESTMINSTER RECAP…. Unfortunately the Friday evening DOG MUSEUM THEATRE BENEFIT was not a sold-out event for the first time. At least thirty tickets were returned of those reserved by the organizers. It was attributed to the price increase, the selection of HADESTOWN, a musical on a Greek myth, and the rather unexciting dinner at the dining room in the building that houses the American Kennel Club headquarters and the Dog Museum. I think it’s time that the powers that be should reassess the entire evening.

The first three-day WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB was held and the overwhelming reaction was very positive. The leadership of club president CHAT REYNDERS, show chairman DAVID HELMING and assistant show chairman DAVID HADDOCK have much to be proud of, by their creativity in making the show a three-day event to compensate for the loss of one of the Piers. Sure there are some things that will need to be tweaked but overall I think it can be labeled a success.

Starting from the top, a field of seven very worthy group winners presenting a very strong final line-up for BOB SLAY to judge. Coming into the Best in Show ring as the Number One Non Sporting Dog in 2019, SIBA or more formally known as CH. STONE RUN AFTERNOON TEA dazzled the crowd with another of her flawless performances guided by her handler CHRYSTAL CLAS whose conditioning and presentation is executed with such fine precision every time they enter the ring. SIBA is bred and owned by CONNIE UNGER and co-owned by WILLIAM LEE. Crowning her last ring appearance, her next career is motherhood.

BOB’S selection for Reserve Best in Show went to the fabulous Whippet bitch CH. PINNACLE KENTUCKY BOURBON expertly presented by her co-owner CHESLIE SMITHEY. She is owned by JUSTIN SMITHEY, DR. KEN LATIMER, JUDY DESCUTNER, NANCY SHAW and CHESLIE. Ladies certainly ruled the night!

The other outstanding finalists included the Sporting Group winner the applause winning Golden Retriever CH. HILLOCK’S JACK DANIEL’S RA JH CA RATN CGC handled by KAREN MAMMANO for owners TAMMY TOMLINSON, JIM COHEN and ROBERT SAMIOS. Bred by TAMMY TOMLINSON, LISA and JIM COHEN. A wonderful Working Group repeat win for the Top Winning Working Dog for 2018 and 2019 CH. CINNIBON’S BEDROCK BOMBSHELL handled by MICHAEL SHEPHERD and owned by KEITH and CHERYL ROBBINS, BONNIE WAGAMAN and DEBBIE CAYWOOD. Bred by BONNIE WAGAMAN and NICOLE MANNA. A bittersweet win, as CHERYL ROBBINS passed away just two weeks ago. The Terrier Group  was topped by the Wire Fox Terrier CH. IRVONHILL VOIGNIER handled by RC CARUSI and owners by GEORGE and NANNETTE HERRICK and bred by ANTHONY BARKER, JEAN BARKER and HAILEY GRIFFITH. The Toy Group winner was the Number One Dog all Breeds in 2019, the Havanese CH. OESTE’S IN THE LINE OF LOVE handled by one of his breeders and co-owners TAFFE MCFADDEN. Owned by PATRINA ODETTE, MARY E. KING, BRUCE ODETTE, RAFE H. SCHINDER and TAFFE. Bred by MARY E. KING, RAFE H. SCHINDER, JULIE VOGEL and TAFFE. Rounding out the final seven dogs was the Herding Group winner the Shetland Sheepdog GCHP SYRINGA – AKADIA THE CORSAIR, handled by co-owner TYLER CRADY, owners D. SIRDOSKY, G. OKADA, D. TARIO, breeders DEBORAH SIRDOFSKY and SHANNALEE WALLER-MICHALSKY.

Congratulations again to all these fine dogs who represented our sport in this world class competition. ...

The Coronavirus outbreak has led to the CACIB RIJEKA 2020 postponing its show in the Northern Croatia town of Rijeka, which lies on the Adriatic Sea near the Italian border, until further notice. The Rijeka Kennel Club will send requests to the Croatian Kennel Club and FCI on the possibility of setting another date for the show after all of the requirements for holding events without any jeopardy to human health have been met. ...

As this issue of DOG NEWS was going to press we received the sad news that JOE MCGINNIS of SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE passed away following his battle with cancer. Our condolences to his family and many friends and dog fanciers on this great loss.

 

 

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