The Gossip Column: October 28, 2022

The extremely sad and shocking news that has gripped us all is the sudden and unexpected passing of professional handler JAMIE DONELSON at the age of 39. A beautiful woman whose smile could melt ice. So friendly and talented and a kind and polite exhibitor and competitor. Such an asset to the sport and a great loss. The grief that hangs over all of us is palpable. When JAMIE was not reachable by phone and did not arrive at the dog show, her friends were prompted to investigate. Tragically it was her mother who went to her home and found her. The family has announced that there will be visitation open to all on Wednesday, November 2, at the Tillingham Funeral Home, 433 Main Street, Danielson, CT; (860) 774-3284. The funeral will be private. Wanting to express their sadness and love, JAMIE’S many friends will gather this Saturday at noon at the grooming space that JAMIE usually used at the Springfield site. The friends organizing this ask that everyone attending wear something pink and bring only kindness, love and a smile as you raise a glass of champagne to remember a dearly loved friend who left us too soon. Memory book will be available to sign to be given to her family. All of us at DOG NEWS still disbelieving this tragic loss send our deepest condolences to her family and many friends. ...

We were saddened to hear that DIANE TURBA, Airedale breeder and exhibitor, has passed away. Our deepest sympathies to her husband JOHN TURBA. ...

Judge PAT HASTINGS has passed away. Residing in Aloha, Oregon, PAT judged five groups and was married to the former professional handler and AKC field representative BOB HASTINGS. Our deepest sympathies to her family. ...

Onto some lighter news, we here at DOG NEWS are please to publish the first columns of our newest columnists: top-winning Junior handler JACOB WATERS and former editor of the PURINA® PRO PLAN® TODAY’S BREEDER MAGAZINE BARB FAWVER. JACOB will be writing a monthly column on and about Juniors, a topic he knows from beginning to end. BARB will be doing what she does best: interviews with breeders, exhibitors and other notables in our sport. Her extensive research makes for informative and interesting reading. Welcome aboard. ...

Don't forget to purchase your tickets for the CANINES & COCKTAILS PARTY to benefit the AKC Canine Health Foundation. It will be held on Thursday, December 15, at 7 p.m. at the Rosen Centre Hotel during the Orlando week of dog shows. You can purchase your tickets online at akcchf.org/caninesandcocktails.