The Gossip Column: July 25, 2025

It’s been said that bad things happen to good people. Spending a few days away from home with their dogs in tow, two of the nicest men in our world of purebred dogs, MARCELO CHAGAS and his husband ROGER TRAVIS CHAGAS, lost their home and all its contents in an electrical fire that left nothing but the clothes they had with them and their dogs; everything else has been lost. This overwhelming devastation has rallied their many friends to establish a GoFundMe account to assist them during this trying time. Contributions can be made to Stand by Marcelo and Roger After Tragedy; you can also donate via PayPal using @RogerTravis516. ...

The 2025 winners of the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB’S AGILITY PREMIER CUP have been announced. Nearly 100 teams participated in the event. Held at Fort Stewart, Georgia, it was part of AKC SALUTES THE TROOPS, which honored service members. In the five different height divisions, the winners were: In 8” a Papillon handled by BETSEY LYNCH; 12” an All American dog handled by CYNTHIA HORNOR; 16” a Border Collie handled by JADA SAWHNEY; 20” a working Kelpie handled by ERIN STUMLER, and in 24” a Border Collie handled by PERRY DEWITT. The teams shared in the $10,000 prize money. ...

Turning to some joyful news: Announcing their engagement this past April, handlers ANIA KELLY and PETER KUBACZ have set the date of May 7 for their upcoming 2026 wedding. ...

More than a shared interest in Great Danes for PATRICE & JEFF LAWRENCE and LISA & HARRY MILLER has brought them closer than ever as their children, handler TRISTEN LAWRENCE and JOHN MILLER, are now engaged to be married. The date has been set for January 14 and will take place on Turks and Caicos, the popular Caribbean destination island overseen by the British. TRISTAN is a talented young handler who is building a successful career. JOHN of course is behind the family business of SITE CONTROL, the company that HARRY and son JOHN have that supply overall support to show-giving dog clubs. Many clubs now rely on SITE CONTROL for their needs to put on a smooth and well-run show. ...

Rounding out this lovefest is the recent engagement of professional handlers HEATHER BUEHLER and JASON MCILWAINE. The trail of this union had the scent of success for a long time and was destined to happen, she of Bloodhounds and he of Otterhounds, and both from Ohio. Wishing all the couples above much happiness and best wishes.