The Gossip Column: September 19, 2025

I stand corrected, I was given partial information. The PUYALLUP VALLEY DOG FANCIERS is indeed having a show, the show dates are July 3rd, 4th, & 5th 2026 at the Western Washington Fair and Event Center. The entries are in and counted and the MORRIS & ESSEX KENNEL CLUB reached their limited entry of 4455 dogs resulting in 4930 entries. Making this year’s event a record breaker as the largest one day dog show in history. Thanks in part to the generosity of friends, supporters and members who donated not only time but money to the club. This will be the first event without the stewardship and organizational skills of the late DAVE HELMING. But those who worked alongside him in years past are ready and able to take on the task of setting up the grounds. Great news in that best in show judge TERRY STACY will be there front and center to judge an assignment worthy of his years of service and dedication to the sport. It’s been a tough year for TERRY and all his friends are eager to see and cheer him on. American Kennel Club president GINA DINARDO has established a new award called the PRESIDENT’S SPORTSMAN AWARD given to one adult and one junior in recognition of their consistently exhibiting exemplary behavior with integrity along with  mentorship, welcoming newcomers and guiding others with respect that elevates the culture  within the dog community. The selection will be made by committee and the honorees will be invited to the AKC National Championship dog show where the award will be given. All the hoopla about the fee increases didn’t deter board of directors from increasing it to $4.50 this year with an expected increase to $5.50 the following year. Happy wedding anniversary to JIM & MARY NORTON AUGUSTUS and LEE & JERRY BERKOWITZ. Celebrating Birthdays… The first lady of Basenjis DAMARA BOLTE, JULIE MUELLER, BRUCE SCHULTZ, ROBERTA LOMBARDI,  KATHY FERRIS, ALISA SYAR, ERICA LANASA, JACK SECREST, MARIE FALCONER NUTTING, KATHLEEN STEEN, JOE BREEN, BRYAN TIMBY, RICHARD LASHBROOK, MANDY CLEVENGER, VALERIE NUNES ATKINSON, PAT CRUZ, LINDA PITTS, JOE KINNARNEY, JACKIE ADAMS, DAVID BUENO, ANNE CATTERSON, KIRSI SAINIO, ZACK HELMER, GRAHM SWAYZE, PAM MANDEVILLE, COLTON JOHNSON, MELODY SALMI, HOLLEY ELDRED, ANNEMARIE RUGGIERI and last but not least that loyal Mets fan PHIL PETILLO.