The Gossip Column: March 20, 2026

The dynamics of dog shows in the present day are so different from those in the past as to the numbers of entries and the locations of venues, so it was refreshing to see that the KENTUCKIANA CLUSTER in Louisville continues to be a leader in size and popularity, and this weekend the SOUTH FLORIDA CLASSIC CLUSTER in West Palm Beach has morphed into a large entry weekend with many specialties and special events. Hopefully the growth will continue.  The AKC DOG MUSEUM OF THE DOG will have a new exhibition titled SCOTLAND, THE BRAVE DOGS starting on March 26th, to coincide with New York’s Tartan Week that will run through July 12th. It will feature the works of EDWIN DOUGLAS, SAMUEL FULTON, SIR EDWIN LANDSEER, RICHARD ANSDELL, JOHN SARGENT NOBLE and GEORGE & MAUD EARL. A rare opportunity to see this comprehensive collection of some of the world’s most famous animal artists. For those of you who enjoy Agility, the AKC NATIONAL AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIP held in Galway Downs, in Temecula, California with commentary from KELLY O’DONNEL and CARRIE DEYOUNG will be televised on the AKC TV website and app and on YouTube Live on Friday, March 20 through Sunday March 22nd. Call it what you like but the war with Iran has created a sad situation for pet owners who are fleeing the surrounding Arab states having to leave their beloved pets behind. Unfortunately, the aircrafts sent from different countries whose citizens are stranded have no room for them to bring their pets out of danger. In England, dog licenses were suspended in 1987 and in 2016 all dogs must be microchipped. Now the Green Party of England and Wales wants all 13.5 million dogs to once again be licensed on a two-tier level: breeding and non-breeding. They are also pushing for a ban on Greyhound and horse racing. The full album of KAREN LEFRAK’s AMERICAN PROMISE is now available. The piece AMERICAN PROMISE was commissioned by the National Symphony orchestra and performed by the LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA conducted by WILLIAM ROSS in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. English Setter fancier MAURA PTACEK is currently in a nursing facility and I’m sure she would like to hear from her friends. She can be reached at the Sunharbor Manor, 255 Warner Avenue, Roslyn Heights, New York 11577 Room 101 or email birdhavenes@yahoo.com. Celebrating Birthdays… GABRIEL BOXER, REGINA KEITER, MARJORIE MARTORELLA, ALLISON ALEXANDER FOLEY, MIKE PITTS, MERRY FITZGERALD, SUSAN DEPEW, PLUIS DAVERN, TERRI MEYERS, PEGGY MCGILL, MEAGAN ULFERS, TIFFANY SAXON and CHRIS KING.