The Gossip Column: May 1, 2026

It’s award season again at the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB. Two awards are being offered, the ACE AWARD for working dogs and the PEA AWARDS for kennel clubs serving their com-munities. Nominations are now being accepted for the PEA (PUBLIC EDUCATION AWARD). All kennel clubs are eligible to apply. Clubs are rewarded for their community works in educating the public about dogs. Concentrating on educational opportunities about AKC dog sports and events, pure bred dogs, responsible dog ownership and how to act around dogs. The club se-lected by a committee of American Kennel Club employees will receive a $500 award, a com-memorative plaque and recognition on all American Kennel Club educational platforms. Included with the application must be a proof of public education outreach activities with photos during the past year. The deadline is July 1st to apply. Clubs that have already been recognized are not eligible to apply in consecutive years but clubs can re-apply after a one year non participa-tion. The HUMANE FUND is accepting nominations for the 2026 ACE AWARDS for a Therapy Dog. By definition, a therapy dog is certified to work in hospitals, schools, disaster and war zones. The Therapy Dog is one of six categories awarded with an award. The other five catego-ries are Uniformed Service K-9, Exemplary Companion, Search and Rescue, Service Dog and Teams. If you are planning on attending the WORLD DOG SHOW in Bologna, Italy you will now need an EES (ENTRANCE EXIT SYSTEM) form to enter any of the 27 European Union coun-tries. While you can fill the primary information 72 hours before you fly, you will be required to be photographed and finger print scanned upon entry. So, if you have immediate plans or flight connections be sure to leave extra travel time. Some popular airports report long lines at that can take hours because of the process. Just a heads up. Well known and popular retired judge GERALD SCHWARTZ has passed away at the age of 91. Our deepest sympathies to his wife NANCY and family. BOBBI DAVIS the wife of the late DON has passed away. They were the owners of the most successful dog concession of that time, DON DAVIS PET SUPPLIES at California and Arizona dog shows. The DAVIS’ were also members of several clubs, namely the newly renamed Simi Valley Kennel Club. Celebrating a Wedding Anniversaries are MARIE & TOM NUTTIG and SARAH & RICHARD LAWRENCE.  Celebrating Birthdays…TIM LEHMAN, DYLAN KIPP KEITH, RANDY GARREN, PAM LAMBIE, ELAINE PAQUETTE, HEATHER JOHNSON, NANCY SPELKE, MELISSA BRUCKER, LINDA KINGSLEY and last, but not least, and not oldest (well maybe) BARBARA MILLER who won’t be attending her own kennel club’s dog show as her grandson is getting married on that day.