Question of the Week

Dave Merriam

Bonsall, California

Flamboyant? No. Dynamic? Not really. Loyalty and commitment to AKC? 110%. Quiet and competent administration and leadership? Yes. Yes. As an insider and outsider, I have known, worked with and observed Dennis, all as a friend as well. My congratulations, Dennis, for a job well done.

Karen LeFrak

New York, New York

When I was welcomed into the dog fancy in 1996 with my first show dog, Ale Kai Diamonds and Pearls (“Jewel”), my beloved handler and co-owner Wendell Sammet wanted me to meet one of his dearest friends, Dennis Sprung. Well, needless to say, it was attachment at first sight!

And this kind, generous, knowledgeable and instructive, not to mention well-turned-out, neat-as-a-pin, polite and dependable gentleman became my closest friend for the next 29 years. I can count on one hand the times he hasn’t greeted me in the morning with a cheery phone call. I was thrilled when he became president in 2003, knowing the fancy found the best person who had just fixed the registration meltdown in North Carolina.

What has happened to Dennis regarding his dismissal from the presidency of the AKC during this past Westminster weekend leaves me to wonder how the AKC will ever repair its reputation. Let’s not forget who stepped up during Covid and even going back to 911. When someone in the fancy has a problem, the first reaction is to call Dennis. And of course everyone has his cell phone number. He never forgets people in the sport, from the handlers, owners, breeders, judges, superintendents, and on and on. Even when Wendell became ill, Dennis called him frequently and sent custom-made puzzles, wide-lined writing paper and get-well cards on a constant basis. 

Fortunately, Dennis has mentored Gina over the years, and in fact was the person who hired her. We all wish her the best, but it remains a sad day for AKC.

Donald Sturz

Brooklyn, New York

Dennis Sprung has been a friend and a mentor throughout my entire adult life. I have always held him in high regard and have always respected his unwavering commitment to the sport. In my lifetime, there has not been a more influential and effective leader at the helm of AKC. More importantly, Dennis has always been and continues to be a dearly loved friend. I wish him all the love and happiness he deserves. 
 

Richard Reynolds

Tenafly, New Jersey

I first met Dennis Sprung when we were both young pups on Long Island. He was a member of the very tightly bound community we had out there that included a number of folks who went on to become famous in the dog world: Bobby Clyde, Matt and Gene, Jackie Vogels, Len Brumby and more. I was a bit disappointed when Dennis went to work for AKC because it took him out of the mainstream of our Long Island family. Twenty-two years ago, when he became president, he said to me, “I promise you that my door will always be open.” I’ve taken him up on that three times in the last two decades, and he was as good to his word on those occasions as he always was. He was literally on the job 24/7. In AKC’s own terminology, he “exceeded expectations” by a country mile.

Dennis and Ron Menaker were a team without equal, and the AKC would not be a shadow of what it is today without their leadership and innovation. There are so many challenges that lie ahead of us today. I shall miss his leadership very much indeed. 

The standing ovation that he received at the delegates meeting and the President Emeritus don’t begin to convey my sense of respect and gratitude for a lifetime of service.

Patricia Proctor

Yarmouth Port, Masachusetts

My thoughts? Well, the bottom line is the board clearly needed to get Dennis "out of the way" to make room for one of their own to take his place. I assume that seemed simple enough to the board's mindset seeing that the state has an "at will" firing policy. No need to state a reason — even though out of respect to Dennis and the other delegates who voted the board members in, a reason would have been proper. What I find interesting is I believe the board's thought process stopped here. It was at this point in time that their scheme fell short.

In looking over the past several years of items the board dealt with or created, and the recent elections, the current board seemed to be all wrapped up in the tight shelter of their own cocoon. I question if their position on any of their decisions were to enhance the sport and the AKC, or generated by personal agendas and egos — self serving, without any outside thoughts for the purpose for which they were elected. 

In my opinion, this mindset seemed to create their failure in what they were trying to accomplish in getting Dennis "out of the way." They didn't look outside their cocoon. They never reached outside that cocoon to the reality of the sport itself. Had they, they would have realized the massive support that Dennis earned over his 22 years as president. Their rush to make their plan work ignored their audience and the probable reaction from the core of the sport — exhibitors, clubs, owner-handlers, professional handlers and judges — which was an overwhelming rage, disappointment and confusion. And to add more selfishness to this, the board's timing was incredibly disrespectful to the Westminster KC and of course to Dennis himself. 

And yet, still no reason offered. This all was sloppy and naive at best. And to think that the delegate body elected the members of the board assuming that they would work for the sport, the AKC, the member clubs, the breeders and exhibitors. This action was not only a slap across Dennis Sprung's face, but a slap across the face to the entire sport.  

Dennis is a good and decent man who cared for the AKC beyond all those board members put together, who personalized his position to reach out to the fancy and make a much-needed connection. To me, the only good — beyond good, great — outcome of this is that the AKC will have Gina DiNardo in place to continue Dennis's great work and move the company forward. I question the board's intentions and motives still. I pray I am wrong. 

Anne Radice

New York, New York

I am proud to be his friend.

Peter Gaeta

Iron Station, North Carolina

Business is business, and I am old enough to remember many kinds of business. Back in the 1940s, most neighborhoods had corner stores: the ones where kids ran to pick up a quart of milk for Mom or a package of razor blades for Dad. Ours was Brook’s Market. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks were there every day. They knew my name. Indeed, they knew the names of most of their customers. We were all “regulars,” almost extended family. On the other hand, we also had large corporate stores (Piggily Wiggily, A&P and Safeway). They could not have cared less who shopped there.

Well, AKC is not the corner store. While it is a big corporation, it is not a huge, indifferent corporate entity. Within its functional domain, those of us involved are a family of sorts (usually dysfunctional). However, what has happened to Dennis Sprung should not happen to a family member, nor to anyone by an organization such as AKC.

Dennis was always working. I can remember working late on memos to the board and seeing Darrell Hayes’ telephone line light up. I answered his phone when he was not in the office or on another line. It was not uncommon for Dennis to call an hour or two after normal office hours. As I said, Dennis was always working. While we likely will never learn the whole story behind his separation, I prefer to embrace the possibility that the manner in which it was done includes some element of respect for Dennis’ privacy.

Regardless … godspeed, Dennis Sprung.

Sue Lackey

Delaplane, Virginia

I know this one memory is not unique, because it was all Dennis thought about, talked about, all he truly wanted.

Many decades ago, we were at a show, and Dennis was seriously contemplating quitting his lucrative job in the rag trade to apply to be an AKC rep. It would involve a serious pay cut and a lot of sacrifice for both Dennis and Susan. I asked him what future he saw in that, and he said in all seriousness, “I want to be the president of the AKC.”

It was a goal not arising from hubris, but from a serious desire to serve an institution he believed in with his very soul. Even when the avarice of several board members led to his unfair and heedless dismissal, Dennis would not disparage the board or its decision. He would not say anything negative about the AKC, an institution he had devoted his life to.

I have many other memories of Dennis, all of them involving conversations that ended in tears of laughter. But it’s going to take us all out to dinner with a couple of bottles of wine before you hear those.

Susan LaCroix Hamil

Laguna Beach, California 

Dennis, I wish you the best in your retirement, and I sincerely thank you for all you have done for AKC and dogs.

Your accomplishments are many: Preservation of world-class artwork in both AKC offices, library, archives and Museum of the Dog. Delivering an on-site X-ray machine for search dogs at the towers after 9-11, DOGNY, AKC Reunite, Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC National Championship. This list goes on to include your many kindnesses to those in the fancy who needed assistance. 

Your legacy will continue, and I will continue to support appreciation of what you have brought to us all and our dogs.

Had to include this picture from Orlando! (See top of article)

Sue and Harvey Goldberg

Warren, New Jersey

Dennis and I have known each other for well over 30 years. His love of all things AKC and the sport are legendary. It is not an overstatement to say that AKC has rarely had an employee as dedicated as he. He was in the office most every weekend, made himself available to everyone in the fancy, gave his cell phone number freely, responded promptly to every call, and was always the epitome of courtesy and professionalism. Even those few times when we agreed to disagree, he was always willing to listen and consider viewpoints other than his own. Many times I suggested he take a vacation and he would say he's "too busy"; he has "too much work to do." His promotion of DOGNY and Meet the Breeds are only two shining examples of the legacy Dennis leaves behind. We wish him a well-deserved, long, healthy and happy retirement. He leaves very big shoes to fill.  

While the timing and means by which Dennis was terminated were a master class in mismanagement, the board has at least made the right decision appointing his successor. Gina is unquestionably qualified and well prepared to step into the role of president/CEO and will surely do us all proud. By the same token, promoting Sheila Goff to succeed Gina as executive secretary was also a great decision. These two bright, deserving women make a great team, and we wish them both all the best in their new roles!

Adrienne Hill

Alta Loma, California

Dennis Sprung is the prominent business figure and mentor in my life coming from a family of teachers. I attribute my transition from professional handler to pharma rep to leader to the lessons learned while an AKC intern in New York City. In business, there is much more than your role remit to be responsible for, and he taught me to do that with integrity and honor while being assertive. Dennis, thank you for all you did to forward and preserve the AKC and its mission, “promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.” You are a true company man through and through. 

Mary Anne Brocious

Milford, Michigan

There was a certain continuity with Dennis at the helm for so long. Change is always difficult. However, there is a way to manage change and move a company forward. Without all the details, we can’t speak to why it was an abrupt departure. A change of this magnitude required careful planning to determine who would be affected beyond just the individual. AKC has high visibility, and a careful strategy for this type of change does not appear to have been developed. If I understand the structure of the AKC, it is a club of clubs. There is a delegate body that represents the members of the organization. These supporting clubs that are a major source of the revenue stream for the organization deserve an honest answer. To date, no answer has been given, but should be.

I and the members of the Ann Arbor Kennel Club (a member club) wish Dennis the very best in all his future endeavors. He had a long and successful run.

Pamela Bruce

Niagara, Ontario, Canada

I personally cannot remember a time in my life when I did not have the incredible friendship and guidance of Dennis Sprung.

It was because of Dennis I was introduced to Michael Canalizo, and the Afghans of Grandeur. It was because of Dennis I later met Roger Rechler and became part of such an incredible opportunity and team! They became the best family I could have ever asked for. 
Dennis has given his entire life to dogs, and to the AKC. May he live a long, healthy and happy retirement. Dennis Sprung is an incredible dog person and judge. I cannot wait to be on a future judging panel with him! Thank you for everything, Dennis — the future looks bright! 
P.S. Just back from South America, and the common thread wherever I travel is HOW could all of this have happened to Dennis Sprung!?

Pat Cruz

Coram, New York 

Delegate, Heart of the Plains Kennel Club

Former board member and vice chair of the board

Dennis and I have had a friendship of nearly six decades that I hope continues for decades to come. We’ve shared many highs and lows in each of our lives — but sharing this one is probably one of the hardest. Knowing him is knowing “that what you see is what you get.” Not knowing is what makes this difficult. Wondering why his career at AKC has come to an abrupt halt, a final exit. If the reason for his exit, known only to the board at AKC, had been made public, the issue could be put to rest. But the ambiguity of why and how it evolved has cast a shadow. A shadow with a long reach that raises more questions than it answers here in the U.S. and in the international community. At this time, when AKC is currently spending millions of dollars on brand equity, what will the reputational cost be with the investigative reporters from Business Insider, The New York Times and other media outlets?

I know that he had been offered the opportunity to extend his current contract, an extension to the current one that had a little more than three years left. He chose not to take that option. Telling them, the AKC board of directors, that his exit would be on his terms, the end of the current contract. If something so egregious occurred between that time and February 6-7, 2025, then the delegates have a right to know. But the board has chosen to cloud his “retirement” while delegates, friends of the sport around the world, family and close friends are left to their own conjecture. This group knows Dennis, so our thoughts didn’t take a negative turn. We know BETTER. But a cloak of the meeting on February 6-7 should be lifted: Who was in the room, were options offered, was it cut and dried? From my own board experience, I know that votes that were reported to delegates as unanimous were anything but. They were massaged and announced unanimous, after lengthy convincing.

Even at the WKC dinner, where Dennis was announced as the most consequential president in AKC’s history, the news of his “retirement” had been released. Breaking the news at the Westminster Kennel Club weekend took some of the shine off an otherwise wonderful event. Thankfully, Westminster rose above that and its homecoming to Madison Square Garden was never tarnished by the board’s actions. But the show gave an opportunity for the sitting board to revel in their “accomplishment,” while some proclaimed their rise to leadership within the AKC organization, not even waiting for the desk chair to get cold! In fact, the dates following the board meeting, other board members stated they were asked to vote for a “termed out” board member as interim president, even though it was announced to staff that a search for interim president was going to be conducted. Was this a coup or not?

The tradition of “class of the AKC” completely lost on these “protectors of the sport.” One wonders if the clubs that sent these sitting board members as their delegates to the AKC empowered them to dismantle the structure once they became board members. Had their representative clubs agreed with this action, with recent actions against other member clubs within our delegate body, with changing the bylaws to suit a few/one of their own?

Still wondering when the delegate body will get the transparency, often bragged about, but seldom witnessed, when it comes to executive session and minutes sent to delegates. Often on the negative end of a vote while I sat on the board, I know that it’s not easy. But these recent actions provide little information and again “cloak” their actions at a time when visibility and transparency are a must. 

Speaking of delegates, at the December meeting a number of board candidates called for participation from each club’s delegates and the nine standing committees to be involved in strategic planning. At the March meeting, under new business, the request for strategic planning was again repeated with participation by the delegate body to commence immediately. This, too, being ignored, dismissed by Board, as well as the insistence on transparency?

Dennis has shown more class in these last weeks than the combined members of the AKC board that arranged for this “retirement.” In the office every day, working with clubs, going to shows. His head held high like the gentleman he is and preparing for the success of President and CEO Gina DiNardo and Executive Secretary Sheila Goffe in their new roles. The line of succession put in place, long before the few on the board that allege they know better. Or will there be more “secret meetings” to push agendas that will extend their reach into changing the bylaws, the culture and traditions of our American Kennel Club. Still wondering while standing behind our new president and CEO and our new executive secretary.

Peter J. Festa 

Smithtown, New York

I have always been there to assist AKC with my Bulldogs whenever Dennis needed me. Dennis was always willing to try something different and never held back on trying. When I was invited to the lease signing for the Museum of the Dog, Dennis asked me what I thought. I said, "It could be great. If not, at least you tried!" Dennis always made people feel welcome and wanted. When I introduced him to my fianceé for the first time at the Westminister dog show, he told her, "This guy is more than a 10 — he is an 11! You’re a lucky girl." He always makes people feel good. Good luck, Dennis — you’re such a gentleman!

Sylvia Arrowwood

Charleston, South Carolina

I remember Dennis when he handled Afghans many years ago. He then moved to AKC and worked his way up to president, where I encountered him again as part of the delegate body. Dennis always treated me with respect and answered my queries on the spot, or would find the correct reply and get back to me. I base my opinions on my experiences, and all were positive.

Barbara Miller

Brookville, New York

Dennis not only tried his best as president of the AKC, but outdid himself as well. It should be up to the AKC board to count the blessings Dennis bestowed on the canine world. The board should also step up to the plate advising all of us as to why he was “fired.” Good luck, Dennis. Now is your chance to write the AKC book and include all the hidden secrets.

Charles Olvis and Liz Muthard

Lake Wales, Florida

A great dog person, even better human being, very caring. Liz and I had some health issues — we were in the hospital — and Mr. Sprung was one the first people to call to see if we were OK and to offer any help if we needed it. That’s class. We will never forget his kindness throughout the years to us and many in our sport. Thank you, Mr. Sprung. Glad to call you our friend.