The Gossip Column: January 12, 2024

We are all familiar with Breeder of the Year when it comes to conformation, but the American Kennel Club also recognizes by sport, and those recipients are DENNIS & JENNIFER HAZEL, Pointing Breed Field Events; JASON HEFFELMEIER, Retriever Field Events; KIM HANSEN, Spaniel Field Events; RAYMOND BRANTNER & ROBERT CONNELL, Hound Field Events; DEBORAH GEORGE, Herding; LIZ GREEN, Lure Coursing; PEGGY METCALF, Earthdog; WALTER CARLEE, Coonhounds; JULIE OAKES, Agility; NANCY JABLONSKI, Obedience; BILLY & DEE DEE ANDERSON, Rally, and THOMAS WOODWARD & TERESA BRADLEY, Tracking. ...

Start looking down at the end of the Herding Group for its newest member, the LANCASHIRE HEELER. This latest breed to be given full recognition by the American Kennel Club brings the total to 201 recognized breeds. A brief history: They date from the 17th Century, but their origins are not known. A small, sturdy, short-legged black-and-tan dog, they were cattle herders and ratters. We entertained getting one 20-some-odd years ago, but were told they would not get along with our other dogs. The breed was a favorite of the late ANNIE CLARK, who kept one as a pet. ...

A law that was passed in New York in 2022 that has now been in effect as of January 1, 2024, bans the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops. They will, however, be allowed to display animals available for adoption events in conjunction with local adoption agencies. ...

This Sunday, January 14, longtime friends who were both widowed, KIMBERLY HALL and RICHARD GREEN, son of GAYNOR GREEN and PETER GREEN, will be married in Stevens, Pennsylvania. All of us at DOG NEWS wish the happy couple our best. ...

All of us at DOG NEWS were shocked and saddened to hear that Kerry Blue Terrier breeder and exhibitor CAROL BROWN passed away. She and her husband LARRY were successful in the ring and very active in local clubs for more than 50 years. We send our deepest sympathies to LARRY and their sons BOB and MICHAEL and families. The family has requested those wishing to make a contribution in CAROL’S memory do so to the Chabad of Central Bucks County Pennsylvania, Kerry Blue Rescue or the Israel Seeing Eye Dog Institute. ...

Belated best wishes to BOB & SALLY FUTH, who just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. They have also been judging for 57 and 66 years, respectively. ...

Celebrating Birthdays … JOSEPH VERGNETTI, CAROLYN KOCH, HARRY MILLER, ADAM PETERSON, EILEEN HACKETT, WYOMA CLOUSS, SHARON PFLUEGER, CHRIS ERICKSON, DEB SHINDLE, JACKIE RAYNER, TAMMY SEIDLITZ, COLETTE LIVINGSTON-KEITH and FELICIA CASHIN.