The Gossip Column: January 17, 2025

The fires are still raging in Southern California, and the AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB, AKC REUNITE and PURINA PRO PLAN have already sent help to the affected areas. The animals left homeless due to shelters that won't accept them and those unfortunately abandoned in the rush to evacuate are in need of immediate care. Sending food and other provisions is greatly needed — not just for dogs, but also for cats, horses and other domestic and farm animals. Anyone who is familiar with those areas and has now seen recent photographs can appreciate the devastation caused by those raging fires. ...

TAKE THE LEAD has also made it known that they are there to help anyone who has suffered losses from the fires. Contact LYNETTE THAYER at the TAKE THE LEAD offices at 800-814-1123. ...

Next weekend MEET THE BREEDS will take place at Manhattan’s Javits Center on Saturday and Sunday, January 25 and 26. ...

The WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB has selected SARAH K. LYLE, DVM, MS, PHD, DACT as its Veterinarian of the Year for her academic, clinical and charitable contributions. In doing so, WESTMINSTER will donate $10,000 to NOT ONE MORE VET, an organization that supports veterinary professionals dealing with mental well-being. ...

WESTMINSTER also recognizes the good works of parent clubs in their rescue efforts. In the WESTMINSTER GIVES BACK program, three clubs will receive $5,000 each in support of their rescue programs: the BULL TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA, the IBIZAN HOUND CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES and the TIBETAN TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA. ...

Also taking place during the big Westminster weekend is the general meeting of the MORRIS & ESSEX KENNEL CLUB, which will be held on Sunday, February 9, at 1 p.m. in the Sutton Place room on the third floor of the NEW YORKER HOTEL. As a reminder: Don't forget the show will take place in October. ...

Celebrating Birthdays … Two of the grand ladies of our sport, PAT TROTTER and JEAN HETHERINGTON. Also celebrating … AMY GREEN, MARCELO VERAS, NANCY MARTIN (who has been doing great work for the last several years to help feed the pets of those serving in the armed forces), BILL SAHLOFF, DARYL MARTIN, PENNY DUGAN, MICHAEL WORK, JOHN WADE, MANDY CARLSON, KAREN BRUNEI, SARAH LAWRENCE, JESSICA PLOURDE, CHUCK KROTHE, JO ANNE MITTELMAN, CATHERINE BELL, PEGGY HELMING, SHARON NEWCOMB and SUSAN GILES.