Hold the press... FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR EMERITUS Joseph Neil McGinnis III I know, I know, it’s not a Toy, but the smiles all around are familiar to fanciers of Group V as well. I guess the feeling that radiates from the group in the picture is good enough reason to share it with the world. At least, it was enough for me to scuttle my scheduled edi- torial and replace it with this. As it was, I was all set to type like the wind, telling tales of recent ac- tivities that made me smile wide, I opened one more email note and changed my gameplan, fast. For to my delight, this photo arrived and I really wanted to use it because I think it says so much. It was my pleasure to serve on the West Volusia KC’s recent panel, and part of my assignment was Best 4-6 Puppy in Show. Little did I know that my eventual winner, “Breeze,” would bring along her coterie of young admirers (and of course her young owner/handler) for this fun Don Meyer photo. The picture feels oddly familiar, for I wore the same ex- pression as these young ladies and gentlemen when I was their age and had a dog in my arms. I proba- bly still do.
Junior Ambassador Program, including how to sign up to be a men- tor or mentee, please visit https://www.akc.org/sports/juniors/ So it’s hats off to AKC for another big step in encouraging growth in our sport. Speaking of which, I extend my thanks and congrat- ulations to West Volusia Kennel Club, Cathy Driggers, President,
Mark Driggers, Show Chair, and especially my longtime
In any case it rekindled my passion for welcom- ing the very young, treating them with kindness and hoping, praying, that they will remain in the fancy’s embrace for the rest of their lives. It’s how many of us started. It’s how many of us intend to end up.
Although this photo’s not from a Junior Showmanship class (which, by the way, I also judged and was once again thrilled at the talent being shown by these promising young people.) I also need to point out that the finalists for BPIS held a depth of quality that was a joy to judge, and I’m very proud of these exhibitors for the happy attitude of their pups proving that they were trained with love. And I’m happy to report another program instituted by AKC to foster and promote the youth involvement in our sport. AKC LAUNCHES JUNIOR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM Designed to encourage, support, and educate youth participants. Raleigh, NC— The American Kennel Club, the world’s largest dog registry, leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is proud to announce the launch of the AKC Junior Mentor Program. The goals of the AKC Junior Mentor Program are to provide Jun- iors just entering the sport or those looking to sharpen their skills with a positive role model and friend who will help them on their journey to become an accomplished Junior; and, to provide expe- rienced Juniors (mentors) the opportunity to improve their own skills while sharing their experiences. Mentors will provide advice and support in topics such as handling, grooming, proper dress and behavior, sportsmanship and more. Participating in the Junior Mentor Program as a mentor or mentee counts toward the number of activities required to become a Junior Ambassador, a program that recognizes Juniors for being active in the sport. “A mentor program is a great opportunity for Juniors actively involved in AKC events to assist new young people in AKC Events,” says Mari-Beth O’Neill, Vice President of Sports Services. To learn more about the AKC Junior Mentor Program or the AKC
friend, the amazingly capable Susan Shephard, head of Judges Panel & Publicity and a great breeder in her own right. And I’d like to give a shout out to the promising exhibitors in the photo: (l to r) Vaughn Hathaway, Sammy Schrager, Isobel Cloudman, Emily Cloudman and Liam Hathaway. You guys are awesome. And last but not least, we here at TNT send a huge congratula- tions to Larry & Penny Dewey, Ruffian Min Pins of Katy, Texas (in- sert above), for being selected as AKC’s TOP TOY BREEDERS FOR 2018. The Awards Site says “Min Pins are a plucky toy breed with a lot of heart, and, fittingly, the Deweys have been just as intently engaged in their four decades in the breed. Larry, who is also a judge, has served as president of the Miniature Pinscher Club of America and managed its Health and Research Fund. Penny is the club’s longtime judges’ education chair and was the president of the Miniature Pinscher Club of Greater Houston. Their dogs have equally impressive resumes, winning national specialties and Bests in Show.” Our best wishes to this dedicated couple; BREEDER OF THE YEAR will be announced during the AKC National Champi- onship this December in Orlando. Here’s wishing everyone a marvelous holiday, and hope we all remember the great deal for which we should give thanks. See you next month.
18 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2018
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