Having started off with a Peke magazine in November of 1983, then one devoted to Poms, then Min Pins, Duane and partner Joe McGinnis made the leap into multi-breed publications with “The Magazine of the Toy Group”— Top Notch Toys —in 1986. It got off to a rocky start. Excitedly announcing his newest project to friends and acquaintances at a Tampa all-breed show, Duane ran into a formida- ble obstacle. A woman who at the time had a lot of clout in the Group turned on him and proceeded to dress him down in very nasty terms. She informed him that he’d never be able to make a Toy magazine fly, that he and his partner were nobodies, and that in particular without HER blessing his new Toy book was “dead in the water.” Well, she didn’t know it, but she’d met her match. Duane fired back, for she’d not only insulted him, and his best friend, she’d also insulted his fledgling TNT . Within a month the first issue was on the street, was met with acclaim, and the magazine quickly became the most suc- cessful Toy publication in history. Long after her name was forgotten, Duane was being applauded for his good work. Duane Doll, then, got the last laugh. This coming March TNT will celebrate its 31st birthday. In keeping with his “Party” theme, Duane co-founded The Orient Express Black Mask Party in honor of the Pekingese Club of America’s Rotating National Specialty, a kick-off party held each year prior to the start of the PCA’s annual show weekend. Guests are requested to wear Black Masks to mirror the black masks on the faces of the dogs they love. The first was held in 1991; the last was held this year in Reno. He also co-founded the “White Excitement Party” with partner Joe and with Carol Frances Andersen of Sand Island fame, which is now a staple on the annual calendar of the American Maltese Associa- tion’s National Specialty. TNT also hosted a “Shrimp & Champagne Party” at various Toy and all-breed events around the country in thanks for the support the magazine received. After launching their all-breed magazine, ShowSight , Joe and Duane debuted the “RedEye Reception” each year the Saturday before Westminster. As with all its other events, this party entertained no speeches nor agenda; it start- ed at 11pm and was a chance for everyone to let their hair down and celebrate with fellow fanciers they don’t often get to see. Following 9/11 this was changed to the Have-A-Heart Ball, a fundraiser benefit- ting Take The Lead and AKC’s Search & Rescue programs. Duane’s philanthropic efforts are well known, as was his caring and generous nature with the people whose lives he touched. The loyalty of his employees and all others he’s dealt with in business or personal situations only pays tribute to his ethics and honesty in all things, at all times. He taught us much and we all owe him a great deal.
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