FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR EMERITUS SOMETIMES ONE JUST HAS TO CELEBRATE . Joseph Neil McGinnis III
Forget what looks like product place- ment; the photo’s there for a reason. Zell vonPohlman and I are pictured waiting to board our flight to judge the Nor’East Cluster, comprised of two clubs: the Clas- sic Toy Dog Club of Western Massachu- setts and the Town & Country Toy Dog Club of Eastern Massachusetts held in North Kingston, Rhode Island May 24-26. The event features Conformation, Obedi- ence and Rally in a very nice show site with more than enough room for growth. It was exciting to have these three very distinct types of competitions under one roof and in a relaxed-enough atmosphere to get to enjoy all. I certainly enjoyed my assignment, as did Mr. vonPohlman. Also, although the show was indoors we all know how capricious Mother Nature can be in that area of the country. The weather, however, was absolutely gor- geous. Speaking of which, there was an ab- solutely gorgeous family sitting across from us at the boarding gate. They were very quiet and seemed amused at our joc- ularity. Conversation ensued. We ended up having a thirty-minute course in Dog Shows 101 with the mother—who dou- bled as our photographer—the father, and their three kids. Interesting thoughts were shared—I’m always intrigued by ‘laymen’s’ opinions of the sport—but we were shocked at their surprise that we’d be “so much fun.” I guess they expected serious, which they’ll get in the ring, and weren’t prepared for the happy attitude and Toy-dog-like celebration of life that fanciers often spread around like sun- shine. I think we learned that from our dogs. In any case, we welcome them (and hope they’ll follow up on what we sug- gested.) Our thanks to the two Clubs, with special kudos to Tom Baldwin and Tammy Jack- son, for a very nice weekend. But that was then and this is now. On this day, I’m reminded of the Pledge we said each day in school, and which I hold so dear. We are extremely lucky to live in a country where we can pursue this hobby; we can never forget how fortunate we are. Until August (August!?!), please remem- ber: He Who Lives with the most Toys Wins! n
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
14 • T op N otch T oys , J uly 2019
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