for the world-renowned St. Jude Chil- dren’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, but also raised awareness of the many activities for people with their dogs as well establishing a voice for dog people in the Memphis area with regard to legislation. Many aspects of today’s AKC Royal Canin show can be traced back to the St. Jude event. Along with Carol his wife of 36 years they have bred well over 90 AKC Champions including Group, Best in Show and Specialty Winners, dual Champions and multiple performance titled dogs. During the past 40 years Mr. Sommer- felt has been active in a number of dog clubs and is currently the President of the Tennessee Valley Kennel Club. He is recipient of the AKC outstand- ing Sportsmanship Award and is also a career agent and financial planning specialist with Nationwide Insurance. The Sommerfelts’ have two grown chil- dren, both former Junior Handlers and they are still active breeders and exhib- itors of the Vizsla breed.
choices have been formed through their training and interpretation. You may not agree and maybe that video you took with your phone will sup- port your view or that of the judge but, either way, the decision is final, and we must accept it and move on. I, for one, could not imagine using instant replay in our sport. I understand the frustration of ex- hibitors. You have spent your time, money and hours of training and con- ditioning preparing for your moments in the ring and you’re not happy with the outcome. But you are no differ- ent than the gymnast, figure skater, Drill Team, Cheer Team, or any per- son that competes. All competitors train, travel, exert time and expense to compete in what they enjoy. Have you ever looked at how much time and money many individuals spend to just compete in some amateur and Olympic events? Or how many hours high school, college, amateur and pro- fessional teams spend in training and practice? Even with all that practice not all teams reach a high level of suc- cess and it’s not for lack of trying. If you’re one of those exhibitors that simply cannot enjoy our sport for what it is than maybe its time to look for something else. But, if you can accept your wins and losses, learn to be objective, practice to improve your dogs and your skills you will be able to enjoy a sport filled with many friends and great experiences. Special moments between you and that dog that is hopefully your best friend are very exciting. Remember that no matter what the outcome of the day, your dog loves you uncon- ditionally and that alone makes it all worthwhile.
BIO Walter Sommerfelt of Lenoir City, TN has been involved in the sport of pure- bred dogs since acquiring his first Old English Sheepdog in 1972. He is a for- mer professional handler as well as a breeder, and exhibitor of breeds in all seven groups, most notably Vizslas, OES, Pointers, Bearded Collies and Weimaraners. Judging since 1985 he is approved for All Sporting, Working, and Herding breeds and groups, Ju- nior Showmanship and Best in Show and has had the honor of judging on four different continents. Mr. Som- merfelt has judged many of the most prestigious shows in the United States including the herding group at the 2014 Westminster Dog Show in New York City where he has judged on three separate occasions. Mr. Sommerfelt was the founder and chairman for the St. Jude Showcase of Dogs from 1993 until 2009, a unique event showcasing the world of purebred dogs. This special event was the largest collection of various dog events in one location, featuring an AKC all Breed Dog Show, AKC Obedience and Rally Trials, AKC Agility trials, (prior to AKC adding agility NADAC trials ) One of the largest Fly ball tournaments in theU.S.A., Herding and go to ground demonstrations, A main stage featur- ing performances by Canines from Television and the Movies, Freestyle, Demos by drug and various therapy dogs, A full room of booths for meet the breeds, over 50 AKC judges seminars annually, Lure coursing, A fun Zone for Children, and other dog related fun ac- tivities for the general public and their dogs. Over the years the event not only raised hundreds of thousands of dollars
“Remember that no matter what the outcome of the day, your dog loves you unconditionally and that alone makes it all worthwhile.”
46 • T op N otch T oys , J anuary 2020
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