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USA VISIT 1994
"AMERICA - OUR TRIP OF A LIFETIME" (Page6)
Author Liz O'Connor (UK Renza Afghans)Over the next few days it was a pleasure to meet up with so many other enthusiasts, those over from England were Simon Parsons (Dog World Editor), Pam and Stuart Mottershaw (off to stay with the famous Sutton's for a few days), and Mark Cocozza (spending time with Stanley's breeders and "family"). We also met up with some Brits who no longer live in England. Daphne Gie (having just judged an Afghan speciality) was one (She looked really well, just shows what Australian sun can do for you!); Tricia Collins still with a hint of a British accent, despite having lived in California for many years.
Stephanie Hunt-Crowley was someone I wanted to meet - we have been very entertained by her stories in the AHR! - she is now resident in the USA having lived for many years in Canada. Viv and Pete Machen, now living in Canada, had their British bred Kharisar Elice entered, she looked pretty as a picture and not out of place in the American ring.
Finally late afternoon on the Wednesday, after the hectic days of preparation, we finally sat down ringside to watch Sweeps. Rudy and Ella were both entered (the same judging arrangements as described for LeHigh, but without any babies under 6 mths. of age). Everyone assembles in their class in number order - but that is not alphabetical order. Entries are taken by dog show organisations - they arrange EVERYTHING! - and in this case it was the well known Jim Rau Dog Shows Ltd, they allocate ring numbers on a receipt basis (and all entries are notified to exhibitors a week before the show, so you know exactly the timing, entry and programme for the show). (For the record entries are cheaper than the UK and entries close much later - usually 3 weeks before the date ot a show).
All exhibits enter the ring and are sent around the whole ring twice and assemble in the corner before assessment. Each dog is examined then sent in a triangle and then all around the ring to the end of the line, they can then relax until the judge is ready to make placements - and relaxing means they can move out of order, go out of the ring - we even saw one exhibitor leave the ring and put the dog back on its grooming table where his coat was blow-dried all over gain! Back in the ring, exhibits are short-listed, moved repeatedly and placed whilst on the move. Placements are 1 st to 4th only, and the gifts presented were breathtaking, not just rosettes, which were large and multicoloured, but lead crystal, mounted prints, bronzes, jewellery, etc. and in Sweeps only 35% of entry money is retained for expenses, the rest is divided as prize money for winners (Guaranteed!), 1 st =40%, 2nd = 30%, and so on. Rudy was third in his class which won enough to pay for a round ot drinks or two!
In the evening we went off to dinner at a local bar and were accompanied by Rosemary Sutton and Claudia Jakus. What a night! Rosemary and Claudia are larger than life and were great company.
Back again on the Thursday to see the dogs Classes, fortunately Paul Lepiane (Publisher of AHR) had saved us seats ringside (for Simon too) to watch the gorgeous Richard Souza (Coastwinds) in action. I found his ring procedure riveting, whether you liked his placings or not, it was obvious what he was looking for and this was reflected in his winners.
I was delighted after classes were complete to be introduced to not only Richard but also Peter Belmont, of Elmo fame. Peter has a unique view and although you may not necessarily agree with his philosophy, you have to admire his belief in the breed. How I would love to see him round the table with some British stalwarts presenting his view on the Afghan Hound!
During the interval we had the opportunity to stroll around the show. Outside Pure Pet had provided bathing facilities (this was forbidden in the hotel rooms); there were three or four grooming tables, plus everything you could want, including hot and cold water, hosepipes, shampoos, conditioners, etc. This was all FREE OF CHARGE! Back inside the grooming area took up half the hall. The carpeted floor had been covered with nonslip plastic, and electric points were provided via extension leads, all over the place - there were certainly plenty to go around. There were lots of dryers to be seen and almost all dogs are crated, which combine as grooming tables. I find it hard to understand why there should be such criticism of these crates, It is certainly safer for the dogs with so many people and equipment about - and there were no benches (which begs the question, if a bench is OK why not crate?)
Back to our ringside seats to watch the start of the Bitches Classes, up to Junior, which were judged by George Guthrie. The same format applied as before, with the remainder of the classes being judged the following day, plus BOB competition, also to be judged by Mrs Guthie.
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