What is the most controversial decision you have ever made ( Cindy , as a breeder ; David , as a professional handler ; and Elaine , as a judge )?
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What is the most controversial decision you have ever made ( Cindy , as a breeder ; David , as a professional handler ; and Elaine , as a judge )?
BREEDER-EXHIBITOR Cindy Cooke I suspect I will be the only one with multiple choices . The first was my public opposition to AKC ’ s support of the PAWS bill . That resulted in an invitation from the clubs in the Raleigh cluster to debate AKC ’ s lobbyist ( I showed up ; he didn ’ t ) and a rule change that enabled the AKC to remove me as a delegate . The second was my public criticism of my Parent Club ’ s rescue maven , which resulted in my being suspended for 6 months with a recommendation for expulsion ( members voted overwhelmingly NOT to expel me ). Finally , I ’ m leading the opposition to a change to our breed standard by our current Board and the immediate past President .
PROFESSIONAL HANDLER David Fitzpatrick I would say my most controversial decision as a handler would be having my dog excused from the Toy Group at Westminster . I had high hopes for my little General , but as often happens , things didn ’ t go as wished . While in the waiting area , things started to head south . The meltdown had begun . We entered the ring , and his tail was down . Nothing looks as bad as a Peke dragging his full plume behind him . Being staged on the second side to be examined , I hoped ( for a miracle ) that by the time the first side was examined , he would have his act together . It was not meant to be . We both were ready for a panic attack . Not wanting him to have any more of a bad experience that he might not recover from , I asked Mr . Bradley if we could be excused . Discretely , he asked the judge who granted permission , and we were out . Back in his crate he went , a quick shake , tail up and as happy as can be !
JUDGE Elaine Lessig On Friday , September 13 , 2001 , immediately after the World Trade Center was destroyed by terrorists , I was judging my few Toy breeds as scheduled . The somber mood at the show was in stark contrast to the bright , sunny autumn day . We were all unsure how to behave , but were dignified , though sad .
Sometime after lunch , the Field Rep approached me . Could I return for the Sunday show to judge the balance of the Toy breeds and the Group ? With all flights canceled , the assigned judge was unable to come . We agreed that I was to do those breeds and the Group .
On Sunday morning , I checked in with the Rep , got a pep talk and went off to my ring to begin a full day of judging . Breed followed breed through the day . I felt challenged but comfortable . As I approached the Group ring , I noticed a large handwritten sign announcing another judge was doing the Toy Group . No one bothered to notify me of the change . Although disappointed , I decided that rather than create a controversy , I would simply watch from the periphery . The experience taught me that being gracious is often a better choice . Truly , it is ! DIR
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