[ SHOWGSD-L ] AKC Rep.
- From: caggra@xxxxxxx
- To: showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:39:49 -0500
I know I am late coming into the List's discussion of the Mass shows/AKC Rep
issue.? I was off the List for a few weeks due to a heavy work load.? So, I
apologize if I repeat what others have already said.? I have tried to catch up
some through the archives and through talking with other List members.?
I have to say I was SHOCKED when I heard that another exhibitor/double handler
has went on record saying that the AKC Rep acted professionally and did nothing
out of line and that the GSD exhibitors were all exaggerating what happened.?
All I can say to that person is that they must have missed some of the events
that I witnessed.
Of course, like anything, there are exaggerated stories out there and some have
gotten back to me.? The most humorous ones come via people who were not even
there.?? However, as someone who was there, spoke with the Rep., and witnessed
her words and actions, I can tell you that she acted inappropriately.??Never
should she have resorted to putting her hands on people.? And yes she did do
that and sometimes she did so very intensely and I believe she crossed the line
legally.? If she didn't, she came close and she certainly lacked poise and
grace.??
I felt bad for all of the judges who were treated like children.? The judge
walked into the ring and stopped judging on multiple occasions to have a "talk"
with the judges.? She was not discrete at all, which I feel was not necessary
to do to the judges in front of so many exhibitors.? She threatened the judges
with actions such as taking entries or wins away etc.?
It really was a sad situation for all involved.? The judges, exhibitors,
handlers and spectators were all effected negatively.? What is more saddening
is that AKC has since went on record defending this Rep's actions 100% without
hearing all sides or accounts.....??????????
That said, I think it is completely inappropriate for those not directly
involved or effected by the Reps actions to be sending volatile letters to
AKC.? I am told that Peter Gaeta mentioned a lack of "relevant" complaints.?
Peter really is a good, reasonable person.? So, I tend to believe what he
says.? I know Becky meant well by asking everyone to send letters, but I fear
this may backfire on us.? I feel that only those who were touched
inappropriately or felt threatened by the Reps actions should be sending in
detailed accounts/complaints to Peter and AKC.? Also, anyone who actually
witnessed any of this should send articulate, professional letters as well.?? I
would not try to fight AKC about double handling or anything like that.? I
would suggest sticking to the facts of the Reps actions that were
inappropriate.?
One fact is this Rep has cost those clubs entries.? She has tainted the "sport"
of the dog show more than any doubling could ever do.? Nick & I had 10-12
entries at each of the 4 shows.? I doubt we will return.? Not just because of
the Rep, but also because the setting of the shows was not conducive to
showing, especially in what were suppose to be Specialties and All Breeds with
Specialty judges.? Nothing about that setting is positive in regard to the
Judges trying to judge, Handlers trying to handle and exhibitors trying to show
their animals to the best of their ability.? The building is small and rings
are crammed into awkward areas, rings not spaced or sized properly and it's
just not a fun way to show dogs.? Thankfully, we were blessed with?GREAT people
to be around during the whole ordeal and a very nice hotel with lots of
ammenities for all.?
For everyone's sake, I hope that Debbie Hokkanen, all the clubs, & AKC can sort
this out and find a resolution that will be positive for everyone.?
Jeff Pyle
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