BREEDER INTERVIEW—WARREN & VICKY COOK, SANTANA SALUKIS
Ch. Santana Sirianni License To Chill
Ch. SX4 Santana Wings
Ch. SX3 Wings(Amelia)
Where do you see your breeding program in the next decade or two? We think we have one more Saluki litter in us, providing we have wonder- ful homes for the puppies. We regret that what we have now was not 20 years ago, but art takes time. The Desert Bred and Jen Araby lines together reinforce the breadth and depth of what the Saluki should be, and we want these dogs to be in the hands of breeders who will pass the torch to the future. Finally, tell us a little about Warren and Vicky outside of dogs. What do you do to relax and decompress when you’re not show- ing them or photographing them? We talk about dogs. We live dogs. We discuss how to photograph dogs. It is our life. It is our joy. They are our moment. But we are also great believers in the importance of giving back. We volunteer as Delegates for two all-breed kennel clubs, have occupied offices in those clubs as well as offices in our breed clubs, and have both been show chairs for breed and all-breed clubs. It is important to make certain that the well that you use is carefully nurtured to continue to provide for the future.
each of us to engage with new persons and “newish” persons, to offer help, informa- tion, guidance, unambiguous advice and, mostly, friendship. How do you juggle your dog showing and your successful dog show photography business? Work first. Judging second [Vicky is an AKC judge—AR] . Showing third. We do not exhibit at shows where we shoot, with a couple of exceptions and per- mission from the Show Committee; we sel- dom show in areas where we photograph; and unless we are trying to achieve a Grand Champion certificate, we do not show beyond finishing a dog’s championship. Could you share one great dog show pho- tography story with us? I was at the Umpqua Kennel Club show in Roseburg, Oregon, one year and a handler had a Smooth Coat Chihua- hua up on the table for a win photo. The breed is not always known for its fronts, so as the handler repeatedly and repeatedly tried to put one front foot down straight, then stack the rest of the dog in line with that placement, the judge—the great Anne Rogers Clark—finally spoke up. “Sir! Only God can make a tree! Shoot the picture!”
of the first Desert Storm. So, what we see is a breed that is, genetically, in good shape, and that exceptions that are “generic show dogs” are unusual—what, in Botany, they would refer to as a “sport.” The sport has changed greatly since you first began participating. What are your thoughts on the state of the fancy and the declining number of breeders? How do we encourage newcomers to join us and remain in the sport? The changes are largely a result of declining numbers and a somewhat elitist attitude held by some. When we are at a dog show, if we find someone asking ques- tions about the breed, we have postcards with information on Salukis and contact information to us so that at the end of the discussion they walk away with something in their hands that, hopefully, answers their questions and generates more ques- tions, which may generate more contact. Dog shows are a discretionary activity, funded with discretionary moneys, and they are in competition with other forms of entertainment. They require devotion, assets and considerable time, with little measurable reward. It is incumbent on
128 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, FEBRUARY 2022
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