A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER CELEBRATING YOU! Did you know that more than 80 percent of show dogs are handled by their owners? Without owner-handlers, the fancy wouldn’t be what it is today. Now is a good time for us to celebrate and thank each of our owner-handlers. The success of our shows is the result of their dedica- tion and hard work. Did you know there are approximately 22,000 AKC events held each year? Ladies and Gentleman, our sport is growing—and it’s not slowing down. One of the big reasons for this growth is the introduction of the National Owner-Handled Series. Since its introduction a little more than five years ago, this competition has helped the fancy to grow year after year. So, let’s be sure to thank the clubs that have offered this series as well as those that are looking to introduce it as part of their show weekend. The more clubs that offer the series, the better it will be for our sport. Show chairs, please remember that what’s good for the fancy is good for your club as well. I remember when the Owner-Handled Series was introduced. Almost everyone thought it wasn’t going to be special. Some even thought that it was a second-tier competition. But with a positive attitude, a willingness to accept change and, most importantly, a lot of hard work, the series has become a success and the number of owner-handlers overall has skyrocketed. The Owner-Handled Series is a reminder that there are many reasons to exhibit your “per- fect” dog, not just for the ratings systems and winning at all costs. We do have to thank the American Kennel Club for instituting the series and for listening to you. They’ve been working hard making improve- ments for the better. Yes, there is long way to go. But everything takes time and refinements are sure to be made toward perfecting the point system, making the event more prestigious, and getting more clubs in- volved. As they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” If our attitude remains positive, we can ignore the trouble-makers and bring a smile back to dog shows. If we have the will to work hard to make things better, we can achieve anything. Why did I mention trouble-makers and the negative crowd? Well, be- cause there aren’t as many of them as you might think. Over 98 percent of the people in our sport are amazing, positive people who want the sport to thrive. But then you have that two percent who just don’t share the same goals as the positive people who want to be happy, enjoy the dogs and make dog shows a perfect weekend getaway—a vacation! So, why do a lot of people think that the sport is hurting? Simple an- swer: Man, oh man, that two percent is loud and the 98 percent is often too quiet. The reality is that every community has positive and negative people, mean people and nice people, liars and honest people. This is true for our sport too. But most of us can agree to work together by being positive, motivational and loving. Together, we can continue to celebrate the sport. Let’s take this opportunity to focus on building our community, continuing to support one another, and welcoming new dog owners into our sport. I would like to apologize for getting sidetracked a bit, because this was supposed to be a 300 to 500-word message just about owner-handlers. But while laying down in my living room typing this message, my emo- tions led me elsewhere. We all deserve to be thanked. From the AKC to the professional handler, breeder, judge, photographer, groomer, supportive husband and wife and, of course, the owner-handler, let’s celebrate one another by saying, “Thank you.” Live, Laugh, Love and Exhibit all of those Perfect Dogs!
SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE
AJ ARAPOVIC CEO and Publisher aj@aramediagrp.com Office 512 686 3466 ext 102 Cell 512 541 8128 MICHAEL R. VERAS Chief Operating Officer
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SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE is published twelve times per year by AraMedia Group, Inc. P. O. Box 18567, Tampa, FL 33679. President, AJ Arapovic. Post- age paid at Omaha, Nebraska. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the editor. The opin- ions expressed in this publication either editorially or in advertising copy are those of the authors and do not necessarily constitute endorsement by the publishers. The editor reserves the right to reasonably edit all copy submit- ted. All articles become the property of the publishers. Subscription price for third class service in the United States: $90.00. Canadian and U.S. First Class: $110.00. Overseas rates upon request. SHOWSIGHT IS SENT AS A COUR- TESY TO INDIVIDUALS LIVING IN THE CONTINENTAL U.S. APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB to judge at AKC shows. Inquiries to: Michael R. Veras, COO, 512 686 3466 ext 101 or michael@aramediagrp.com.
AJ ARAPOVIC
8 • S how S ight M agazine , J une 2018
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