LINES FROM LINDA
DENNIS MCCOY ENCOURAGER
BY LINDA AYERS TURNER KNORR
Q ualities of being a great encourager include possessing a great heart for people, having an empathetic ear, an eye for potential, being a con- sistent source of hope, and setting a positive and inspiring example. Dennis McCoy lived the life of a great encourager. Dog Show Judges are afforded many opportunities to reflect great credit on the American Kennel Club and its many activities. Dennis McCoy was an example of everything good about our sport! The greatness he achieved is legendary. After speaking with Mari-Beth O’Neill and learning about Dennis McCoy’s passing, I phoned my friend Jeanette Stribling to share the sad news. Jeanette is just one example of a newcomer whose life has been impacted by AKC Judge Den- nis McCoy. Here’s what she reiterated to me: “After acquiring my first show dog, a Boston Terrier, I joined the Greenville Kennel Club, enrolled in their Show and Go Training Classes, and started practic- ing to get ready for the ring. Being a novice was an awkward experience, to say the least. It made me question whether or not exhibiting in conformation was for me.
“Dennis McCoy was an example of everything good about our sport! The greatness he
achieved is legendary.”
—LINDA AYERS TURNER KNORR
Jeanette Stribling getting encouragement from Judge Dennis McCoy.
86 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2023
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