Show Dogs of the Year Hall of Fame Photo Gallery
“I was a great friend of Corky’s for many years. He never showed a bad dog to me. It was my privilege to have him show in my ring and I believe many of today’s handlers would do well to emulate him. Corky was a top-notch guy and I hated to lose him.” -- Dr. Richard Greathouse, AKC judge
“When I met Corky in 1985 I must say my vision of the dog show world was limited. As an Eastern Great Dane handler primarily, I had tunnel vision and didn’t even know it. When I moved to California my relationship with Corky broadened my horizons and taught me to understand the dog show world outside of my own breed. His dedication to the sport, his work ethic of learning new standards as breeds were approved, showed me you never took this sport for granted based on your win ratio. It was the ongoing learning process that never ended and separated the men from the boys. I believe Corky taught me to be a better handler and most certainly to be a better dog person.” – Carol Grossman, Western Area Manager, Nestle Purina PetCare Company
“The first time I saw Corky he was working for Harry Sangster on the Texas Circuit. I knew right away, from his talent handling a dog, that he was the one to watch. He was working his dogs on a loose lead so I patterned my handling after him… He always went that extra mile to help people. He was a nice guy from the first, always helping us and taking us into the band of handlers… Years ago in Wichita Falls, Texas, I was parked at the edge of the parking lot when a fire broke out in the adjacent field. I turned and here comes Corky jumping in my van driving it to safety, with a vehicle full of dogs and doors flying in the wind. That was Corky, always helping others when they were in trouble… Corky’s hands on a dog, the intense look in his eyes, the look of victory, the loose lead, the wanting to win. You see that only in the Great Ones.” – Adelene Pardo, AKC judge, former professional handler
“The United States of America has laws. The American Kennel Club has rules. Then there was Corky’s way. He was a special blend of passion, skill, experience and loyalty. All in all, Corky became a legend in the sport.” – Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and Chief Executive Officer
“Corky was a legend way before he passed away and he is one of the few handlers who will be admired and remembered forever. He was a mentor to many people within the fancy and his accomplishments will never be reached by a majority of handlers. I think of my great friend daily and I know he is missed by all. Corky, we love you and know you are out there somewhere with us.” – Bruce Schultz, professional handler
“Corky Vroom believed that breeders were the “wind beneath the wings of our sport.” He himself provided the wind beneath the wings of his competitors, and we will always be grateful to him for setting the bar so high we had to work hard just to get in the game. He motivated and inspired us all over the decades. Although Corky was a strong foe, he was a dear friend who truly understood the nature of fair play. Always loyal to his friends, Corky was family to all of us in California. It is appropriate that this most successful dog man be so honored this evening. Indeed, I feel certain he is with us in spirit, enjoying this Westminster Weekend from afar!” – Pat Trotter, Breeder-Exhibitor, Author, AKC Judge
“Corky and Sue both exemplify integrity, ethics and sportsmanship in the dog show world. The Vrooms handled many of our Samoyeds over the years and we have always considered them close friends.” – Joan Luna, Breeder and AKC Judge
“I’m not certain I can make clear, in a few words, the role Corky played in our lives, but I’ll try. First and foremost, Corky was never “our handler.” Rather, he was like a member of our family who had a dynamic impact on our lives. And not just for the incredible successes we enjoyed at his gifted hands. He insisted on sportsmanship, even in the face of defeat, and opened a whole new world wherein we formed lasting friendships with many wonderful people. Corky, at times a harsh taskmaster, was, nevertheless, always a man of unquestionable integrity who honored his profession and those close to him. I can’t help but be eternally grateful for the privilege of having known this extraordinary man. And though physically gone, he still is larger than life to me. He was taken from us much too soon. To you, dear Corky, love always.” – Gloria Reese
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Show Dogs of the Year Hall of Fame Photo Gallery
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