2006 Winkie Winners

The 2006 Owner-Handler of the Year Sandy D'Andrea.

Best Owner-Handler
Sandra D’Andrea
Lockport, New York

Alaskan Nanuke Alaskan Malamutes
Devoted to her breed, Sandra D’Andrea is a successful breeder/owner-handler of Alaskan Malamutes that are consistently in the top 10 for their breed. She is the breeder-owner-handler of the top-winning Alaskan Malamute of all time, the No. 1 Working dog in 1997 and the 1998 Westminster Group winner. Her current special won the 2005 AKC/Eukanuba Invitational and has multiple Best in Shows.

Professional Handler of the Year 2006 David Fitzpatrick.

Best Professional Handler
David Fitzpatrick
Berlin, Pennsylvania

A gentleman in the sport of dogs, David Fitzpatrick always has a smile and kind word for his fellow exhibitors and the spectators. His dogs are always immaculately groomed and conditioned, well cared for and presented to perfection.

Breeder of the Year 2006 Joseph Vergnetti with presenters Michelle Scott and Jere Marder, and friends Ron Rella, Wendell Sammet, Karen LeFrank and Ellen MacNeille Charles.

Outstanding Breeder
Joseph Vergnetti
Dassin Poodles
Medina, Ohio

Since his partnership with the late Freeman “Buddy” Dicky, Joseph Vergnetti has continued to maintain a remarkable breeding program. His love and commitment to all three varieties of Poodles runs deep and the list of specialty, Group and Best in Show winners that this kennel has produced is extensive. His talent as a breeder and exhibitor is quintessential to his breed.

Judge of the Year
Ken McDermott
Newburgh, New York

Ken McDermott demonstrates thorough knowledge of breed standards and judges with conviction and good humor. He is kind and courteous to exhibitors, fellow judges and club members. Ken has a delightful ring presence, which encompasses congeniality, confidence, integrity and a vast comprehension of the task at hand.

Len Reppond and Betty-Anne Stenmark, representing the 2005 Show of the Year Del Valle Dog Club, presented the Winkie™ for the 2006 Show of the Year to Lou Auslander, for the International Kennel Club of Chicago. Nestlé Purina's Ernie Planck joins the trio.

Show of the Year
International Kennel Club of Chicago
Founded in 1900   |   Location: Chicago, Illinois   |   Two shows each year, back-to-back in February

This show is all  the big city, benched extravaganza you could ask for. Since the year they first included the AKC/Canine Health Foundation Benefit, this show has grown to 3,000 entries. The venue is huge, providing ample room for easy movement between benching and the rings, and there is plenty of space for all the “special events” away from the rest of the dog show. The show is well publicized and draws a huge crowd of spectators.