Ch. Kiyara The Intimadator, a black Miniature Poodle, earned 100 Group Firsts to lead the Non-Sporting Group. Owner Jeffery Deaver, an acclaimed novelist with two books that have been turned into movies, joked that Dylans Winkie might be the closest he'd ever come to winning an Oscar. He recalled that he once declined a dinner with Angelina Jolie to remove mats from his Briards coat.
In the Herding Group, top honors went to German Shepherd Dog Ch. Kenlys Tenacity V. Kaleef with 93 Group Firsts. Co-owner Sheree Moses expressed her gratitude that so many handlers had commented on the dogs quality at a young age. Teena is shown by GSD handler extraordinaire Jim Moses. Co-breeder James York said it felt great to share this honor with his dog family.
Golden Retriever OTCH Breakwater Ice Skater UDX, JH, won the Obedience award with 941 trial championship points. We had no idea that we would ever get this award, said owner David Gannon, adding that Skaters team is proud that he acts, looks, and works like a Golden Retriever.
Hall of Fame
Everyone shared a poignant moment when past American Kennel Club president and Hall of Fame winner William Stifel approached the podium to introduce the newest inductee, Louis Auslander. A distinguished breeder, judge, club official, and AKC executive officer, Auslander has lived his life in the service of dogdom. He was clearly moved by the award. As a Chicagoan, Auslander takes special pride in having worked to enhance the influence of the International Kennel Club. He was also grateful to have his family attend the special evening with him, and he spoke fondly of his marriage of more than 50 years to his late wife, Seme.
Annual Achievement
Capping off the evening of awards were the Winkies for Annual Achievement. The presenting sponsor for these prestigious awards was PetAg, whose president and COO, Darlene Frudakis, commended breeders for their passion and dedication. Not unlike the Oscars, a nominating committee puts forth five worthy candidates for each award. Dogs in Review readers and subscribers then vote by secret ballot.
In the owner-handler category, Jere Marder won for her expertise showing Old English Sheepdogs. Just to be nominated is a real privilege, she said. As tears welled, she added, How wonderful it is to have a dog give you the world.
Michelle Ostermiller went home with the Winkie for Best Professional Handler. I've been extremely blessed over the last few years to have some beautiful dogs to show, she said. Ostermiller won Best in Show in 2005 with the German Shorthaired Pointer Carlee and Newfoundland Josh in 2004.
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