The 2012 APDW Arthurs and Stonehenge Awards held at Sardis Resturant on the Sunday before Westminster had the highest attendance in APDW’s 6 year history. That may have been enough to put a smile on the faces of those supporting the club’s mission, ie: recognizing the craft of those involved in the purebred fancy; but positive feedback, and overall excitement for the future of this venue added a tasty topping in whetting appetites to want more next year, thus helping to keep that mission alive for the future. According to many attendees, the atmosphere was intimate, relaxing, and exuded an ambiance of tradition and aesthetics from years gone by in dogs, where seasoned professionals sat along first time attendees, novices and their guests, all coming together and enriching each other’s worlds in purebreds.
Among those to benefit as well as impart such enrichment was Keynote speaker, Jeff Schettler, whose book: K9 Trailing- The Straightest Path, (Alpine Publications) earned him the 2012 Haggerty Award, stating that he was so involved in his work all these years, that he never really knew of The Captain, and it was not until he researched Arthur J. Haggerty, that he realized its significance and how honored he was to have received the award. Some in attendance spoke of how it would have never occurred to them to link Schettler’s craft directly to the fancy or to them, as Jeff shared his observations and insights regarding genetics and inherent temperament issues or suitablilty through decades of work, using only purebreds for his work in K9 Police, Search and Rescue, the breeding and selection of puppies for children with Autism, tracking and trailing for Homicides and missing persons, and pioneering many of the techniques used by today’s training facilities in those venues. Ears perked up and curiosity prevailed as many were seeking to speak more with Schettler, experiencing an epiphany on how his work could correlate to theirs, each to his own passion, be it breeding, therapy work, showing, performance, etc.
It didn’t end there, as The APDW Stonehenge Award winner, David Frei took to the podium. The Stonehenge Award emulates 19th century author, surgeon and purebred affection ado, John Henry Walsh, who’s writings about purebred dogs were authored under the pen name “Stonehenge”. It was clear that Frei, always impeccable in his ambassadorship for the purebred while championing the positives of dogs in our lives, be it a particular breed, or a worthy cause, has always spoken from his heart. Yet that day, what was in his heart greatly affected the hearts of those around him. His eloquence and humility came over the audience like a warm, fuzzy blanket, reminding all of us why we do what we do. “I’m only the guy at the other end of the leash” Frei stated, pausing often to compose himself, revealing his sincerity and vulnerability to the positive affects dogs have on humankind. “…A life is changed the moment someone asks: ‘Can I pet your dog?’ “, he poignantly revealed, and with that said, a hush came over the room unfolding an urge to trade the security of that fuzzy blanket for the warmth of our fuzzy dogs, prompting a spontaneous urge to embrace them while uttering a tearful ”Thank You” in their ear.
The event capitulated with recognizing the contestants, finalists and winners of these “Arthurs” Awards. Named after noted writers Arthur F. Jones, and Captain Arthur J. Haggerty, the awards are given to those in the sport of purebreds who capture the essence of the quality of writing and service to the sport these two outstanding individuals represented in their lifetime. While small in categories where there were entries, (13 for this year) among them,including Books, Articles, Columns, Series, Junior Writing, Video/Film, Visual, Editorial, and Online publication, the level of writing has set the bar high for adjudication of the entries. While there were two categories reflecting only one entry this year, being the sole entry did not automatically afford a first place win. Stringent guidelines of making sure the winning entries reflected the aforementioned level of writing that the APDW is encouraging makes, not only these awards highly coveted, but landing a finalist position also something to be proud of.
Our list of winners are:
Bo Bengtson : The Whippet- An Authoritative Look at the Breed’s Past, Present And Future Non-Fiction Book Category,
Bo Bengtson: “At Large- Is there a Place for the Small Hobby Kennel?” (Dogs in Review-Oct. 2011) Editorial Category
Rick Beauchamp: “Success in Show Dogs Column-Witholding Awards (Dogs in Review-Oct. 2010) Columns Category
Amy Fernandez : “Icons of the Sport” (Dogs in Review, Apr., May, June, July, 2011) Series Category
Jean Keating: Puff’s Listening (AKC Family Dog-Sept/Oct.2011) Article less than 1500 words Category.
Sharon Sakson: America’s Greatest Boxer-Ch. Bang Away of Sirrah Crest (D Magazine Annual Feb. 2011) Article 1500-3000 Words Category
Denise Flaim- Return To Deer Run (Modern Mollosser-Jan. 2011) Article Over 3000 Words Category
Thomas Meade- How Technology Has Changed Dog Shows-Part One (The Modern Basenji) Junior Writing Category 13-18 years
Brian P. Duggan- Ildico’s Gaze- Visual Arts Category
Barbara Petito and the AMTRAK K9 Police Unit- The Nose Knows- The Amtrak Police Departments Four Legged Defense- Video/Film/DVD
Mary Jo Rasmussen- Swissy Licks (cpgreaterswiss.com) E-Newsletter Category
Susan Conant- A Dog Lover’s Mystery-Brute Strength Fiction Book Category
Finalists included:
Nancy Chweicko & Amy Ferandez, David Frei, Jeff Schettler, Elizabeth Jarrell, Florence Scarinci, Kimberly Wall,Deb Eldridge, Brian Duggan, Thomas Meade, Caroline Coile, Sharon Sakson, Chet Jezierski, Rita Kay Adams, and Martin Deeley,Bo Bengtson, Michael & Cathy Dugan, Allan Reznik and Rick Beauchamp.
The club is looking to expand categories slowly and judiciously as each year passes, only when functional for the club’s mission. On the slate for consideration next year will be “Breed Club Publication”, as well as talk of ”Best Novice Writer”, to encourage new writers to come forward. The APDW encourages those in the craft to become a part of the club’s mission including a hard stance against Animal Rights Activists and their attacks on Purebreds, our breeding programs, our Standards and their presence in influencing deceptive Dog Legislation that threaten the purebred hobby breeder, owner and fancier. There is a great need for accurate education of the public, to those entering into our sport and even to those already in our sport who may have been misinformed. We are in a war of sorts, between those who do not want to see dogs, (much less any animal) in the lives of humans, and those who value, cherish and want to protect the presence and role of dogs in human society. If we want to protect and preserve our sport, what better army to call upon than those writers and media artists who are passionate about the purebred and get their voices heard and represent the unheard voice. They are who the APDW wants and in return, wants to recognize their passion and their craft.
To read judge’s comments about some of the entries, or to learn more about the Alliance Of Purebred Dog Writers, go to www.purebreddogwriters.org
Pat Enright- President
