Judging Panel: Every weekend, a new
dog show story is born. Some are hilarious but increasingly, many
revolve around bad judging. This one was different because it was
reported in advance. Some people have an elevated view. Like
forest rangers on a tower, when they see smoke, they report a fire.
Such
was the case when we received word that Olympia Kennel Club had hired
Joseph Joly lll and Ray Swidersky to judge Toy Fox Terriers,
Toy Group, and Best In Show. Another caller alleged a
friendship-co-ownership connection between Dana Plonkey and
Olympia Kennel Club. Coincidentally (?) Joe Jolly is said to be judging
the Toy Fox Terrier National next year.
Then the inbox lit up
with reports that due to illness, Mr. Swidersky was replaced by Roger
Pritchard, President of the Toy Fox Terrier club. Right, the same
club president who was sued by a judge/club member for $1.8 million.
In addition, most Toy Fox Terrier exhibitors would say that Pritchard
and Toy Fox Terrier breeder Dana Plonkey are very good friends.
Plonkey is approved for all Toy Breeds and BIS and he and Pritchard
often serve on the same panel or alternatively, Plonkey shows under
Pritchard. Online records reveal Plonkey does very well under
Pritchard. Red flags were already waving on the breed lists but when
Pritchard replaced Swidersky, the revolt went public. Our offices were
inundated with predictions of perfidy.
The
predictions came true, with a bonus! Sure enough, 90% of the Toy Fox
Terrier entry was bred and/or owned by Dana Plonkey. Winners Dog was
bred and owned by Plonkey and Dorothy Kendall who is an officer of the
American Toy Fox Terrier Club and characterized as Pritchard’s Pit
Bull. Winner’s Bitch and BOS were bred and co-owned by Plonkey.
The
Best Of Breed dog, bred and owned by Dana Plonkey & Lynn McKee (and
co-owned by Michelle Starry), had an incredible weekend -
incredible because we’re told he hasn’t had any notable wins nor been
ranked in the Top 10 for 2010 or in 2011. He went Best In Show both
days. Those results do NOT
indicate a lack of quality in Group or BIS rings at the Olympia Kennel
Club dog show.
Saturday Show: Breed
judge Roger Pritchard, Group judge Joe Joly,
Best In Show judge Roger Pritchard. Best In Show to Ch. Valcopy
C’lyn Dracula
Sunday Show: Breed judge Joe Joly, Group judge Roger
Pritchard,
Best in Show judge Joe Joly, Best In Show to Ch. Valcopy C’lyn
Dracula
Report On
Rescue Report
TheDogPress was asked to warn readers of what may be a particularly
distasteful scam. Animal Rescue Report could be a good service
if in fact, it operates as represented and if enough potential adopters
are aware of its existence.
First read over the mailing the Rescue Report sent out, then the inquiry
ThePress
sent to them, and quick feedback from rescue organizations and our researchers,
and finally her response. Our impression hasn't changed but if you have
new or different information, please turn the page and click to send it to
the Editor
Here is the "Important Announcement"
Animal Rescue Report sent out
Monday, May 09, 2011 11:27 PM
Dear Rescue
Organizations & Operations,
Note: For those of
you that have already submitted your questionnaire or requested an
extension, please disregard this message. All others please read on.
We are writing to
announce Animal Rescue Report,™ a new service providing background
history reports on animal rescue operations throughout the United
States. Our hope and aim are to make potential adopters feel more secure
in their transactions with rescue organizations and with this confidence
to increase the potential adoption rate of pets in need.
For persons wishing
to donate to rescue organizations our reports provide invaluable
information. We believe our customers should have the right to know who
they are supporting and where their money is going.
Our database will
house reports on over 25,000 rescue operations. Yours will be included.
With that said, we have included a questionnaire that needs to be filled
out so we can supply the most
up-to-date information on your
organization. The questionnaire can be
accessed by clicking on the link
provided below or by copying and pasting it into your browser. Please
complete and submit this form no later than May 18,
2011. If for some
reason you are unable to complete your form before this deadline please
contact us at
reports@animalrescuereport.com.
Failure to submit
the form by the above noted deadline without prior contact will result
in a failure to report notation on your official record. This service is
to benefit reputable rescue organizations and to bring to light
operations that may be operating in less than favorable conditions. With
that said, we need your input.
(how
the rescue people saw this, what the woman at Rescue Report
said, and your feedback needed, next page)
