In his acceptance of the honor being made to him, Henk noted how when he first got involved with our breed there was hardly a breeder to be found here in Canada. He complimented those who have followed in his footsteps and encouraged everyone to keep their eye on the goal of breeding to the standard and not letting “fashion” of the day distract them. It was a pleasure and a joy to see these two founding kennels embrace each other and to know their contribution to our bloodlines will be with us forever. Two very classy acts that we can all learn a lesson from, and I hope all take to heart the determination and dedication to an ideal they have sought will ensure the wellbeing of the “King” here in Canada.

The evening’s celebrations were rounded off with the Club’s annual auction. Once again, it was my pleasure to act as auctioneer and to try to make sure not a single person left the room without having had an opportunity to pick up a unique item. Ron and Wanda’s efforts to gather together a fine table was well received and they are to be congratulated for all their hard work. Not sure of the total funds raised, but it was the first time in a long time I missed getting a couple of pieces to add to my collectibles, so you can be assured the bidding was well fought.

Next item on the weekend of events was the Floating Specialty. My thanks and appreciation to Sarah and Dave for hosting the Welcome Wagon once again this year. With Oakrun toasted bagels in one hand, a cup of liquid in the other, the area in front of the hospitality table was often several people deep. I know Sarah and Dave had help a good deal of help from Ryan and Rachel Purvis. What a great couple of kids! Thank you everyone for a fabulous breakfast and welcome to the day!

Critique from Floating Specialty Judge Dennis Kniola

Dear Members of the Airedale Terrier Club of Canada,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the honour you have bestowed on me. To be asked to judge your floating specialty show was indeed an honour. The gift basket was especially appreciated. Both my wife and I enjoyed being able to spend a few hours with you at the dinner.

Most of you know by now, that I have been a handler here in the States with a specialty in the terrier breeds. Most, however, do not know that we were proud owners of English and Am CH Bengal Sulliston Merry Maid. My time in Airedales started back in early college days when I assisted Bill Thompson. At the time, he was the handler for Reffal Airedales. Over the years I probably finished twenty or twenty-five to their American titles with a number of them also completing their Canadian titles.

I have been asked to write a short critique of the entry. Overall, I found the entry to be comparable with similar size entries in the US. Most dogs were in good jackets and were well presented. I was especially fond of several of the bitches including one that placed last in her class. She would have been an easy winner, had she but used her tail. She was in beautiful condition and of wonderful type. My decision for winner’s came down to one bitch being the correct type and yet really impressing me with her movement. If you know me at all, you know that I am the first to say, “don’t try to sell soundness if it does not look like the picture I have of the breed”. But when you have the opportunity to have wonderful type and soundness, that is the ultimate.

My specials class had a number of deserving entries. My Best of Breed dog again gave me type and soundness in a package. About the only thing I would change is I would have made more of him. Even though he was not as big a dog as I like, there was no doubt in mind that this was a male. There was another dog in the class that I felt needed a little different style to his trim. He was in good condition but there were certain attributes that could have been shown to better advantage with a little different trim.

Again I would like to thank all members for giving me this honour.

Sincerely,
Dennis J Kniola

Download the complete Floating Specialty 2005 results