Top , from left : Betty-Anne Stenmark , Ed Thomason . Bottom , from left : Harold “ Red ” Trato , Jaime Vasquez , Lee Whittier .
Susi Szeremy
Moment of 2016 : Few things rival a sense of accomplishment than when one ’ s children achieve their goals . In 2016 , my oldest ( and former junior handler ) received her Ph . D . in Microbiology , and the youngest became an attorney .
One of my own goals , however , took another step forward when the resolution recognizing National Purebred Dog Day was introduced to the United States Congress . Wish for 2017 : I ’ m encouraged that 2017 may be the year our purebred dogs are recognized nationally with a day of their own .
Harold “ Red ” Tatro
Moment of 2016 : My most memorable moment would have to be judging Lakelands at Montgomery County again . There is no greater honor than being selected by your fellow breeders and peers to judge the National Specialty , and doing that at the greatest Terrier show of the year is a thrill all judges covet . Wish for 2017 : Since I tend to break all my resolutions , how about a wish ? My fondest wish for 2017 is that everyone can come together in the dog world , no matter what venue you participate in , and be more friendly , polite and supportive of each other . The only way to save our sport is for it to be welcoming and fun for all the people and the dogs . Be kind , be nice , be well !
Ed Thomason
Moment of 2016 : I have two memorable moments this year . One was was winning BOB with our 6.5-month-old Amstaff ( Alpines LBK Living On The Road , ‘ Pancho ’) from the Bred-by class over multiple Group-winning and Best in Show-winning specials at Montgomery under terrier expert Patty Keenan . Just two days later , he was awarded WD , BOW and Best Bredby at the Regional before the National . What a few weeks for our young hopeful . Wish for 2017 : My New Year ’ s resolution is to attempt to lose the weight I have gained over the last few years and to spend more time with my beautiful wife .
Dr . Jaime Vasquez
Moment of 2016 : Most memorable moment this year was my first Reserve Best in Show handling my own dog under esteemed judge Barbara Alderman at Bahia Sur Kennel Club of Chula Vista in California . Wish for 2017 : That our country heals from this election and that we can all work together , those of us with all political views and from all walks of life , to continue to be the best country in the world !
Lee Whittier
Moment of 2016 : The highlight of 2016 was to be back in the ring with a dog of my own breeding and finishing him on our National Specialty weekend ! This gave me the inspiration for the Dog Show Mentor program . Wish for 2017 : In 2017 , I look forward to judging the Terrier Group and to more excitement as a breeder / owner-handler and judge ! DIR
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