The Meet the Breeds Showcase took place over two days at the Javits Center in New York City this past weekend. As everyone on the line knows it is the largest dog and cat showcase in the United States.

The USKBTC was well represented by a number of our members - Gerry Yeager with Georgie Girl and Guinivere, Carol Wert with Blubell of the Snow, Gene Possidento with French and Melody, Siobhan and Ernie Conti with Petals and Ronan and John Garahan with Micky Devine. We were asked all kinds of questions about finding a breeder, concerns about dog legislation, puppy mills, health and breeding concerns, as well as specifics about our fabulous breed.

With so many Kerries in attendance we were able to abolish many of the myths people had about Kerry behavior and temperament. Many children of all ages from infants to those of 90 years came past the USKBTC breed booth to pet our dogs and to find out why we love the breed so much. We were able to rotate the dogs, so everyone got a chance on the table, in the x-pen and in the crates to rest.

We have not heard the numbers yet but the attendance was tremendous. The USKBTC's back drop was beautiful, and I wanted to thank the club for the approval to send it east. Thank you Tia for expediting that delivery. Many of the comments from passersby were about the softness of the coats, the range of color, since we had from 11 months to 9 years, and about their eyes. "How can they see through that hair?"

We had many DVD's running throughout the day. We had one on herding, The Illustrated Standard, the AKC Kerry Breed DVD and many more. I also want to thank Carl Ashby our AKC Delegate for being there and giving all of us his support. He was able to introduce us to a number AKC officers, and he came away with a number of great ideas for our club.

I just want to thank our voluteers once again, Gerry, Gene, Carol, Siobhan and Ernie for coming out and supporting our club and our breed. Without them, the weekend, our booth and our breed would not have been winners. With members and people like them, the USKBTC is on solid footing.

Submitted by,
John Garahan

Last Updated: 10/25/2009, 2:39 am