Toy Manchester Terriers
SAINT LAZAR
EDITORIAL PAGE

THIS IS PERSONAL OPINION STUFF - OBVIOUSLY YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ THIS PAGE, NOR DO YOU HAVE TO AGREE.

We don't have a "blog", nor do we participate in Internet Manchester forums, so from time to time, I will use this page to offer my/our comments about Manchesters, or dog related topics in general.

(2-22-08)
Toy Manchester Terriers On Sale, $3000

Quick, you need to jump on this before they are all gone! (Note: This was still there on 3/19/08) I was browsing the Internet a couple of days ago looking for info on RSS feeds and I wound up on www.bloglines.com site. Just for grins, I accessed their search engine and typed in "Toy Manchester Terriers". I looked at several links, but this one really grabbed me, http://www.usedottawa.com/classified-ad/4319330&category=dogs , and as a public service I wanted to bring it to the attention of our many visitors. I feel like an absolute idiot in that it is obvious as the premier Toy Manchester Breeder in North America, and probably on Planet Earth, we have been way, way under pricing our TMT's. We are going to immediately have a "board" meeting, and review our pricing policies. I expect we will have a significant price increase since we have been leaving so much "on the table", even if we are not "commercial for profit" breeders. Of course this is hard to admit, but maybe the quality of the listed dogs demands a $5000 price. Now if there is anyone out there that doesn't understand this editorial, please give me a call and I will "splain" it to you. But you would do well to remember that there are a large group of folks who operate under the premise that if they price their offering at a high price, they will attract the "quality" oriented prospects. In reality they attract those that P.T. Barnum referred to being born every minute (I would be happy to explain this also, or you can "Google" P.T. Barnum quotes).

(4-13-07)
A conversation with Peter Rank - Error Correction

For the first time in quite some time, I had a chance to talk with Peter Rank, longtime AMTC member and TMT Fancier, at the Perry, GA shows during 4/11,12 &13. First let me state that I had heard that Peter remarked that "Charlie doesn't like me" to a mutual acquaintance in CA. I have been distressed about that and I wanted to correct this misconception. Peter took it personal when I took issue with a glaring fault in the male he is advertising in the free publications mailed to AKC Judges. As it turns out, the photograph run in the magazine (see 8-31-06 below) was a poor picture in that it presented the dog with an extremely "light eye", which is a serious fault, in the opinion of many TMT fanciers.  The boy does not have as light an eye when seen in person and as is mis-represented in the free publication, Top Notch Toys. I am happy to make this correction, and hopefully better photos can be run in the future. (Peter got to observe close up the five dogs we had entered, all of whom have very dark correct to the breed standard eyes) I have told Peter that I do not want any issues to be between us that would prevent our friendship of many years to continue. Naturally, this does not mean we have to agree on every issue in "dogdom", but we don't have to be "disagreeable" in expressing our opinion. Peter does not feel I should criticize his dog. I disagree in that when one chooses to publicly advertise their dog as being an outstanding example of the breed, etc., then one has automatically opened to door to comments. And of course I don't hear of anyone denying that advertising serves only one purpose, and that is to "influence" Judges. In any case, Peter and I don't agree on advertising and using "Professional Handlers", and Peter reminded me that Bill Pace "handled Golden Scoops Kasandra for Wanda and I 27 years ago. Yes, he did, without charging us a nickel. However, praise GOD I have continued to learn and mature over the years (I haven't aged physically a bit), and like most normal people, my thinking has changed. I am a "purist" of the old dog show school. I think the only real determination of who has the best is to let a highly experienced and qualified Judge who has never Judged your dog previously, render Judgment with the owner handling his own dog. No advertising, no "Professional Handlers", no following, quoting Peter, "the Judges are good for me in Perry", favorite Judges, just letting the best dog win. This is not going to happen, and personally I can't take pleasure in "purchased" wins. But folks, I am not naive enough to think it's going to change in my lifetime. Wanda and I may not always have the current "top dog", but no one can approach our GOD GIVEN breeding success, which is the acid test. In the meantime, Peter I regret offending you, and although we may not agree in some areas of dogdom, I value our friendship, and I hope you will call or write me personally if I get too much off base with you. You sure do know how to present a dog, and when I was watching my folks in the ring with Toy Manchesters at the time, you had already finished your first Champion in 1952. I can't top this Pal!
 

(4-2-07)
Let's all us AMTC members support the commercial breeders now.

There are no secrets in Manchesterdom. It's pretty well known throughout the fancy now that the commercial breeder in TN has AMTC clientele. I guess that relationships have reached the point that AMTC members can't/won't deal with each other in order to improve their kennel. I reckon the next time the TN woman approaches us for breeding stock, we may as well sell her. At least she would have the best to peddle. In case that's lost on you, the previous two sentences are sarcasm and is in no way going to happen. I am appalled that AMTC members are supporting this woman, but what else is new?

(4-2-07)
Not a very auspicious start.

For those who may not know, Muriel Henkel of Lake Forest Park, WA, has been around Manchesters for probably longer than Wanda and I, and she is extremely knowledgeable about the breed and the operations of the American Manchester Terrier Club. In fact the description "Expert" would not be inappropriate in respect to Muriel's knowledge of the rules, and I for one have great respect for this. It will be interesting to see how the current regime responds to their obvious mistakes. Looking at the committee appointments, I am not optimistic. Plus, I have noticed it is very difficult for most people to admit to errors, mistakes, and lack of knowledge, including me. See Muriel's email pasted below.

Charles & Wanda Walker                
1815 Gaissert Road
Newborn, GA 30056-2835

Dear AMTC Members, 

As  members of AMTC, I am sure you know that Standing Rules can only be proposed  by the Board of Directors…not enacted. 

Thus, the petition of March 19, 2007, requesting that the printing and mailing of the 66 page Standing Rule booklet be suspended until such time as it is properly approved by the general membership. 

During the past three months, the newly elected officers and board have made new rules and revised others that the membership, todate, have never seen in print.  Some are superfluous or do not belong in Standing Rules – but instead in a procedures manual. 

Therefore, I would hope that members participate in this petition to show support for conducting  this Club in a business-like manner.  Monday, April 2, will be fourteen days from the initial petition mailing.   The American Kennel Club has been made aware of this issue. 

I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.  It has nothing to do with me …. just The American Manchester Terrier Club. 

Thank you! 

s/Muriel S. Henkel

(1-2-07)
A New Beginning I Hope (Unfortunately see above 4/2/07)

As regular readers of this page know, I have been extremely critical of the leadership, or lack thereof, of the American Manchester Terrier Club for several years. I have not seen anything that might help improve Manchester Terriers come out the leadership in a long, long, time. They seemed to be more focused on throwing people out of the club, rather than trying heal, and yes forgive mistakes, and also preventing others from joining the club. Wanda and I have known several of the newly elected officers, listed below, for several years. They are decent, level headed folks, and we are trusting that we will see from them a new iniative to try to heal breeches in the membership, and to deal with areas where our breed needs help, such as dentition. As I say on this web site, I don't have to like you to respect that you love Manchesters, and to extend help to you any way I/we can. That's pretty blunt, but it's the truth. So JoAnn it's in your, and your fellow officer's hands, to lead us to a "new beginning". Wanda and I are all for you!

(10-23-06)
Thank you folks!

From time to time various friends send me copies of "untruths" posted on some of the Internet forums, knowing I never look at that stuff. I don't recall hearing of anyone ever setting the record straight, but recently this has happened, and Saint Lazar wishes to thank Lucy Moye, Amanda Kelly, and John Marvin for their graciousness and objectivity.

(10-10-06)
A Refreshing Cool Breeze! AMTC National 06

We have just returned from the American Manchester Terrier Club National Specialty Show and annual meeting held in Lincoln, NE 10-5 thru 10-8-06. We had a great time and made some excellent new friendships. We are very grateful for the many compliments on our pups, particularly Zorro. We thank our LORD for his goodness and mercy, and for our new friends.

Thank you Marla Zoz for the terrific job you did putting together the AMTC 06 National!

I was so pleased to be able to see and chat with Jo Ann Emrick, who served on the AMTC nominating committee for the upcoming elections, and who has agreed to the nomination for President. Wanda and I have known Jo Ann for many years, and we are convinced she will be a "refreshing cool breeze" in the management of the AMTC, and we urge your support for her. The balance of the slate, we believe, along with Jo Ann, will bring healing back to the AMTC after a long period of incompetence and mean spiritedness.

We have been attending AMTC Nationals and annual meetings since 1975, and it is our opinion that the quality of the dogs this year ranks as one of the highest quality entries we have ever seen, especially the toys, and specifically the toy bitches. The Standards were good, but suffered from several dogs who carried their tails "straight up" rather than the tip of the tail even with the top of the back as specified in the Breed Standard. Personally, Saint Lazar would be too embarrassed to take a dog like this in the ring. However, if this is the best you can do, so be it. 

Many readers of this page who have followed LANCE'S career, and in some cases have used him, may be interested to know that he was awarded the coveted AMTC STUD DOG OF THE YEAR CERTIFICATE OF MERIT for calendar year 2005, with a record of seven of his get achieving their Championships. This feat, plus the fact that not less than three individuals approached us in Lincoln for possible stud service from Lance, was a wonderful sign of encouragement from our LORD, and we thank HIM for this. Also, one of our friends on the West Coast has expressed an interest in obtaining a female show quality pup. We will do our best to see that she gets as good as we can produce, and I am sure our friend will ultimately "cream" the competition.

Last, I can't help but note that the dog on which many thousands of advertising dollars were spent in an effort to "influence" Judges, which dollars were spent in vain for the AMTC District VI show, and the National itself where "correct" dogs were put up. However, the dog did prevail at the two All Breed Shows, so I am sure these "purchased" wins were mighty sweet and satisfying.

(9-20-06)
Let The Buyer Beware
 (caveat emptor ( ) n. The axiom or principle in commerce that the buyer alone is responsible for assessing the quality of a purchase before buying.)

Probably because we offer to help anyone who is legitimately concerned about Toy Manchester quality, we have recently received several emails from pet owners asking different questions, and for advice, etc. In every case, each of the writers express their love and appreciation for the breed, and their specific dog. Here is an extract, printed with permission by the writer, that is interesting; "I can see where the breeder I purchased him from hasn’t worried about the details of the breed.  Caesar is a handsome fellow but I saw his mother and grandmother and they weren’t very good quality". This statement is so telling about the current state of affairs in the breeding of Toy Manchester's. This is what I constantly write about, breeder ignorance, lack of experience, or just plain don't give a flip "about the details of the breed". We see people producing and showing grossly "incorrect" dogs, with light eyes, "gay" tails, horrible movement, ears off the sides of their head, ad infinitum. I honestly think I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of "competent" TMT breeders on the North American continent. If you are a prospective puppy buyer, and you want a quality TMT, which meets the American Manchester Terrier Club Standard for excellence (click here to read it), then I would be very, very careful who you buy from. There are some very pretty web sites around, with some very smooth, great sounding verbiage, but many of these don't have a clue about planned breeding, much less a consistent record of excellence, or dozens of glowing testimonials. We are not the only good kennel of course, just be careful, and always remember, Caveat Emptor.

(9-17-06)
Simply unable to breed a correct eye.

I am constantly amazed at the traffic our modest web site generates. Like most domain owners, I can view the statistics, and in many instances, the origination of our visitors. The "Internet pundits" seem to be wearing out our host provider's servers looking at our site, which is fine with me, as there is an extreme chance they might learn something useful. In any event, I have some friends who for unknown reasons read the "pundit" stuff and sometimes send me bits and pieces knowing I don't waste any time there. I received an email from a friend today containing some stuff from one of the forums about my insistence on adherence to the Manchester breed standard concerning light eyes. To cut to the chase,  the forum stuff is a bunch of verbiage that amounts to a "smoke screen", worthy of any good politician bent on obfuscation.

My Georgia Driver's License lists that I have brown eyes, Wanda's list hers as "blue", and we have a daughter that is listed as "green" eyes. Here is the definition for "eye" from dictionary.com

the organ of sight, in vertebrates typically one of a pair of spherical bodies contained in an orbit of the skull and in humans appearing externally as a dense, white, curved membrane, or sclera, surrounding a circular, colored portion, or iris, that is covered by a clear, curved membrane, or cornea, and in the center of which is an opening, or pupil, through which light passes to the retina.

This is pretty simple English, a "circular colored portion". The breed standard is simple English, and it says nearly black, and the pigmentation must be black. The dictionary says for pigment, "deposition of pigment by cells", so how can a "light eye" be correct, light is the opposite of black.

The simple indisputable fact is that many Manchester people don't have a clue as to how to properly breed Toys and/or Standards with a correct eye, they will not admit it, and they would never "demean" themselves and ask for advice or assistance with this, and the other areas where their stock sorely needs improvement. So those with more money than breeding ability "advertise" their incorrect dogs in the slick free publications mailed to AKC Judges in an attempt to influence their decisions. Others attempt to give English words new meaning. I do have to admit, there are a number of Judges who can be "bought".  It is so sad that attempts are made to defend lack of breeding ability, whereas the time could be better spent getting "educated", or obtaining help from someone with a consistent breeding record. I'm not aware that anyone else has finished 29 non kennel packed TMT Champions since December of 2004 (over 200 the past 3 decades). Not a light eye in the 29, tails carried correct, ears properly set, and not off the side of their head, wonderful temperaments, fine movement, ad infinitum. However, there can not be any other human endeavor that has more "experts" than the breeding of Manchester Terriers, what do I know with our piddly record of success.

Conformation to the Manchester Terrier Breed Standard for Judging, or not.
(8-31-06)

This past three show weekend, we were fortunate to show under one of the "old timer" Judges on Saturday who Judges the dog, and not who is "handling" or "advertising" the dog. We tend to fare pretty well with our "Specials" (Champions) under these Judges. Of course I am quite proud when one of our dogs is put up by one of these knowledgeable and objective Judges, particularly when it is a six month old puppy, and I so state on our web page. Especially when we prevail against a dog that is advertised as being #1 in the slick magazines that are sent free to all licensed AKC Judges in order to influence their decision.

 While at the shows, I was given a free copy of Top Notch Toys (TNT) magazine, and looking through it, I noticed there is another Toy Manchester being advertised therein as also being #1. I was told that there are different "rating" systems, so it depends on the rating system as to who is supposed to be #1. In any event, I have never previously seen the Toy being advertised in the August issue of TNT, and I was amazed to see that this dog has an extremely "light" eye. I was amazed for several reasons; First being that the official Breed Standard (description) for Judging is very clear in that it states, eye "pigmentation must be black". Not should be, but must be black. Dictionary.com gives this definition of "must": to be obliged or bound to by an imperative requirement. Read the Standard for yourself here.

Second, I was amazed that the level of AKC Judging has deteriorated to where Judges are so influenced by "advertising", or that they are so ignorant of our Breed Standard, that they apparently regularly put up a dog that without question does not meet the Breed Standard imperative. Must means must, it is not an option. Of course this is a commentary, as expressed in previous editorials, on the sad state of affairs at the American Kennel Club concerning it's procedures for licensing Judges.

Third: I am amazed that an exhibitor would be so shameless as to advertise and show a dog that simply does not meet the Breed Standard. I will not apologize for pointing this out. Take a close look at our dogs pictured on our web pages, there is not a "light eye" in the bunch. Many years ago, we obtained some dogs with light eyes as part of our foundation stock from Ellie Puleo of Golden Scoops fame. It took quite an effort and significant expertise to remove this from our gene pool, and Wanda is to be commended for her accomplishments in steadily improving our genes. We don't show "perfect" dogs, but at least we don't enter those that do not meet the imperative must requirement.

Last: My attitude concerning advertising is that one that chooses to do so, simply does not have the confidence in the quality of their dog to meet others on a "level" playing field. Those that do spend bunches of bucks on advertising, in my personal opinion, should not "bow up" when called to account concerning the lack of merit of their publicly advertised dog. I trust these "purchased" wins give great satisfaction, especially seeing the prices these magazines charge, wow! 

Attacks Against Our Faith Now
(7-25-06)

Addendum 7-26-06: I have received an email in which the writer mentioned being friends with us. Yet in the many months that the vicious slander and lies have been promulgated against Saint Lazar on the "forums", in which that writer is a regular participant, not one time has that writer contacted us and expressed their concern, nor come to our defense.  If you haven't  had the decency to contact us offering your support, and/or expressing your concern for the continuing attacks on Saint Lazar, then you are no different than "Saul", who stood around and held the coats, while Stephen was stoned. You are no friend of ours.

The LORD warns us in his scriptures that when we acknowledge him as LORD, we can expect to be reviled for our faith. Well, this is happening to us now on the various Manchester "venting" places on the "Web". Only in America would this happen, where our forefathers came for religious freedom, and where tens of thousands have given their lives to maintain it. However, we interpret these increasing attacks as an affirmation that we are on the right path in our walk with HIM. We will never apologize for being Christians, and acknowledging  that our many blessing come from GOD, and not from our own efforts. I solicit your prayers that I humble myself and pray for those who revile us. I continue to find this extremely difficult to do. It does not help a bit, that we know these continuing attacks come from those who have absolutely no consistent record of accomplishment in Manchesters, be they Toys or Standards. Of course I knew we would ultimately be reviled for claiming to be #1 in Toy Manchesters. I say if you have a record of accomplishment in breeding consistency and/or showing that exceeds ours, then by all means publicize your record.

Not two hours after posting the above, the phone began to ring with words of encouragement and support from across the nation. May GOD bless you!  Wanda & Charlie

April 20, 2006 (Edited 6-12-06)
More Whining!

Well, we have been informed by some of our friends that there is a good bit of "carrying on" and "whining" on the forums and via emails, about our being blessed with our 19th Champion in only 18 months. We have taken many dozens of TMT's to their Championships in the past thirty years, but to prove that there is absolutely no substitute for "planned breeding", I started counting new Champions beginning December 2004. Of course it's the same old stuff, puppy mill, no socialization, ad infinitum. This is nothing but pure unadulterated jealousy, coupled with incompetence and just down right meanness of spirit. Of course it adds fuel to the fire when Wanda and I give complete credit to the LORD for any accomplishments we have had, and we mean it.

I am also informed that the "usual suspects" are also beside themselves because of the blessings the LORD is continuing to give us around the world in respect to puppy and stud requests. We are righteously proud of the fact we have folks waiting on show/foundation quality pups in Sweden, Finland, UK, Czech Republic, and Japan. All of these are deadly serious breeders committed to the continuing improvement of TMT/ETT's in their area. We will always remember Mrs. Ellie Puleo of New Jersey taking us under her wing many years ago and providing us with foundation quality TMT's. We state again, we will do the same for any legitimate Manchester Breeder anywhere, and we will be happy to keep it confidential if you so desire. You don't have to like us, and we don't have to like you, but you can be assured you will be treated with courtesy and respect if it's in your heart to try to improve your TMT gene pool.

Thanks again to those friends who continue to "stand with us", GOD bless you.

December 12, 2005
Finally, Good Judging!

Having taken on below about the sorry state of Manchester Terrier breed, and breed standard knowledge amongst many AKC licensed Judges, it was a delight to be under two outstanding Judges on December 10th and 11th. Mrs. Julie M. Holm of Yucalpa, CA judged the Toy Manchesters at the American Manchester Terrier District 2 Specialty on Saturday, the 10th, in Winston-Salem, NC. Mrs. Holm was quite, and very thorough in her examination of the 12 Toys entered. To the best of my knowledge, we have never been under her judging previously. However, it was obvious that she enjoyed what she was doing, and she was considerate of the exhibitors. Her selections as Class Winners, and for Best of Variety, were all of a "type", and consistent. Unlike many recent Judges we have suffered under, she apparently likes Manchesters, and it did not appear that Judging was a "chore" for her.

On Sunday, we had Edd E. Bivin of Fort Worth, TX for the Breed Judge. On Saturday, Edd Judged the Toy Group, in which our "Indy" had the good fortune to be. We have been showing under Edd for over 25 years, and we know he puts up what he likes, not the "noted" Professional Handler" or the highly advertised dog. Of course he puts up top winning dogs, but it's because they are, in his opinion, the best there that day. I would not consider Edd to be a "political" Judge. We have done well under him, and we have done poorly, but I have never felt slighted, he doesn't put up "junk". The uninitiated might think that just because Edd examined their dog in the Toy Group one day, that they had a win in the "bag" when he judged the breed the next day. Not with Edd Bivin. We know from experience that Edd likes smaller Toy Manchesters, provided they are correct to the breed standard. Such was the case Sunday, Edd put up Ch. Saint Lazar's Habibi Sagi for Best of Variety, and he put Indy up as Best of Opposite Sex. He clearly liked Sagi very much, and even gave Dr. Travis some "pointers" on showing her. He did the same for his Winners Bitch/Best of Winners on Sunday, Saint Lazar's Peaches. Edd engaged her owner, Tobby Jones in conversation during his table exam, and gave Tobby some sage advice. This is my kind of Judge. Edd enjoys Judging, and his knowledge is sound. Lord, I wish we had more like him and Mrs. Holm.

October 30, 2005
On Training Judges

We members of the American Manchester Terrier Club are very fortunate in that we have some AKC licensed Judges for Members, some of which are approved to Judge Manchesters. Prospective AKC Judges applying for approval to Judge Manchesters, or any other breed, will attend Breed Seminars sponsored by the parent Breed Club in order to get an in-depth exposure to a breed, and it's show qualities. In the past we have been fortunate to have Rod Herner conduct breed seminars around the country. Rod, a long time AMTC member, is licensed to Judge Manchesters, and has personally been involved as a breeder/exhibitor for several decades. In fact Rod was in the ring showing, when I was still standing outside watching my parents do it.

Rod puts on a very objective seminar. If one were applying for Manchester approval, Rod would be high on the list to seek out. I have seen Rod actually show live Manchesters (not just a bunch of photos), good, bad, and indifferent, to prospective Judges in a hands on demonstration . Members bring their good and mediocre dogs to support Rod's teaching. This year in Mt. Pocono, PA, our friend Jerri Hobbs, formerly an active AKC licensed Judge, conducted the breed seminar. Jerri is a Manchester breeder/exhibitor, and is also very objective and knowledgeable when it comes to interpreting the breed standard for the benefit of the prospective Judges. Unfortunately, Jerri was not allowed to have a good cross section of live Manchesters to show the Judges in a "hands on" session. This was unconscionable by the people responsible for managing the show and related events.

The problem with not having a good cross section of Manchesters at a breed seminar, is that a prospective Judge maybe only gets to see one "type". If this type is not correct, then how is this poor person going to be able to easily recognize a dog that properly conforms to the official breed standard (description for show purposes). This is analogous to me trying to describe to an alien visitor that humans should all look like Caucasians.  This ignores Asians, Africans, etc., and various sub-types. To stretch this a little further, the alien visitor could easily think that the only correct "human" was white, and any other was without merit. Herein lies a great deal of the problem with the current state of AKC approved Manchester Terrier judges that I allude to in editorials below. It seems frequently, misguided persons are seeing to it that Judges only see "their type", at seminars, thus the entire Manchester Terrier fancy ultimately suffers from ignorant Judges. Ignorant Manchester judging has reached "epidemic" proportions. We used to look forward to showing under a new Judge, but now we "cringe", or skip the show. My answer to this is to nominate for AMTC management, those members who have shown a long term commitment to breeding and showing correct Manchester Terriers. Those who are interested in their fellow members regardless of their sex, skin color, religion or lack thereof, their sexual orientation, and who will rejoice whoever wins in the show ring instead of burning with jealousy. Also, they will be cognizant and supportive to the many folks who want a correct Manchester, and are not necessarily interested in dog showing. There are plenty who fit this bill, we just have to get them in place.

October 25, 2005
AMTC National Specialty

We returned on Sunday, Oct. 16th from our trip to Mt. Pocono, PA, and showing in three American Manchester Terrier Club specialty shows there. For those not familiar with dog showing, specialty shows are the same as any other American Kennel Club sanctioned dog show, except that only Manchester Terriers can be entered. Otherwise all the normal AKC dog show rules apply. Generally specialty shows attract a good entry of Manchester Terriers in the area in which they are being held, and it is considered by Manchester Breeders to be quite prestigious to win at these shows. Normally a great deal of thought and investigation is given to the selection of the Judges at these shows. Naturally a judge who has a record of impartiality, outstanding breed knowledge, and a courteous ring demeanor is chosen.

Unfortunately such was not the case, in my personal opinion, at the Mt. Pocono shows. How do "undesirable" judges get chosen? Simple, if they are chosen by ballot by the AMTC membership, then the responsibility lies with the nominating committee. If the committee does not do their job, for whatever reason, and you are only able to choose from "bad", "worse", and "indifferent", then many will not bother to vote. For instance, such was the case some years ago for we Southern Baptists. The "liberals" were in charge of the nominating committees, and we wound up with national leadership who did not accept the infallibility of 'GOD'S WORD, and even worse, and it took a number of years, and a lot of commitment from good people to eventually get these out though democratic means. So shall it be in the AMTC.

There were some outstanding dogs entered at the Mt. Pocono shows, both Toys and Standards. Unfortunately due to very poor judging, in my personal opinion based on over forty years of experience, only a very few were chosen to win anything. The "Specials" class (those dogs who are AKC Champions) was very strong in Toys. Again, the judges simply seemed unable to recognize a proper Manchester, as described by the AMTC Breed Standard (the official guide for judging), and put up dogs that are heavily advertised in the "free" publications that are sent to judges, or went "eny meny miny moe". It was sad to see excellent examples of a correct Manchester, both Toys and Standards, walk away empty handed.

For the first time in many years, Saint Lazar did not show any "Class" dogs (i.e., dogs not yet AKC Champions) at these National Specialty and associated AMTC District specialty shows. We took recent Champion Saint Lazar's Indiana Jones, "Indy", Ch. Saint Lazar's Diamond Lil ROM, and Ch. Saint Lazar's She's Ruthless. We only showed Ruthless two days as she was in the process of healing up from a bout of demodectic mange, and was in mediocre coat, so never in contention. Indy showed his heart out, and garnered a great number of complements from our friends from around the country and Canada. However, Indy was simply outclassed at this show (even though those that outclassed him were not chosen), his day is yet to come. He turned ten months old while we were there, so he is still immature. Diamond Lil showed beautifully, there was not a better moving dog present, or one more correct to the breed standard, but she is not "animated" in the ring, and does not attract the attention that I would wish, not that it would have made any difference to the first two days judges (sour grapes - I know). But the judge the third day did give her a modicum of recognition by awarding her a "Award of Merit", which we appreciate, in spite of the judge's other choices.

So what's ahead? Lincoln, NE is the location of next years AMTC meeting and Specialty shows, and the Judges are ones who know good Manchesters, and have so demonstrated on numerous occasions. If the LORD doesn't come, and time goes on, and we are able to make the trip, we will at least know that we have had a good look, win, loose, or draw.

August 28, 2005
Terrible Judging!

Well it's happened again. We just completed three dog shows in Atlanta this past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. On Friday, the presiding Judge amazingly announced to the exhibitors that he "didn't know the breed very well". Wanda actually had to explain to him what a correct "topline" was while Rebel was being examined on the table. Saturday, the Judge literally threw up her hands and picked the dogs in the order they came into the ring. Sunday, the Judge never changed her dour expression, and maybe took 20 seconds to examine each dog. This madness has to stop, but in reality there is nothing this piddly little kennel can do about it, except we will never waste an entry fee under these three sorry excuses again. Least it sound like "sour grapes", for the record, Saint Lazar completed Rebel's Championship on Friday, and Saint Lazar bloodlines dominated these three shows. (See additional "Judge" comments further down.)

August 26, 2005
Puppy prospects worldwide.

One of the great pleasures of being a "recognized" quality breeder of Toy Manchester Terriers, is that we get inquiries from all over the world. We corresponded with a teenage young lady in middle Russia last year whose English was impeccable. In fact she serves as an interpreter for visitors. Email is great for making new friends. Later we corresponded with another young woman in mainland China. She was interested in obtaining a pup from us, but the difference in Chinese currency and the US dollar just did not make it affordable for her. Of course air freight is quite expensive, even though I tried to price a pup where it would work for her.

Currently we have a lady in the Czech Republic on the waiting list. She has a really nice web site showing her West Highland White Terriers. We are going the make sure she gets a good "foundation" dog. But, what really encourages us is that we have an inquiry from a Captain in the U.S. Army currently serving as Executive Officer with an Armored Calvary Regiment in Iraq. If it works out, and he desires to do so, we will make sure he gets a pup that fits his unique requirements. However, the first order of business is to pray daily for his safe return, and that of his comrades in arms. Thank you LORD for these wonderful  men and women, all volunteers!

July 27, 2005
The Joys of Consistent Winning.

We have observed that folks who have achieved notable success in some aspect of life, such as winning an Olympic medal, being elected to an important office, etc., or as in our case, being the number one breeder of Toy Manchesters in North America, generally find there is a "down side" to their success. Usually this is manifested by extreme jealousy and "back biting" by those who have tried the endeavor with little, or very modest success (Witness the "Frogs" jumping on Lance Armstrong because he whipped their whining bewtocks 7 years in a row). Alas, Wanda and I have experienced the downside to our GOD given success with our Toy Manchester breeding program, and we continue to do so.

The latest to rear it's ugly head is an email, which was brought to our attention by a friend, and which is going around to the Manchester fancy alluding to the fact that we currently have 20 puppies (four litters). It states that we can't possibly have good homes for them all, and that we can't "socialize" them properly (see our Testimonial Page), and in the writers opinion, we are a "commercial" kennel.

Well, as usual the facts are all wrong. We do have 20 puppies, but at this writing, we are not expecting any additional litters. Second, a few days after getting a copy of this erroneous email, we have all of the June pups "spoken for" and they are going to folks who have patiently been on our waiting list. Fully half are going to show homes. Two are going to the top breeders in Japan who have been waiting for almost two years for their show quality Saint Lazar pups. These Japanese are the top show kennels in Japan.

I am informed that the author of the aforementioned email is a "pet" person in the breed. Now there is nothing wrong with not being interested in showing a Manchester, indeed most pups go to pet homes. However, in every recognized American Kennel Club breed, it is the show kennels who are the "keepers" of the breed. These are folks who have devoted their time, energy, and finances to becoming true experts in their breed, and you can judge their knowledge by their show successes. Most of these, by far, are "hobby" breeders, i.e., non-commercial. This is why a prospective owner is well served by going to a medium to large kennel for their pup, because this is where you get the healthy genes. One (Saint Lazar) does not produce twelve new Champions around the U.S. and Canada,  3 from one litter, in a modest 9 month period, unless they really have a great gene pool, and know what they are doing. Also, I would point out that these twelve wins all came at large shows, with large entries, and the Championships were not achieved by "kennel" packing (a procedure whereby a breeder competes only against his/her own stock, usually at an "obscure" show), as is the norm with many of the jealous.

It has been pointed out that the "jealous" are usually dried up old ladies, who are well past their prime in health/mental acuity, and who have had very modest breed success. As for Wanda and Charlie, we want to make it very clear, that our financial blessings, received prior to our retirement, which enable us to enjoy a large, wonderful, "paid for" kennel, and that our show successes, all stem from the Grace of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. PRAISE HIS NAME for his goodness and mercy, and his forgiveness when I find it very difficult to "pray for my enemies" as he commanded.

ANOTHER TOPIC - NEW JUDGES   

Another topic is the lack of knowledge of new AKC Judges about Manchester Terriers. Some are so bad, it is quite obvious they got their Judges license at Wal-Mart. Seriously, some recently have been so sour, that you wonder why they are even there. We certainly don't expect to win every time we go in a show ring, in spite of our outstanding "batting average", but we do expect a modicum of knowledge on the Judge's part. At one time, and perhaps it is still a requirement, a prospective AKC Judge was required to visit some kennels of the breed(s) he or she was applying for. In the almost two decades that Saint Lazar has been the number one Toy Manchester Kennel in the nation, not one Judge has ever visited our facility. Yet, there are Judges being licensed out of the Southeast, and one has to wonder where they get their required "experience". Beats me.

THANK YOU!

As noted, often being number one is not so hot in some respects. Wanda and I are very grateful for the very decent "Manchester people" who have befriended us, used our studs, purchased show pups, sold or traded us dogs, and have just generally been all around good friends. You know who you are, we appreciate you more than I can express.