| Some twenty years ago
(in the early eighties), a handful of dog show folk - chatting as dog folk
are inclined to do - recognized the need for a professional stewarding
group, thus under the leadership of Pat McLain, the professional stewards
association came into being.
Among those first folk
who are still associated with the grandchild Dixie Professional Stewards
were Millie and Gail Meyer, Myrtle Willis, Barbara Luebbert, Rita Stoval,
Les Alberti and others.
Pat McLain ran the group
for more than a decade then released it to the care of Pat Berube who managed
Heart
of Dixie Stewards Association for four years before relocating to Canada.
Nancy Gines assumed responsibility
for the ever-growing stewarding association for the next three years as
Heart
of Dixie Stewards Association expanded its activities
providing kennel clubs with professional and well trained stewards in the
geographic areas from Florida to Kentucky, Georgia to Mississippi, Carolinas,
and Tennessee to Alabama.
Nancy eventually accepted
an opportunity as a licensed superintendent with the Jack Onofrio dog show
organization. She turned over the stewarding responsibilities to Norman
Crook, who enthusiastically accepted the reins (leash?) of its leadership.
With an availability list
numbering over 150 folks prepared to work dog shows in their respective
areas, DPS continues to offer top flight, responsible, ethical professional
stewards who assist judges, exhibitors and the show giving kennel clubs
to ensure flawless ring operation.
DPS and its many stewards
now provide confirmation, Obedience and Rally stewards to some 150 shows,
including nationals and regional Specialty clubs. |