Every year, CKC holds its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in a different city, making it easier for local members, in addition to Staff and Board Members, to attend this annual event. It also provides CKC with the wonderful opportunity to recognize some of the local members that have contributed to CKC and the purebred dog community.
As CKC owes its existence and continued success to the vision, hard work and dedication of its members, the tradition of celebrating local members began at the 2016 AGM in Quebec City. It has continued through to this year’s AGM on June 1 in Winnipeg, where CKC recognized some remarkable Manitoba members.
Gail Carroll - Lifetime Contribution Award
Gail Carroll was presented with the Lifetime Contribution Award in recognition of her steadfast commitment and extraordinary contributions to theCanadian Dog Community and Canadian Kennel Club through roles as a CKC member, Judge and as Manitoba’s representative on the CKC Obedience Council.
Gail Carroll has been a CKC member for 43 consecutive years, playing with dogs for much of her adult life. Gail has trained and handled a succession of Siberian Huskies, a Tibetan Terrier, and a Golden Retriever to a variety of Canadian and American titles in Conformation, Obedience and Rally.
Gail has owned two history-making Siberian Huskies, one was the first Canadian-bred Siberian champions to earn a utility title in Obedience. The other, more recently, was a multi-Best in Show winner with several performance titles who became the first Siberian to earn Canada’s Grand Champion Excellent title.
Gail has been judging obedience trials for over 30 years and now also judges Rally in both Canada and the US. She was the first elected President of the Canadian Association of Obedience Trial Judges. For many years, Gail has been Manitoba’s representative on the CKC Obedience Council.
Valerie Reith - Performance Award
Valerie Reith was presented with the Performance Award in recognition to her enduring dedication and exemplary contributions to the Canadian Kennel Club and the purebred dog fancy.
Valerie has been a member of the Canadian Kennel Club for 46 consecutive years and an Obedience trainer for over 30 years. She has trained Miniature Schnauzers, Dobermans,Labradors, Shelties and Golden Retrievers to several Obedience, Rally and Tracking titles including four Obedience champions.
Valerie was a Rally Judge, the Rally Obedience Representative for Manitoba and the Executive Treasurer for the Canadian Association of Obedience Trial Judges. She currently owns four Golden Retrievers, who have appeared in movies and commercials and are certified pet therapy dogs - making peoples’ days just a little better.
Jody Ripstein - Mentorship Award
Jody Ripstein was presented with the Mentorship Award for her impact and influence as a leader in many areas of purebred dogs, and dedication to the Junior Handling Program in Manitoba.
For the past four decades, Jody Ripstein has been a mentor in the Canadian Dog Fancy. She is a founding Member and Treasurer of the Manitoba Sporting Dog Association, the Vice President of the Assiniboine Kennel Club and President of the Heart of the Continent Kennel Club, in addition to being a lifetime member of the Canadian Kennel Club and American Spaniel Club.
Jody is passionate about all aspects of the sport of purebred dogs, and has dedicated her time to help many newcomers, sharing her knowledge with those willing to learn. Jody has volunteered with the Junior Program in Manitoba, including hosting the CKC Junior Handling National Championships in Winnipeg in 2005.
Lloyd Simmons - Breeder of Record Award
Lloyd Simmons was presented with the Breeder of Record Award for his exceptional contribution to the purebred dog fancy through his exemplary breeding program, producing Irish Wolfhounds and Scottish Deerhounds that embody breed type, sound temperament and outstanding health.
Lloyd’s first litter whelped in 1984, and one of the puppies from this litter went on to win Best of Opposite Sex at the 1988 Irish Wolfhound Club of America’s National Specialty. Since then, Lloyd has dedicated his time breeding both Scottish Deerhounds and Irish Wolfhounds, many of which have competedin specialty shows Canada, the US, and the UK.
In 2019, Lloyd was awarded the coveted Best of Breed title at the Irish Wolfhound Club of America National Specialty with his Bred-By Special. In addition to this huge accomplishment, he was also awarded Winner’s Dog from the bred by class.
Lloyd’s skills and expertise are made infinitely more valuable by his commitment to sharing his advice, knowledge and encouragement to the next generation of dog fanciers.
Fifty-year members, Mimi E. Chrystal, Roberta Tougas and Grace McDonald were also presented with plaques in honour of their long-time service and contributions to CKC.
We look forward to meeting more amazing members at CKC’s AGM in 2020!