Meet the Judges
Agility
Debby Wheeler Escondido, California
Debby has been running in agility for 25 years, been an instructor for 20 years, an AKC agility judge since 2005, served as an AKC Field Representative for four years, and is the AKC Agility League course designer for the regular division. Debby’s Judging and Instructing philosophy is that she should train and run both big and small dogs to understand the sport and utilize those experiences to develop fun and fair course design for all teams. She currently runs a Vizsla “Rumor” and a Smooth Fox Terrier “Ripple” who are both competing at the national level and traveled to Orlando last year for the AKC Agility Invitational. Rumor was named AKC Agility TopDog Vizsla 2022 and earned the Vizsla Club of America honors and Agility Dog of The Year 2022. She recently welcomed a 2nd Vizsla puppy “Pushy” to her family. Debby wishes everyone the best of luck at their National events. Run Fast and Run Clean!
Agility
Terri can never remember not having a dog in the household and has had many breeds mixed and purebred. Her dogs are an intricate part of her family. She has been in dog sports since the late 1980’s, after retiring from the professional world of training and coaching Hunters/Equestrians.
For over 20 years, she worked in Information Technology as a Business Systems Analyst. Her career helped support her canine pursuits.
The American Kennel Club employed her for eight years as an AKC Agility Field Representative. Currently she is semi-retired, judging the sport of AKC agility.
She and her husband enjoy traveling with their dogs and competing in Dock Diving, Agility, and other canine sports.
Barn Hunt
Karen Miller, Davenport, FL
Barn Hunt
Marian Shaw, Queenstown, MD
Conformation
Ms. Barrie Essner, Lafayette Hill, PA
Classes: DCA Sweepstakes
Conformation
TBD
Classes: DCA Veteran Sweepstakes
Conformation
Diana Wilson
Classes: DCA Futurity
Conformation
Mrs. Patti Strand, Portland, OR
Classes: DCA Dog classes, Non-Regular Classes
Rod and Patti Strand have bred Dalmatians for more than 50 years under the Merry-Go-Round prefix, producing multiple top winning Agility and Best in Show Dalmatians, Top Twenty, national specialty and BISS winners, a Westminster group winner, and over two hundred champions. Two of their Dals are listed among the top ten winning Dalmatians of all time. One was named the Non-Sporting Show Dog of the Year in 2006, Ch Merry Go Round Mach Ten, a 29-time BIS winner. The other, GCHP Merry Go Round Coach Master, was a two-time Dalmatian Club of America BISS winner (once as a veteran). Patti has judged the Dalmatian Club of America National twice
Rod and Patti were named AKC non-sporting breeders of the year in 2014, Patti was awarded the AKC Lifetime Achievement and Visionary Awards in 2016 and was named “Dogdom’s Woman of the Year” and was the “Fido Award recipient” in 1993.
Conformation
Mrs. Eva Berg, Moraga, CA
DCA Bitch classes, Junior Showmanship, Best of Breed
Eva Berg has exhibited Dalmatians in conformation and obedience since 1967. Under the Proctor prefix, she has bred more than 100 champions, many nationally ranked, and numerous obedience title holders. Eva is a former high school teacher and has instructed in a noted Obedience School.
Eva started judging in 1990 as a breeder-judge of Dalmatians and then worked her way through the Sporting Group before coming back to Non-Sporting, and then completing the Working, Hound, Toy and Herding Groups.
Eva also judges Best in Show, Junior Showmanship, and Miscellaneous
Conformation
Elaine Lessig, Annandale, NJ
Dalmatian Club of the Piedmont Regional Specialty
Elaine J. Lessig, of Clinton, New Jersey, did not realize how much her life would change when she acquired her first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in 1987. She has since produced AKC champions in all four colors and both sexes. Additionally, a Cavalier she bred was the Number One Cavalier for both 2021 and 2022. She has also put obedience, Canine Good Citizen, and CKCSC/USA titles on her dogs. Among her proudest achievements are Best in Show, RBISs, Best of Opposite Sex at the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club National Specialty, at the Westminster Kennel Club, and a Best of Opposite Sex and Best Bred-by-Exhibitor at the AKC National Championship, all on both dogs and bitches she bred and owned.
In 1999, Mrs. Lessig was the first Cavalier breeder to attain AKC judging status strictly from her breed. She has judged at AKC, CKCSC, and numerous shows in multiple foreign countries. She is approved to judge Best in Show, the Sporting Group the Toy Group, the Non-Sporting Group, and Standard Manchester Terriers. Mrs. Lessig has judged her breed and others at The Westminster Kennel Club, the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club National Specialty and nationals of other breeds. Mrs. Lessig also serves as show chairman for the Delaware Water Gap Kennel Club. Mrs. Lessig and her husband, Dr. Marvin Lessig have the pleasure of sharing their lives with the Roi L Cavaliers and English Toy Spaniels.
Mrs. Lessig is honored to be a judge and looks forward to enjoying the dogs competing at the Dalmatian Club of the Piedmont following the National Specialty.
Conformation
TBD
Central Carolina Dalmatian Club Specialty
Conformation
Mrs. Susan St. John Brown, Divide, CO
Dalmatian Club of Greater Atlanta Regional Specialty
Conformation
Mrs. Patti Widick Neale, Alachua, FL
Mid Florida Dalmatian Club Regional Specialty
Dock Diving
TBD
Fast CAT
Lure Operators Speed Dog Fast Cat service
Electric powered, continuous loop lure machines will be used and Electronic Timers. The lure will consist of plastic strips.
Fast CAT
Obedience
Karen Wrey, Calabash NC
My name is Karen Wrey. I’ve recently retired, having been an elementary school teacher for over 4 decades. I feel that my experiences with children and their families have been an asset for me in terms of both training dogs and in judging. I see myself as a very patient, consistent and fair person.
Although I’ve had dogs and cats and rabbits (and even a prairie dog) during my lifetime, it wasn’t until 2001, that I became active in AKC events. As you know, the love of dogs can expand many aspects of one’s life. I jumped right into the world of training, teaching, seminars, stewarding and dog clubs. I especially enjoyed Rally and became a judge October 2007. A few years later, I became an Obedience Judge, as well.
Since that beginning, I’ve been very active in several kennel clubs. I’ve held board positions and offices. For more than 10 years I was the President of the Doberman Pinscher Club of the Tappan Zee, and even though I’ve relocated to NC, I’m still the Club’s VP. I was the Secretary and Obedience Class Coordinator/Instructor for the Taconic Hills Kennel Club, where I was also privileged to work with the Westchester County 4 H Canine Kids program. In addition to my Doberman Chapter club, I’m currently a member of The Cape Fear Dog Training Club.
Over the years, I’ve worked as an Obedience Chair, Trophy Chair, Rally Chair, Match Chair, and Steward. I continue to fill those rolls whenever I’m needed. I’m also one of AKC’s Virtual Rally and Obedience Judges. I have owned and trained registered Therapy Dogs. Obviously, I embrace volunteering and encourage others to do so, as well. Our sport depends on it!
Currently my life is blessed with my wonderful husband of 42 years and a beautiful, “rehomed” Doberman Pinscher named Ruby. She is a work in progress and trained through Utility. I hope to start competing with Ruby in the Fall.
When I’m not judging Rally and Obedience, training my dog or attending club meetings and functions, I enjoy reading, watercolor painting, designing rally courses, and spending time with old friends. Retirement at Sunset Beach is exactly what I hoped it would be. Life is good!
My name is Karen Wrey. I’ve recently retired, having been an elementary school teacher for over 4 decades. I feel that my experiences with children and their families have been an asset for me in terms of both training dogs and in judging. I see myself as a very patient, consistent and fair person.
Although I’ve had dogs and cats and rabbits (and even a prairie dog) during my lifetime, it wasn’t until 2001, that I became active in AKC events. As you know, the love of dogs can expand many aspects of one’s life. I jumped right into the world of training, teaching, seminars, stewarding and dog clubs. I especially enjoyed Rally and became a judge October 2007. A few years later, I became an Obedience Judge, as well.
Since that beginning, I’ve been very active in several kennel clubs. I’ve held board positions and offices. For more than 10 years I was the President of the Doberman Pinscher Club of the Tappan Zee, and even though I’ve relocated to NC, I’m still the Club’s VP. I was the Secretary and Obedience Class Coordinator/Instructor for the Taconic Hills Kennel Club, where I was also privileged to work with the Westchester County 4 H Canine Kids program. In addition to my Doberman Chapter club, I’m currently a member of The Cape Fear Dog Training Club.
Over the years, I’ve worked as an Obedience Chair, Trophy Chair, Rally Chair, Match Chair, and Steward. I continue to fill those rolls whenever I’m needed. I’m also one of AKC’s Virtual Rally and Obedience Judges. I have owned and trained registered Therapy Dogs. Obviously, I embrace volunteering and encourage others to do so, as well. Our sport depends on it!
Currently my life is blessed with my wonderful husband of 42 years and a beautiful, “rehomed” Doberman Pinscher named Ruby. She is a work in progress and trained through Utility. I hope to start competing with Ruby in the Fall.
When I’m not judging Rally and Obedience, training my dog or attending club meetings and functions, I enjoy reading, watercolor painting, designing rally courses, and spending time with old friends. Retirement at Sunset Beach is exactly what I hoped it would be. Life is good!
Rally
Carol Mett Savannah, GA
Carol was fortunate to have been born into a very dog friendly family. She grew up with almost every breed and size of dog known to man. Her
mother knew she was destined for the dog world when she never wanted to play with dolls but preferred stuffed animals.
Carol began grooming after receiving a miniature poodle for high school graduation. She took her poodle to college with her and, little did
she know at the time, this would be the beginning of a 40 year career in the dog business.
Her interest in competition obedience began when she gave her daughter, Lisa, a cute black Labrador Retriever puppy for her 12th birthday.
The “cute” began to wear off after 2 weeks, and they soon realized, they had a bundle of fur that was outsmarting the entire family. Carol enrolled the puppy in a local obedience class in the park and transformed the cute puppy into her first Utility dog. Over the past 30 years she has
been showing Labradors, Golden Retrievers and her late husband John’s Dalmatians in Obedience, Rally, Agility and Field competition. Carol stewarded for John for a few years and decided to join him in the judging field, also. She truly loves both sides of the clip board.
She has been truly blessed to have turned her lifelong hobby into a successful business over the past 40 years. When she is not judging, training students, and showing, she is very busy with the day to day operation of their boarding, daycare, and training facility. It is her
desire that every dog owner love and appreciate their canine companion as much as she does.
Carol has watched amazing friendships develop among many of her students, all because of their love of their dogs. One of the greatest compliments she acknowledges is for one of her students to beat her in the ring.
Scent Work
Donna L Dowler-Parmer Monticello, FL
By way of introduction, Donna was born, raised and spent her early years in Southern New Jersey, and for the past 25 years she has called the beautiful rural area of the Big Bend (north central area) of Florida her home. Dogs have always been a major part of her life and enduring love. Donna has been a Pro trainer for 50 years; currently serving as a judge/evaluator in various capacities (see below) and conduct training classes through her business, Wagging Ways Dog Development, LLC.
Donna has a special love for German Shepherds, that she has shown in diverse scent work events and activities, among other types of competition. Her initial exposure to scent work was in the late 1990’s when she started tracking. Search and Rescue began in 2005 when Donna organized a First Response Search Team, where an area and building searches used air Scent. Donna also did tracking and HRD training. Her German Shepard was certified by NAPWADA, NOCSAR, and NOCDS.
Scent work with the UKC and AKC started in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Knowledge is a key and indispensable foundation for wisdom. To acquire this knowledge, Donna recommends reading and then studying the pertinent rules. Secondly, volunteer at trials to gain that all important experience. Donna says, “It’s natural to be nervous, so remember to smile, have fun and enjoy the best of times with ‘Man’s Best Friend’!”
Scent Work
Laurel Scarioni Opelika, AL
Laurel is from Northern California but now reside in Montgomery, Alabama. She has been involved in scent detection sports since 2010 and have been judging for AKC since this venue started. Laurel currently have a Brittany (Far Out Fields’ Absolutely Despicable Darling, aka Agnes) and a Malinois/Schnauzer rescue (Walter, aka Mr Barky Pants). She is a certifying official for NACSW and has titled through the Elite Champion level with a previous dog (Myrtle Mae, the amazing rescue ACD). Laurel’s advice to competitors, “Your dog is the one with the amazing nose, so stay out of the way and trust your dog! Relax and have fun playing this amazing game with your dog!”
Scent Work
Cindy Roberts, Calera AL
Cindy is from Calera, AL. She has been trialing and judging AKC Scent Work with her Chihuahuas and Teddy Roosevelt Terriers since 2017. In addition to Scent Work, she loves running her dogs in Fast CAT, CABT, and in UKC Precision Coursing. She also trains dogs to detect cancer.
Cindy began judging in 2015 with NACSW Odor Recognition Test. In AKC, she also judges AKC Temperament Test, and AKC Farm Dog. Her best day in AKC Scent Work was qualifying in Master with her first Nose Work dog who was environmentally sensitive. Cindy and he began Nose Work in 2013 to help him with his issues with people and new places. To reach Master with him was more than she dreamed was possible.
Cindy says, “Keep in mind each time you step to the start line, you and your dog are winners. The hours of practice, learning to read your dog’s subtle changes in body language, developing teamwork -all that makes you winners. The Q ribbon is an affirmation of accomplishment. Placement ribbons and new titles are icing on the cake. Regardless of the outcome of the search learn from the experience and celebrate your new knowledge. You always take home the best dog!”
Road Trial
TBD
Tracking
Jack E. Sappenfield II Durham, NC
Jack has been a tracking judge since 1998 and has been approved to judge Tracking Dog (TD), Tracking Dog Urban (TDU), and Tracking Dog Excellent (TDX). In the past, he has provided seminars for a number of clubs in various states, and privately taught individuals the basics of tracking to certification.
The Weimaraner Club of America asked Jack to chair their National Tracking Test on three occasions, and as a member of the Durham Kennel Club, he has chaired their tests for many years. He is also approved to judge 4 and under 6 months Puppy Conformation and the FSS Open Shows. Currently, Jack is the Durham Kennel Club Delegate to the AKC, and his breeds are the Weimaraner and Vizsla.
