Championmakers

"Championmakers" is partly about earning Champion titles for American Kennel Club recognized breeds of dogs. The story is told from the perspective of a judge that considers the endeavor as being part of the sport of dogs. Within the sport there are challenges associated with the complexities surrounding the fact that people handle their dogs in the dog show ring. Yet the wins are to be based solely on the merits of the dog. The first four chapters involve the process in judging. At the dog shows, during the time when the judge is making his final decision a bird or birds show up both in and out of the ring, and the mystery behinds the birds is not revealed until chapter seven. Chapter five describes the meaning of a true “Special” in the dog show world, and chapter six surrounds the judge's introduction to Basset Hound show dogs and meeting his wife Mary at Desiree Acres. In the final chapter additional meaning behind showing dogs in conformation is given by the handlers that happen to have won. Through the twists and turns associated with birds that show up at ringside, in chapter seven the reader will find out who are the real "Championmakers".

Ronald Lukins involvement with dogs started at the age of five when a neighbor gave him a small black Cockapoo. This little dog was a companion for over 14 years. Sugar, as do many dogs, played much more of a role in his life than he or any of his family members could have imagined. With an early start in sports including football, baseball, wrestling, long distance running and weight lifting sportsmanship has been at the heart of all life-long endeavors. Masters’ degrees in physics, technology management, and psychology represent a life-long interest in learning, including the lengthy effort given to judge American Kennel Club dog shows. He acquired a Basset Hound after graduating UCLA and met Mary Netzley at the Basset Hound Club of Southern California in 1984. They were married a few months later, and he was accepted into the pack of seven Bassets and his new family. Over the years, with over a three decades supporting Mary showing the dogs, he is now and AKC judge for the Hound Group. He has been involved in various aspects of dogs throughout his life including obedience, field trials, canine pet loss groups and hospice, pet assisted therapy.