Page 156 - ShowSight - April 2020
P. 156

                LINES FROM LINDA: CHICAGOLAND SHETLAND SHEEPDOG CLUB
 The late Rose Zielinski, “The Raffle Lady” and Lifetime Honorary Member for her many years of dedication to the club.
While she owned Shelties over the years, Rose was never a dog show person. Only once did she enter a dog show ring. The occasion was for the Parade of Veterans at the 1997 National Specialty with her beloved “Cory”, Ch. Starlite’s On The Move, from her daughter Linda Kunicki’s kennels.
When Rose was a young girl she lived on a farm. Her family owned a Shetland Sheepdog named Trixie. One day Rose was sent to the fields to do some chores where the family bull was grazing. The bull felt disturbed and charged after Rose. She ran, but the bull was in hot pursuit. Suddenly, Trixie came running and distracted the bull while Rose was able to get out of the field. Rose always felt that her Sheltie, Trixie, saved her life, so she repaid that act by her service to the Chicagoland Shetland Sheepdog Club.
Known for their fabulous hospitality, great raffles, awesome buffet luncheons, and out of sight desserts, the hard working members of the club also added an important educational experience. Following the afternoon show judged by Sheltie great Brian Cleveland, members and exhibitors were invited to participate in a Breed Discussion and Dinner moderated by longtime breeder Julie Desy of Ilemist Kennels. Questions were collected throughout the day on index cards and Julie asked members of the panel to respond. As the Specialty judge, I was joined by Linda Guihen, and Tracy Gensler to make up the panel. Judge Brian Cleveland was ill and could not stay for the discussion.
I invited two young handlers to join me. Tommy Giacinto and Chrissy Thompson, who had shown their exhibits to perfection, were all ears as the panelists responded to questions. Youngsters like Tommy and Chrissy should be encouraged as they are the future of our sport.
    Raffle winners celebrate. L/R: Kathy and John Griggs; Mike Costa with granddaughter Olivia; Judy Cooper; and your author.
154 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, APRIL 2020



























































































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