Show Dogs of the Year Awards - May 7, 2023 - 9

Eugene Blake
As a dog bather at The Pink Poodle Shop in Houston in 1954,
I was introduced to the world of dogs. Hazel Hamm, my
employer, whom I have always credited with recognizing my
talent with dogs, along with Jimmy Andrews, encouraged me
to continue on my life's path working with dogs.
When I started showing dogs in 1956, segregation was
practiced in sports, including dog shows. I stayed the course
showing dogs. I got my big break in 1973 when I won the
Hound Group at Westminster Kennel Club.
My long-term goal was to become an AKC licensed dog show judge. I started judging in
1990 with the Hound Group and progressively added the Non-Sporting, Toy and Sporting
Groups and Best in Show. I have judged dog shows around the world, including many
prestigious shows. If I was asked what show is my favorite to judge, my answer would be
the next show I am judging. I am honored to be nominated for this award and sincerely
congratulate the other nominees.
Jason Hoke
I began in the sport of dogs in my youth with German Shepherd
Dogs and Great Danes under the Jamara prefix. We bred many
champions, and it was the foundation that ultimately led to my
becoming a judge. During my teenage and early college years, I was
an apprentice to numerous all-breed handlers, which allowed me to
learn about the form and function of breeds across every group.
In the midst of a successful handling career in partnership with
David Fitzpatrick, I chose to go to culinary school. I worked in three
Michelin-star restaurants including The Inn at Little Washington
in Virginia. Eventually, I felt ready to embark on a judging career. My great adventure as a judge
began with eight breeds. I now judge the Toy and Hound Groups and most of the Non-Sporting
Group. I have served as president of the Great Dane Club of America, and I am a board member of
the Pekingese Club of America and member of the American Whippet Club.
I have had the privilege of judging the Westminster Kennel Club three times, including
judging the Toy Group in 2016. My judging career has taken me to 30 countries, and I was
honored to be the only American to judge the Great Dane National in Germany. The sport of
dogs has been kind to me, and I cherish each day in the ring. Thank you for my nomination.
Karen Wilson
Karen Wilson of Sperryville, Virginia, has had dogs all her life,
however, her family got their first show dog in 1966. She was
a lovely Irish Setter that was successful in the show ring, in
obedience, in the field and in the whelping box. They were
fortunate on their first try with a show dog to get such wonderful
dogs, she says. All their dogs were owner-handled. Her husband,
Gary, started with an Airedale Terrier at the same time and
continued to show until Karen became a judge in 1992.
Karen is approved to judge the Sporting, Hound and Terrier
Groups and Best in Show. Her judging has taken her to Asia, Brazil, Denmark, Canada and
Australia, as well as all around the United States. The five times she judged at Westminster have
been great memories, she says, as has judging at the AKC National Championship, the Morris &
Essex show and a great variety of national and regional specialties. She is looking forward looking
to judging Best in Show at the Montgomery County Kennel Club terrier show this October.
She and her husband continue to be active in dog clubs. They have many good friends in
the dog fancy and are always willing to help out new exhibitors. Their love for dogs has carried
over to their family, which includes two daughters, 11 grandchildren and, so far, 22 greatgrandchildren,
most of whom have dogs of their own.
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Show Dogs of the Year Awards - May 7, 2023

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