Group Winning Ch. Sharrah’s Zhunghatoh (Zhunghi)
"Logansport Dog"

For those seasoned veterans, Ch. Zhunghatoh was THE Logansport dog. The following story flew around the world, in an effort by breeder-judge members from the Afghan Hound Club of America (AHCA) to communicate to other judges to IMMEDIATELY MARK THEIR BOOKS. There was a fear Logansport might set a precedent for judges not protected against disgruntled exhibitors.

A little history before Logansport: For me to enter the show ring with Zhunghatoh was huge. Randy attained Ch. Kauravya's first Major BOB over 6 specials. One special held the #1 Afghan title, and he was NEVER beaten by ANY class dog until Kauravya. Then Kauravya was severely injured and he died on the operating table. He was revived and 2 ½ years later re-entered the ring with handlers.

Then it took 8 years for Sharrah’s FIRST litter, but Parvo struck. We had the FIRST confirmed case in the Midwest. I lost everything at home except Ch. Kauravya, but there was ONE puppy alive. I went on a long pursuit to find him and bought "Z" back. Then I was faced with who would show my lovely red boy. Mentors helped me through my many handling mistakes even though I didn’t have their lines. Though both of these men are gone, they consistently encouraged me.

Logansport: On Sept. 13, 1980, I entered Zhunghatoh in Open under breeder-judge, and previous President of the AHCA, Mrs. Judy Fellton. It was my first time showing to her. It was late in the day and all other rings were empty. Groups were underway in the other building.

Ms. Fellton awarded "Z" the Breed from the classes over 5 specials! Before the win was marked in the judge’s book, several people charged into the ring. Accusations of a "trimmed" dog were made, but the complaining couple also claimed their dog was the "old" type, like Zhunghatoh. NO WHERE in the standard did it confirm trimming was a fault, or reason to deny a judge's pick. Though I slightly trimmed the side coat, MOST of the “trimmed” look came from meticulous grooming – 95% FINGERS, 5% brush serves me well.

The AKC Rep and Club President were called, but were not there. After harassment from the particular losers, the judge advised me she was afraid. She did not want undue trouble for the dog or me. Lynch mob-like actions amplified.

With "Z" sitting at my side, a woman approached me. Her steely index finger poked close to my eyes. As the owner of the losing Special, she reiterated she should have won. I questioned why I pursued finding “Z”, fought diligently to help others world wide with the Parvo campaign and fund? I stuttered, "I don't believe this is happening to me". Her comment, "You'd better believe it; if you can't take it, honey, then get out of dogs!"

Still, no Club officials showed up. The judge repeated she didn't want anything to happen to me or my "beautiful red boy", and then she stared at the boisterous woman who grabbed at my dog’s side coat. With glassy eyes, Judy Fellton panned the ring then boldly announced she would rerun the Breed in an attempt to stop the chaos. Smug looks spread across the faces of the naysayers. People re-stacked their dogs and without moving an inch, a new Breed dog was chosen. Mrs. Fellton clutched her judge's book close to her chest and quickly noted it, then yelled, "This dog [Zhunghatoh] is my BOW and I will NOT deny him that!"

The Breed went to a respected breeder-judge’s Special male, and the woman openly announced with her soft, broken speech, where she clipped her dog. She defended Mrs. Fellton's original decision, along with many others. With no Rep or Show Chairman present, it was over. I received WD/BOW that was just shy of the Major.

After Logansport: I filed a complaint with the AKC against the complaining couple, not Judy Fellton. The others with Specials wrote to the AKC with similar stories. The AKC did not have jurisdiction over non-benched shows, because responsibility fell at the Club level, but they punished the couple to the degree they could.

I finished Ch. Zhunghatoh and his Specials career soared. He LOVED to show... and LOVED me. But, I was cautioned to pull him due to threats on his life since Logansport. My friend showed her special to the #1 Afghan and experienced tragedy with her new puppy, so I heeded her warning. Ch. Zhunghatoh died at the young age of 7, due to liver cancer and there are no progeny.

For years after Logansport, Mrs. Fellton lost her ability to advance with additional breeds and groups to judge, and her judging assignments suffered. The AKC questioned why I didn't file a complaint against her when I lost the most. Very simple: Sometimes it's NOT about the numbers.

Judy Fellton made the mistake of NOT controlling her ring, but she was also a victim. I could not penalize her for trying to do the right thing. I lost the most, but gained a dear friend as a result. While Judy is gone, her contributions speak volumes. From the early beginnings of our beloved Afghan breed in the US, to her nationwide rescue efforts, and the Afghan Hound Club of America, these serve as testament to this great lady positively impacting our Breed.

Click here to return to Ch. Zhunghatoh's home page.