Today's Breeder - Issue 107 - 2

LONGTIME TODAY'S BREEDER EDITOR
BARB FAWVER RETIRES
P
ay special attention to Today's
Breeder, Issue 107. From " King, "
the handsome retriever who graces
the cover, to " Trumpet, " the now famous
Westminster-winning Bloodhound,
to the closing Breed Snapshot of a
Hungarian herding breed you probably
never heard of - this is the LAST issue
of Today's Breeder orchestrated and
assembled by editor Barbara Fawver.
Read every word. Enjoy every stunning
photo. Learn something that might
make you, your dog, or your breed
even better. Barb Fawver would like
that. After 25 years at Purina, she's
retiring like a Best in Show winner.
Barb's Purina career began in 1997,
however, she first started working on
Breeder/Enthusiast communications
a couple of years later with Today's
Breeder, Issue 26. By Issue 27, she was
named assistant editor, and by Issue
29, she was the editor. Under Barb's
watch, Today's Breeder became better
with each issue. Armed with an
Associated Press Style Book, a passion for dogs and their
breeders, owners and handlers, and a relentless work
ethic, Barb took Today's Breeder and Breeder/Enthusiast
Communications at Purina to the next level.
Designer Jean Lopez has been a constant team member
publishing as many as 24 breed-specific
Update newsletters that were coveted
by parent clubs.
And then there were the dogs. Barb
became a fixture at Westminster since
attending her first show at the Garden
in 2004. She's also covered and attended
every National Dog Show since its
inception. " I fell in love with every
winner and every breed we featured in
Today's Breeder Magazine, " Barb says.
Especially " Uno " - the Beagle who
bayed his way to Westminster Best in
Show in 2008.
" Uno was such a gregarious dog, and
Barb Fawver holds Rottweiler puppy " Tucker "
in 2019.
it was really exciting for everyone there.
That Beagle did a lot for the sport -
David Frei took him everywhere. Uno
rang the bell at the New York Stock
Exchange, and he was on all the
networks and starred in the Macy's
Thanksgiving Day Parade. Of course,
Uno also visited Purina's World Headquarters
in St. Louis. I'd have to say
Uno is my favorite. "
working with Barb. " Jean and I share a love for our work
that hopefully translated into stories that were a good read
and visually interesting, " Barb says. Barb wrote most of the
content and amassed a stable of talented freelance writers
and photographers to support her work. " I learned something
new every day, " Barb says. Some 80 issues later, she's
still striving for perfection with issue No. 107.
Along the way, Barb met and became friends with iconic
dog owners and handlers, veterinarians, and elite canine
and feline researchers and scientists around the world. Her
sources produced topics and important breakthroughs in
nutrition, genomics, reproduction, disease, and health. Barb's
connections to the AKC Canine Health Foundation and global
research took her to international conferences in Sweden,
France, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, and Canada. She also
became the go-to communications person at Purina when
it came to curating and creating Breeder/Enthusiast content,
2 | ISSUE 107
Barb's Beagle bias can perhaps be traced to her coverage
of a Purina Outstanding Brace Beagle Award ceremony
back in 2003. There, she met and interviewed a winning
handler named Del Fawver. " I told him to look me up if he
ever came to St. Louis. He did. We were married by the next
August in 2004. "
Barb Fawver soon began handling some of their Black
Blanket Brace Beagles along with her husband. Then
Rottweilers became her fancy. She made one a Grand
Champion and also earned a couple of Obedience titles.
Her current project is a 121-pound Rottie named " Tucker. "
" I look back on 25 years and I'm proud to be part of a
successful team here at Purina, " Barb says. " I've been fortunate
to cover many icons in their respective sports, to tout their
success and weave in the important role Purina Pro Plan
has in providing the energy and momentum these canine
athletes need to win. Yes, I put in a lot of hours, but I've
loved this job so much I don't think I've worked a single
day in 25 years. I'm just so touched by the passion these
people have for their dogs. As a writer and editor, I've been
able to share in their joy. And that's pretty special. " n
- Keith Schopp
Today's Breeder - Issue 107

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Today's Breeder - Issue 107
