Corky Vroom - He will be deeply missed

We are all saddened by the death of our faculty member and dear friend, Corky Vroom.

Corky sailed as a faculty member with the K9 College for 3 consecutive years, presenting his very popular "Beating the Pros" seminar to rave reviews.  We were looking forward to having Corky back on-board with us in 2011, but sadly, it was not to be. 

Corky began his own career as a licensed American Kennel Club handler and member of the Professional Handlers Association in 1966.  The highlights of his 40 year career include over 1,000 All-Breed Best in Shows and numerous individual breed National Specialty wins.  He was awarded 8 Group 1sts in 5 different Group categories at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club.

Among the many famous dogs whose careers he led, 3 were #1 ranked Top Dog All-Breeds in the U.S. and two hold win records to this day which are unsurpassed in their respective breeds.  Corky was awarded the coveted Fido Award for Handler of the year twice and was awarded Kennel Review Magazine two times also.  These awards were particularly treasured as they are based on votes from his peers.

Throughout the years, Corky has handled and judged in three different countries and has enjoyed presenting seminars on handling and ring presentation, training students from other nations.

For the last 5 years of his professional handling career, Corky headed the Professional Handlers Association as President and was instrumental in drafting the current Registered Handler Program offered by the American Kennel Club.

Corky believed that his greatest contribution was in teaching his handling skills to those who share his love of dogs and enjoy the sport of dog shows as he had throughout his entire life.   This belief was clearly evident when he sailed with us on the K9 College Cruise.   His down-to-earth approachable style of teaching, engaging personality, and million dollar smile made him a favorite of K9 cruisers, both in and out of the classroom.   

We are blessed for the privilege of having known this great man of the dog world and will be forever grateful for his friendship and support.  Our hearts go out in sympathy to his lovely wife Sue.   Expressions of condolences may be sent to Sue at:

Sue Vroom

109 Lakeside Drive

Shady Shores, TX  76208