St. Louis, MO – September 13, 2024
Good evening. My name is Dr. Alyse Kanter, Treasurer of our club, and it is my distinct honor and privilege to present a very special award tonight: the Lifetime Achievement Award for the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America.
This award recognizes an individual whose dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark not only on our club, but on the broader canine community. We celebrate a woman whose life has been defined by devotion to dogs—by her countless hours of service, boundless energy, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Basset Fauve de Bretagne across the United States. Through her work, she has forever enriched our breed, our club, and our future.
Her journey began in childhood, entering conformation rings before the age of ten. Since then, she has bred, trained, shown, trialed, and hunted with a variety of breeds while also drafting and advocating for the passage of Assistance Dog Laws. She studied canine genetics at Michigan State University under world-renowned researchers, giving her a unique and invaluable foundation as this breed has grown in popularity here in America.
Professionally, she is a highly respected nurse and master dog trainer with more than 55 years of experience. Her specialty in assistance dog training—now focused exclusively on Diabetic Alert Dogs—has changed lives. She co-authored airline service dog legislation and helped develop and promote the genetic DNA test for Progressive Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), a critical breakthrough for the health of our breed.
Her Fauve story began in 2001, when she traveled to France to study under three French hunting judges and the President of the Club du Fauve de Bretagne, returning with what were undoubtedly among the first Fauves in the United States. She continued her international education in 2011 at the World Dog Show and the Club’s International Breeder’s Exposition, and she has returned many times since—shadowing judges, studying under experts, and advocating for improved breeding programs here at home. This year, she represented the United States as the American delegate at the Club du Fauve annual meeting and at the Elevage, the French Club’s internationally attended specialty event.
She was the founding president of the UKC national breed club and is now President of our own Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America, the official United States breed club. Her leadership has driven the progress toward full AKC recognition; we currently stand in the Miscellaneous Group, and her guidance continues to move us forward. She was the driving force behind widespread POAG testing awareness in both the U.S. and France—an act of advocacy that will protect generations of Fauves to come.
From hosting events and supporting newcomers to mentoring juniors, breeders, handlers, and pet homes alike, her influence is immeasurable. Many of us owe our love of the breed—and in many cases, the very dogs beside us—to her encouragement, mentorship, and example. Beyond the titles and breakthroughs, it is her compassion, generosity, and steadfast friendship that define her. She is the heartbeat of this club.
Tonight, with immense gratitude and admiration, we honor Cindy Hartman with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Cindy—your legacy of love and leadership will forever be a cornerstone of this club. We thank you for your decades of service, your relentless passion, and the inspiration you continue to provide. It is our privilege to present you with this award, along with a commemorative gift, a plaque, and a lifetime paid membership to the Basset Fauve de Bretagne Club of America.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in celebrating the extraordinary contributions of
Cindy Hartman, our 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Alyse Kanter, Treasurer – 2024
Beth Martin Tufts, Education Chair – 2024
BFdBCA Board of Directors – 2024
