Celebrating 50 Years +
1971 - 2021

In 2017, we lost our beloved long-time President, Peggy (Mary Margarette) Wampold. 

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Mary Margarette Wampold (September 1, 1942 - April 15, 2017) was born and raised in Louisiana before relocating to Connecticut in 1970 with her husband David and their family.  To all of us she was our Peggy, ever faithful to her Southern roots and the rules of etiquette associated with their traditions.  Her passion for public education was unparalleled, evidenced by her devotion to "Meet The Breeds" and other events that reached out to the general public.  That commitment began decades ago with one of the first MTB events ever held, which has since evolved into a major component of the two-day CT Pet Expo in Hartford.  She was the driving force behind all of South Windsor Kennel Club's events, whether it was our May match, our all-breed shows held in April and November, Paws In The Park, 6 days of MTB during the Eastern States Exposition or exuberantly leading our members and their dogs while participating in a public parade. She championed our club's support of local entities, delivering a $5,000 donation to the Vernon Police Department toward the purchase of a police dog. Her long-time role as President of SWKC kept her in the public eye as an ambassador for purebred dogs and our sport, but her favorite role was that of Delegate to the American Kennel Club.  Peggy loved the AKC, and it brought her great pride to be a strong voice in that community.  She was elected to the AKC Delegate All-Breed Committee, and in 2015 was one of the first recipients of the AKC Visionary Award, bestowed upon those whose vision and contributions have been responsible for change and forward movement. That phrase described Peggy perfectly - forward movement. When she had a goal, she was relentless in its pursuit.  Her ability to assemble a brigade of "volunteers" was unequaled.  When Peggy asked, you said yes, and you did not disappoint her. She lived her life as a truly unstoppable force, and we are all better for having been in her path.  We will forever miss our Peggy.

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In 2015, AKC awarded Peggy Wampold the AKC Visionary Award for outstanding contribution. 

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At the American Kennel Club (AKC) Delegates Meeting, held in December of 2015 in Orlando, Florida, Peggy Wampold, President of the South Windsor Kennel Club, was one of six recipients of the coveted AKC Visionary Award. This Award celebrates individuals whose vision and contributions have been responsible for change and forward movement in the American Kennel Club through their collective efforts to protect our right to own and breed dogs; to share the AKC's dedication and love of dogs with the general public; and to educate present and future dog owners about responsible dog ownership. Peggy's medallion for outstanding contribution recognizes her tireless efforts to educate the public about dogs and about the American Kennel Club and all the wonderful things AKC does to help all dogs, including AKC's efforts to improve the lives and health of dogs through the Canine Health Foundation. Peggy works on numerous public education and dog competition events throughout the year. Two of her biggest public education efforts include arranging and coordinating the "Meet the Breeds" events at The Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts, a fair which draws more than one million visitors annually, and the "AKC Showcase of Breeds" held annually at the Connecticut Pet Expo and sponsored by the CT and MA Federation of Dog Clubs. An avid animal lover and extremely hard worker, Peggy excels in getting the message out how much dog lovers love their dogs and in inspiring new generations of dog lovers.