The AHA is saddened and shocked to hear of the sudden & untimely death of Mark Cocozza. Mark was a lifelong supporter and friend of this Association and was its Chairman for several years, and he continued to be a loyal friend thereafter. Mark lived his life to the full achieving success in many spheres.  He began his career in Afghans as a boy with his uncle’s hounds in Scotland. He never lost his love of the Afghan, and had a long and successful career making up champions across 6 breeds. His interest widened and he enjoyed great success in other breeds. His judging developed and he opinions were appreciated worldwide, in the UK giving CC’s in every group, and becoming qualified to judge 4 groups and BIS, as well as completing many prestigious international appointments. His enthusiasm for the dog world more recently saw him as  actively supporting and participating as a mentor to aspiring judges, and he was often seen at ringside sharing his knowledge and expertise. We are proud to have had a long association with Mark and will not forget his friendship and wisdom. Our condolences are extended to his family & all his many friends at this sad time.

The 2024 shows and events page is now live with up to date details for this years calendar. The AHA is also sponsoring the following Open Shows this year;
Sat 20^th April : Humberside Hound CS Open Show
Judge : Karen Powney (Knotdogs)

 Sat 27^th July Tunbridge Wells & DCS 140^th Anniversary Open Show
Judge : Lianne O’Donnell (Javidan)

Sat 28^th Sept. Stafford & DCS Open Show
Judge : Ian Gabriel (Gaybryl)

The schedules and entry forms are now available for download and printing on the 2023 Shows & Events page. Judges are Richard Bott & Luke Johnson. Entries can also be made online through Fosse Data.

The full results and photos from today are on the website now. Thanks from the committee to all who came today, and took part in celebrating Jeff’s life. The show had a vibrant and warm atmosphere, doubtless helped by the fizz ! 2023 Shows & Events

Preparations are well underway for our 74th Championship show tomorrow, where we’ll also be remembering our late President Jeff Bunney. To celebrate his life, there will be a toast to Jeff before the lunch break, with plenty of fizz and soft drinks kindly donated by Ross Gilbert.

There will also be some packets of wild flower seeds on the main table, for people to take with them as and when they walk their dogs, scattering them to leave something beautiful growing where there wasn’t anything before.

“There is poetry amongst the wildflowers”

Jeff’s family have sent the following message.

As Jeff’s family we would like to thank you all for your kind messages, posts, cards and flowers. We have been over whelmed by your support and sympathy and Jeff would have been amazed that so many cared.

Jeff was a lover of all dogs, hounds in particular, and since our marriage in 1966 our lives have been enriched by the company of our own Afghans and B.G.V.s and The Afghan Hound Association was to became our second family. Lasting friendships and memories have been forged across many breeds through our shared passion of the dog world. You will understand that there are too many of you who are true friends to name here today but do we give special thanks to Ross who has been there for us during the past few weeks.

Jeff’s passing on 7^th April caused by Acute Myeloid Leukaemia was sudden and peaceful. He fell asleep in the loving care of the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch. We are so grateful to the wonderful Doctors and Nurses who looked after him in his last hours.

As many of you will know Jeff was not a fan of fuss and attention and was adamant that he did not want a funeral service. His wishes were that his ashes be scattered in some of his favourite places. If you want to remember him just brighten up your favourite walk with some wild flower seeds or plant a sunflower – his favourite flower – and smile as you watch it grow. Any donations you may care to make can be made to The Afghan Hound Association which was so close to Jeff’s heart and who will be celebrating their 75^th Championship Show next year.

Please don’t grieve. In his name continue to research, promote and safe guard our unique breed, cherish your own hound(s) and be kind to each other.

Our love to you all.

Heather, Jane, John, Jak, Suki, Quinn and Baz the cat.

The AGM was held on 15th April at Ashorne, with all the Officers & Committee remaining in post. Following the AGM, the Breed Education and Mentoring session was held, and a report on this is available through this link – Report

The AHA is sad to inform our members and the Afghan Hound community, of the passing of our President, Jeff Bunney. Jeff, along with his wife Heather, have been associated with the AHA for over 50 years. Jeff’s commitment to both club and breed will be sorely missed. The AHA committee sends their condolences to Heather and family.

Following our AGM on the 15th April, we’ll be hosting a group mentoring session, as well as a talk by renowned breed specialist Roberta Hall (Saxonmill) focussing on “the true nature of the Afghan Hound”. Places are limited to 15 maximum, so book early to avoid disappointment. Further details and the programme for the day are available on the 2023 Events Page – 2023 Shows & Events

The schedule is now available for the show, through the 2023 Show & Events page