Ex-dog handler admired for his skills, devotion

10/22/2004

LIMA, Ohio - Carl William Amweg, a former dog handler, show judge, and past president of the Lima Kennel Club, died Monday at his home near here. He was 86.

He had heart trouble, his wife, Martha Jeanne Amweg, said.

"Carl was very dedicated to the dog world," Ellen Fetter, show chairman of the Lima Kennel Club, said.

He was president of the club in the late 1960s and show chairman for many years before that. As president, he helped raise money so the club could buy its own grounds, Ms. Fetter said.

He was always willing to assist anyone who needed help with their dogs, whether it was nutrition or training, she said.

The Amwegs had 10 breeds over the years, including sporting and hound breeds.

They traveled all over the country showing their dogs. That meant Mr. Amweg, who drove a tanker rig for Shell Oil, was rarely home.

"He worked during the week, and we'd take off on weekends and show dogs," his wife said.

Mr. Amweg got a handler's license so he could show other people's dogs.

"He loved the sport. He made sure when he handled dogs he had good ones that he took in the ring," Ms. Fetter said.

In the mid-1980s, Mr. Amweg decided to become a judge because he was getting older and had trouble keeping up with the dogs when they ran around the ring. "With sporting dogs and big dogs, you really run," his wife said.

He retired a few years ago because he couldn't travel for the competitions, she said.

Mr. Amweg was born June 9, 1918, in Hardin County. He graduated from Kenton High School in 1935.

He worked at a Shell service station and then owned his own station.

He was drafted into the Army in August, 1941, and served most of his time in the field artillery in Europe.

After he was discharged in 1945, he went back to work for Shell as a driver and salesman, taking orders when he made deliveries. He retired in 1980.

He volunteered to help organize the first fire department in Bath Township and was its first treasurer.

Mr. Amweg was a member of area Masonic organizations.

Surviving is his wife of 60 years, Martha Jeanne "Marty" Amweg.

Masonic services, which will be open to the public, will be at 7 p.m. today in the Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, where the body will be after 2 p.m. today.

The family suggests tributes to a charity of the donor's choice.