Photo Album 14. "Topper" [Ch Foxhill's Topper], 1948-1949

The Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lewis Wiel photograph collection (1948-1965) is comprised of images from 19 albums, originally composed around breed -- Lakeland, Kerry Blue, and Fox -- and/or a specific show dog. While win shots constitute the bulk of the collection, there are also portraits (of the Wiels and of individual dogs), candids, and snapshots depicting the Wiels' travel and leisure time with their dogs. Reknowned handler Harry Sangster is prominently featured throughout the collection, as is the work of esteemed West Coast dog show photographer Joan Ludwig. Highlights include behind-the-scenes images of Sangster grooming dogs, posing in front of a trailer, appearing on Art Linkletter's "House Party" with a Lakeland (inscribed on the back by Linkletter), and with Mrs. Wiel and even Zsa Zsa Gabor. The occasional appearance of clippings and ephemera, including a "Best of Breed" Lakeland sign from the Westminster Dog Show, are noted in the collection inventory.

Albums were originally labelled with the breed or the call name of the dog(s) featured. Formal show names -- including Ch. Tithebarn Limelight, Ch. Westcrag Warrior, Ch. Kere's Candy Lamb, Ch. Vixen's Show-Off, Ch. Foxhill's Topper, and Ch. Promoter of Wireheart -- are noted in the collection inventory when determined. These dogs may also appear in the albums labelled by breed.

Photographs are varyingly captioned on the verso.