Table Talk
Canine Influenza has topped the charts again this week as the hot topic of discussion. Facebook feeds, email, discussion boards, etc. have informative posts, not-so informative posts, a lot of personal conjecture and, sadly, some not-so productive posts. Personally, I think there are two words we all should focus on when dealing with the flu, dog shows, and taking our dogs to other public places. Those words are good judgment. There are parts of the country that have been affected in a greater way than others. There are dogs that are more susceptible to contracting the virus because of compromised immune systems, age, etc. We should think of the well-being of our own dogs as well as the well-being of the dogs we see week-in and week-out at the shows. Congratulations to the show committees who have cancelled the 4-6 puppy classes and will be refunding exhibitor’s entry fees. More kudos to the club(s) who decided that it is best to take matters into their own hands and cancel their shows. Kudos to the exhibitors that have decided it is not worth the risk and elected to stay home. Kudos to the exhibitors and handlers who have spent numerous hours talking with vets and discussing the pro’s and con’s of attending shows with owners, breeders, clients, etc. and have made informed decisions while exercising every precaution possible to ensure their dogs remain healthy. At times like this our community must continue to come together and support each other, not go on witch hunts, while pointing fingers and judging others. I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer regarding the way to deal with containing this outbreak. Vigilance is the key to protecting your dogs.
Show Committees who have decided to cancel shows (as of the writing of this column, I only know of one cancellation in Texarkana, TX) will experience great expense. Because the shows are cancelled does not mean that they will not have to reimburse judge’s expenses, pay venue rental, etc.
This situation has brought challenges to several handler/client relationships when discussing whether dogs should attend shows or not. I offer the following advice: If your dog is with a handler, you should trust your handler to use their better judgment and make decisions about what shows to attend or if they should attend at all. I hope that you trust your handler enough to allow them to make that decision. If you can’t trust that they are acting in the best interest of your dog, you might need to rethink the entire relationship.
Several shows last weekend experienced a much higher than normal absentee rate. Concord, NC reportedly had 60-plus percent of the entry reported absent. I am told the grooming area was a ghost town. Some shows that closed this week are down approximately 500 dogs.
The AKC has sent a couple of letters to their RHP members providing feedback as to how handlers should make decisions about attending shows, take precautionary measures, potential repercussions for irresponsible behavior, etc. Anyone who thinks these communications may be helpful should contact AKC Judging Operations and request information.
The group of handlers, handler assistants, exhibitors, etc. that got together to discuss the preservation of our sport in Pomona at the Mission Circuit have a Facebook page up and running. It’s called Dog Show SOS (Save our Sport). Everyone is welcome to join in the discussion. All ideas are welcome and we need your input. Remember, more participation equals more idea generation and more potential solutions to the loss of participation in our sport.
Mike and Michelle Scott got to take Memorial Day weekend off and go on a ranch vacation with some of their friends and clients. We can’t wait to hear about their experience.
Jan and Steve Gladstone have been in Australia judging at the SA Winter International Show. I am sure they saw some wonderful dogs at this prestigious event!
Good thoughts go out to Gay Glazbrook who has begun treatment for Lyme & Morgellon’s Disease. She and Cynthia will be staying with Glen Lajeski and Gerry Etchaverry for the first week of treatment. We hope she is back to good health soon!
Finally, after three weeks in the hospital, Tony Carter has gone home! His course of treatment is complete. Now on to recovery! We are thinking about you Tony!
Celebrating birthdays this week are Kellie Miller, Judy Ellis, Janet Lange Moses, Terry Chacon, Jan Kolnik, Jordan Olivera (congrats on your graduation from High School, Jo!) and Daniel Chavez.
Happy summer everyone. Please stay positive, be kind to your fellow exhibitors, and give those pooches an extra hug. Be safe in your travels.
Until next time…
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