Table Talk
As I travel back from lovely Santa Barbara, California I cannot help but think about all of those in Houston who are struggling to save their animals. I recognize that there is so much loss and suffering occurring–and it’s not just the animals–but as an animal lover that is where my heart focuses first. Watching horses try to swim to safety, dogs lost or stranded, all swimming their hearts out to get to dry land just makes my heart hurt. First responders and animal lovers have swung into action and are doing everything in their power to save as many as they can. I implore all of you–if you have supplies or an extra dollar or two–to please consider donating to a worthy cause. Most importantly, make certain that you donate it to the right organization where your generosity will find its way to those who need it. Research before you send money! Charity Navigator is a great place to check out non-profits to see which ones are worthwhile.
I am so glad to hear that Kayley Kovar was able to escape safely with all of her dogs and relocate to the home of David Williams’ sister until the storm passes. Best wishes Kayley! Here is hoping that everything passes and you and your dogs are back home safely as soon as possible and with minimal loss. Please keep Kayley and her dogs in your thoughts.
If you know of anyone who needs a temporary kennel facility due to this disaster, Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine has generously offered her empty kennel and kennel apartment to anyone who may need it on a temporary basis. It comes complete with living quarters above it. If you can get to Ann Arbor, Michigan, you’ll have temporary shelter. Kudos to you, Peggy, for your generosity! Again social media is playing a huge part in helping those who need urgent assistance by putting those offering a helping hand together with those who are in dire need.
I just love it when readers take the time to stop and chat when they see me at a show! This past weekend at the Santa Barbara shows I had the pleasure to meet Old English fancier Tina Duggan who has been in the sport for more than 43 years. Imagine that! We have both been in the sport forever and this column caused us to actually meet!
The Santa Barbara entry was down another couple hundred dogs this year. It ran against a 4-day cluster in Northern California where the weather was not nearly as lovely, but that Northern California cluster certainly gave my West Coast friends another option. This is another indication that we probably have too many dog shows….
Thanks to Toddie Clark for continuing to keep us updated on Clint Harris’ progress. Clint’s daughter Barbie reports that at almost 93 years young Clint is making remarkable progress from his fall in July. He really enjoys the cards and letters so please continue to reach out to him. Cards can be sent to Clint at either his home or at the University of Louisville Hospital, Room 902, 530 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40243.
Nina Fetter has organized the rental of a couple of generators so those RV’ing at this weekend’s Lexington cluster and choose to park near the arena as opposed to the campground can have power. You can Instant Message Nina on Facebook for more information.
There will be a “Bling the Lead” fundraiser for Take the Lead at the Westchester Cluster coming up on September 9 and 10 in North Branch, Jersey. Donations can be sent to Amy Green, 38 Pleasant Run Road, Flemington, NJ 08822. Contact Amy or Andrew Green for more information.
It seems that the upcoming Three Rivers Kennel Club cluster being held at Purina Farms is having difficulty with RV parking. Many handlers have elected to take their entries elsewhere, which is probably a wise move. With shrinking entries and clubs in such financial trouble, it is hard to believe that a club would make such a mistake.
I am having a lot of difficulty understanding why AKC would consider eliminating the Limited Registration. As a breeder, Limited Registration is the only way that I would give pet owners access to registration papers and encourage them to explore activities like obedience, agility, and other non-conformation events. Sadly, this reinforces my suspicion that AKC is so much more concerned about the almighty dollar and less concerned about the well-being of our dogs. So many of us do everything that we can to preserve our lines, and ensure that our dogs do not find themselves in harm’s way. I can only assume that their reason for this potential decision is to encourage more puppies and more registrations regardless of whether the dogs have the correct traits to be bred. What other reason would there be to eliminate Limited Registration? AKC still gets a registration fee for limited registration, but in those cases that revenue stream stops there. I am hoping that everyone will consider contacting AKC and voicing your opinion and encouraging AKC to not eliminate Limited Registration. I, for one, will not place a pet quality dog with papers unless I have Limited Registration as an option. In my case, when placing puppies as pets, absent Limited Registration as an option, my pets will be placed with no papers.
I am so happy to hear that Tony Carter has been given a clean bill of health from his oncologist! Way to go Tony! You are cancer free!
Happy 26th wedding Anniversary to Jane and Greg Myers. I am so glad you guys are finally together in the same state! Here is to 26 more years of wedded bliss my friends. Also, Happy Anniversary wishes to Kay and Doug Belter.
Condolences to Karen Mammano and family on the passing of her father. Karen was able to be by her father’s side due to the help of her dog show family.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Chuck Suda, Luke Seidlitz, Virginia Murray, Mike Berry, Peggy Beisel-Mcilwaine, Lisa Welch, Tanner Congleton, Kathy Harrington, Eric Peterson, Beep Lee and Eddie Dziuk.
Safe travels to all. Please continue to keep our Houston friends in your thoughts.
Until next time…..
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