Table Talk – October 24, 2018
My heart is full! What an honor it was to be part of the hard working committee that was responsible for the Take The Lead 25th Birthday bash held at the Harvest Moon Classic cluster this past weekend. This, to me, is just another example of how the dog fancy bands together to help their own. This was my first opportunity to help the Take The Lead board and event committee with one of their fund-raising events and I smiled from ear to ear while helping my good friend Kathy Bilicich-Garcia bring her vision to life. Thank you to Bruce Schwartz, Larry Cornelius, Mari-Beth O’Neil, Sandi Olson, Janet Allen, Mary Miller and Jeffrey Pepper for including me in this most fabulous effort. I made new friends, and I feel honored to be associated with such a great cause. I urge everyone to attend the next Take The Lead event that is held at a dog show near you; and for those of you who are not yet members, please visit the TakeTheLead.org website and join the organization! If you are curious about the 25th Birthday Party, check the Canine Chronicle website at caninechronicle.com for pictures!
I had not been to Pleasanton, CA for the Harvest Moon Classic Cluster since I showed my greyhound, CH. Huzzah’s Sweet Molly Malone (“Molly”), at the Greyhound Club of America National Specialty held in conjunction there some 20-plus years ago (time really does fly!). Ironically, the GCA was back at the Del Valle show this past year! I was so glad that I could get out to Northern California for the cluster. The show committee did a spectacular job! They truly made the cluster enjoyable for all. This year the shows boasted 55 specialties that included 3 National Specialties. Needless to say, this provided outstanding depth of in many of the entries.
Because of the loss of a dog’s life two years in a row while attending the same national specialty, I contacted the American Kennel Club for clarification regarding a National Specialty Committee’s responsibility relating to listing veterinary services and making prior arrangements with the vets that are listed in the premium list. I was told that it is expected that when a veterinarian is listed in a National Specialty premium list, prior arrangements have been made with that clinic to see emergency cases that may arise at the show. This was not done in the two cases mentioned here and the clinics listed in the premium list were not willing to see these dogs. While we do not know if the outcome would have been different, (if the dog was seen by the vet who was closer to the show and listed in the premium) I hope to raise awareness about this problem and make sure everyone is prepared for emergencies in these types of situations. People bring their beloved veterans and youngsters to National Specialties and, as a result, the chance for medical emergencies increases. Exhibitors may want to contact the vets listed in the premium list prior to the National to confirm they have a veterinary alternative in the event of an emergency. I urge all National Specialty Committees to make sure they have arrangements with vets prior to the show in order to ensure the exhibitors have options to get proper care for their dogs.
Barbara Alderman will be having knee replacement surgery this week. It is her intention to be back center ring in Orlando in December! Take care of yourself, my friend. We all look forward to seeing you back on your feet!
Tooti Longo had knee surgery and is recuperating at home. She is truly missed this week at the Great Dane National in Topeka, KS.
David Murray reported that Susan Morse, long-time member of Angels Canyon Dog Club, has passed away. Our thoughts are with her husband, Woody, and family and friends at this most difficult time.
I was sad to hear that the great Sealyham Terrier “Charmin” recently passed away. Ch. Efbee’s Hidalgo at Goodspice earned Best In Show at Crufts, the World Dog Show, the AKC National Championship and was part of the Century Club with 100 all breed Best in Shows in the US. Our most sincere sympathy to “Charmin’s” best friend, Margery Good, and her owners at this sad time.
Happy Anniversary to these happily married couples: Tim and Lisa Thomas and Katherine and Jody Smoot. May both of you loving couples have many more years of love and happiness in the future.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Annie Balotti-Paleen, Jill Bell, Gary Andersen, Betty Anne Stenmark, Keith Pautz, Joe Berkau, Melissa Engelking, Diane Fike-McGarvey, Michael Brantley and Debbie Burke-Scott.
Safe travels to all. Please be kind to your fellow exhbitors and show committee volunteers. Until next time…
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