Table Talk – November 28, 2018
A couple weeks ago in Tucson, AZ during the Coyote Cluster, the AKC Registered Handlers Program held an educational session about the effect social media is having on the sport of purebred dogs. The session was open to all interested parties. About 20 people attended and a good exchange of thoughts and experiences took place. There were AKC RHP members as well as non-members in attendance. A couple of topics that have been weighing on my mind were discussed, and I was encouraged by the interaction.
First, several attendees raised concerns about negative Facebook posts concerning exhibitors and dogs. It was encouraging to hear that others have the same worries I have regarding how these negative posts appear to the general public. The consensus was that we should all make an effort to keep our posts positive and consider how negative comments look to those that may not travel in our inner circle. As we all try to increase interest in the sport, we need to continue to make efforts to be as positive as possible about it. The ‘Hide’ option has become one of my favorite features of Facebook and, sadly, I have been using it with great regularity. I make it a practice to hide any negative comment, or any comment that I feel is inappropriate.
Second, the group spent a great deal of time discussing tagging judges in photos. To anyone who may think that tagging a judge in a win photo is appropriate, I must tell you it is NOT. It is viewed as inappropriate not only by the fancy in general, but the judges find the behavior unacceptable, too! It is even worse when win photos pop up on a judge’s page before an upcoming assignment. Based on conversations I have had with judges, and posts that I have seen from judges explicitly requesting they not be tagged in win photos, I hope that exhibitors will stop this practice: It is not going to help you and, in fact, it could very well hurt you!
There are Facebook pages that have the potential to help new exhibitors and encourage those that may be on the fence about whether to give the sport a try. There are several out there. Once again, however, I’d like to appeal to the more experienced fanciers and remind them that negative commentary can do the opposite. Please keep negative comments private (if they are necessary at all) and think about how your comments appear to the less-experienced exhibitors. If you have to ask yourself if you should be posting a comment, chances are you shouldn’t be doing it!
I was sorry to miss all my friends at the Fiesta Cluster in Chandler, AZ this year, but I have to be honest: It was GREAT spending the holiday at home with my hubby and our dogs! I heard that while entries were down slightly, the cluster once again was a huge success. Congrats to the hard working show committee for a job well done!
I was saddened to hear of the passing of AKC Judge Dale Simmons. Our thoughts are with Dale’s family and friends at this difficult time. He will be sorely missed by the fancy.
A memorial service will be held for AKC Judge Ann Hearn who passed away last week from a heart attack. A service in Ann’s memory will be held on Saturday, December 29th at 11 AM at Hamilton Mill Memorial Chapel, 3481 Hamilton Mill Road, Buford, Georgia, 30519. All are welcome to celebrate Ann’s life. She will be missed by so many that knew her. Our condolences are with her friends and family at this difficult time.
Plans are underway for Table Talk Live! at the AKC National Championship and lead-up shows in Orlando, FL. We will do our best to keep those who are unable to be with us informed, and we will do our best to make you feel like you are there even if you are not! If you are going to be in Orlando and you have an idea for a Table Talk Live! segment that you think will be interesting, please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. This year’s AKC National Championship has a record conformation entry of just over 5,000 dogs from 23 countries! The total entry is just over 9,000, which makes it the largest dog show entry in the country since the 1984 AKC Centennial event!
We wish a happy 3rd wedding anniversary to Doug Johnson and Jamie Hubbard. Doug and Jamie are celebrating their anniversary in Shanghai. Have a great trip, my friends. Safe travels and may you have many more years of health and happiness together.
Michael Faulkner and Michael Rawlings were vacationing in Playa del Carmen. Have a grand time, my friends! Safe travels and enjoy the sun.
Bruce Schwartz is off again, this time in Spain (via Germany) and last I heard, he was enjoying time in Morocco. I believe he took a little time off from sightseeing to do a bit of judging. I get tired just watching the itinerary! Go Bruce Go!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Scott Yergin, Roger George, Diane Ehricht, Dr. Linda Tintle, Gay Dunlap, Curtiss Smith, Jennifer Costandinidis, Cathi DiGiacomo, Matt Hoagland, Colton O’Shea, Gary Doerge and Desi Murphy. Finally, very special Happy Birthday wishes go out to Wendell Sammet who just celebrated his 92nd birthday. We wish you many more Wendell!
Best of luck to all as you work toward finishing the show year strong! Be safe in your travels, and give your pooches extra smooches! Until next time…
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