Table Talk · February 5, 2020

I am off tomorrow for what will be my 30^th (plus) year at Westminster.  I remember my first trip there, benched in my breed section, and being completely overwhelmed by it all.  The entry in Shar-Pei was significant with well over 50 entries, if I recall.  While walking on to that floor to pick up my armband, my heart was beating with excitement.  I just wanted my dog to show well, and I did not want to fall on my behind!  I made two cuts with my young dog and I was absolutely thrilled!  Back then, while getting ready to leave for the big show, I was focused on an appropriate suit to wear to show in, the right shoes so I did not slip and fall in the ring, and I had my party dresses all planned out.

Fast-forward 30-plus years; I am now more focused on the appropriate foundation garments for my daytime and “evening wear”.  I have shopped carefully for the right inserts for not only my daytime shoes, but my evening shoes as well so my feet do not give out on me before the week’s activities conclude.  I have walked around the house in my heels to make sure I can still walk in them… What a difference a few years make, right?!? On with the show!

For those of you who have not yet purchased your tickets for the Take The Lead Cocktail Party, please visit the Take The Lead Website at www.takethelead.org.  There is also a link on our website at www.caninechronicle.com.  Tickets are $125 each.  The cocktail party will be held at Nick and Stef’s–which is located on the ground level of Madison Square Garden–after group judging on Monday night.

Anyone with questions regarding logistics at the Pier should go to the Westminster website at www.westminsterkennelclub.org. There is critical information about unloading located on the website. You can also find the letter from the President of Westminster Kennel Club on our website at www.caninechronicle.com.  Just use the search term ‘Westminster’. This letter outlines critical unloading information.

All those Purina Pro Club members who have become accustomed to breakfast and lunch hospitality at the Pier, please note there will be no hospitality area this year due to lack of space!

Be sure to check the Canine Chronicle website at www.caninechronicle.com during the show for judging results!  Our Facebook page will also keep you updated as to what is happening at the Pier during the day Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, and at Madison Square Garden Monday and Tuesday evening with our Table Talk Live! coverage.

Sadly, Edd Bivin and Gretchen Bernardi will be unable to fill their Westminster assignments.  This will not affect the published judging schedule, but it did result in judge changes for several breeds.

The fancy is mourning the loss of the Grande Dame of Boxers, Cheryl Robbins, after a valiant fight with cancer.  Cheryl was a breeder and AKC licensed judge, but more importantly she was a dear friend, mentor, wife, and mother.  Cheryl was deeply loved and respected by so many.  The sport has lost an icon, but Heaven has gained an angel.  Rest In Peace, my friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Cheryl Robbins Canine Cancer Research Fund – a cause near and dear to Cheryl’s heart. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation in Cheryl’s honor, go to www.cherkei.com.   All funds will go to the Dr. Modiano Oncology Research Fund at the University of Minnesota.

Last week, we lost Anya Vasilis to a tragic automobile accident.  Some of you may recall that one of the dogs got loose as a result of the accident, but thanks to the Orangeburg County Animal Control Services, Jax, the Australian Shepherd was found and is safe.  The Orangeburg facility had been working on raising funds to build a play yard at the shelter, and since Anya’s tragic death, they have received over $9,000 in Anya’s memory.  The Orangeburg facility has publicly acknowledged the fancy as a whole and Anya’s friends.  There will be a plaque memorializing Anya at the entrance of the play yard when it is built.  This, my friends, is such an amazing tribute to the fancy and to Anya’s memory.

Celebrating birthdays this week are:  Larry Cornelius, Katie Bernardin, Erin Hall, Jane Myers, Kathy Kjetsaa, Janet Harner, Allan Brown and Erika Busby.

Be safe out there my friends:  I hope to see many of you in the Big Apple!  Please remember:  In the world where you can be anything, be kind!  Until next time…

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