Table Talk · May 6, 2020
Table Talk · May 6, 2020
I am definitely ready for this quarantine to be over! In an effort to do my part to support my friends, I have purchased eye lashes, nail polish, natural products, dog toys… the list goes on! For the first time in many years, I will be home for our wedding anniversary, and for this I am thankful. While I will sincerely miss my West Coast friends and attending the Mission Circuit which has been cancelled, I will enjoy spending my anniversary at home with my hubby! So, that is my silver lining for one of my favorite circuits of the year being forced to cancel.
We are all anxious to get back to what we love i.e. showing dogs and seeing the people we love; and I know we will all be together again soon. In the meantime, the word for the day, in fact, the word for every day should be KINDNESS. Some of us may be disappointed if a cluster cancels, and some of us may not feel it is safe to enter back in the show ring yet. The key is, everyone has to do what is best for them and not judge others for what they may decide is best for them, too. In fact, if we try to support each other’s decisions–even if we do not agree with them–we will all be better for it! At the beginning of this pandemic I said that we would learn a lot about ourselves, and those who we thought we already knew. I don’t know about everyone else, but this has definitely been the case with me, and I will come through to the other side wiser and more self-aware.
I hope everyone is taking advantage of all of the learning opportunities on social media. Thank goodness technology is where it is today as it keeps us connected, keeps us learning, and most importantly keeps us laughing!
Morris & Essex Kennel Club wants to make sure everyone knows that they DO NOT have plans to cancel their show. The cluster of Devon, Hatboro, Montgomery County and Morris & Essex is still scheduled to occur as planned. I can’t wait to see you there!
The Olympic Kennel Club in Washington has communicated their plans to hold their shows in August, as well. They have communicated that they are making plans for the health and safety of all. Masks will be required on the showgrounds at all times, and they are planning to alter ring procedures and show procedures to accommodate social distancing requirements for the safety of judges, exhibitors and volunteers.
I have heard a few suggestions about how we may alter procedures at dog shows as a result of COVID-19. Suggestions include asking exhibitors to only attend for the time required to show their dog and asking them to leave when not required for further judging. Another suggestion was staggering judging so fewer people are in ring proximity. Show photographers could think about photographing judges once each day with each ribbon that they may award during the day, and then Photoshop them into photographs. Special events should probably be limited until things get back to normal, once again reducing the number of people present at one time.
The Lima Kennel Club is working hard on procedures that will enable them to hold their shows at the end of June. Among other modifications, they will have separate ring entrances and exits, and they are working on a way to modify distribution of armbands. What they are trying to do is determine a way to distribute armbands when people pull into the show grounds to park. Maybe they could mail them or, even better, email them and have the exhibitors print them out before they leave for the show.
If you have further thoughts regarding how clubs could modify procedures to promote health and safety at our shows, please email me at deb.cooper@caninechonicle.com.
The American Kennel Club has informed the Executive Field Reps and other employees suddenly furloughed with no notice that they will be receiving a $500 payment in May and June “to help with COVID-19 expenses”. While I am glad that these hard-working, dedicated employees will be receiving something–as something is better than nothing–this still does not make the way they treated these people okay. Frankly, every time I see another highly compensated CEO either forego or reduce their compensation to help pay employees, I get even more angry. Here’s hoping that AKC will continue to find ways to support their dedicated employees and be loyal to them.
The 2020 Beverly Hills Kennel Club show taped earlier this year that was originally scheduled to air on Palm Sunday will air Sunday, May 17th at 8 PM EST. Program production was delayed due to COVID-19.
The Take The Lead COVID-19 Fund still has money available to assist fanciers affected by the pandemic. Please go to www.takethelead.org for more information.
Happy Anniversary to Delores and Bob Burkholder. I hope you guys enjoyed your 54th anniversary take-out dinner! This will certainly be an anniversary you will not forget! May you enjoy many more, happy, healthy anniversaries!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Nina Fetter (Happy Belated birthday my friend! I did remember to wish my BFF private birthday wishes), Carri Beaver, Antoinelle Vulpis, Paula Fultz, Cassandra Clark, Melanie Sorice, Lee Kronovich, Pam Lambie, Heather Johnson, Patrina Odette, Pat Lawrence, Lesley Boyes, Jeffrey Deaver and Randy Garren. This is a birthday you guys will certainly not forget!
Be safe, be well, be kind, and PLEASE do not judge others! We will see each other soon!!!! Until next time….
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