Table Talk · May 5, 2021
By now, those exhibitors whose entries were accepted for the 145th Westminster Kennel Club dog show have been notified. If you have not heard about your entry–one way or the other–you may want to contact MB-F and request information on the status of your entry. As we all know, the regular routine has changed. Instead of the show being held in the middle of winter in Manhattan, it is outdoors at suburban Lyndhurst. With these changes, what are folks planning for their Westminster wardrobe?? There is usually a lot of “sparkle” during the day and, of course, in the evening at Madison Square Garden. With the show taking place outdoors in June, it could be warm. Ladies may want to rethink their heavy, sparkly knit suits for this outdoor event to avoid getting too warm and uncomfortable.
There will be a tent for group judging. I know that Westminster Kennel Club asks those in judges’ seating dress in black tie during group judging. My guess is this year’s outfits will be a bit different, considering the outdoor summer venue. I have no doubt that those fortunate enough to attend group judging will make us all proud while looking lovely in their WKC best!
Stay tuned for a follow-up Table Talk segment with Gail Miller-Bisher. If you have questions or topics, you would like discussed related to this year’s Westminster show; please send me an email at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com.
If you are attending shows this year, you may have been to one of those shows that have not been covered by an AKC Executive Field Representative. Some exhibitors have questioned why this is happening and what they should do in the event questions or issues arise at an event. That might be a good question for someone higher up at AKC.
Before the COVID vacation, there were 13 Executive Field Representatives. I’m not sure that AKC thought through their plan [to lay off all the Reps] and what they would do when shows started. As a result, there are more shows than Reps almost every weekend. Regarding the sport as a whole, it is GREAT news that we are back in full swing with several shows around the country every weekend. It is unfortunate that the AKC cannot staff every one of these shows. With the retirement of Gina Weiser and Jimmy Mitchell, the tragic death of Sue Vroom (who was scheduled to retire at the end of April), and AKC making the decision not to hire back two other Reps, there are currently eight Field Representatives–nine with the recent hire of Greg McCarthy who will be working in the Pacific Northwest. We can only hope that our governing body will be hiring more Reps soon. In the meantime, if you have issues or questions that you would normally bring to a Field Rep, I suggest contacting Judging Operations. If they cannot help you, they will direct you to the correct place. I would encourage you not to hold back and call AKC with questions and/or issues, as this may be what is needed to light a fire under the powers that be to allow Judging Operations to hire more Reps.
Healing thoughts to Doug Johnson (Colorado) of Bugaboo Old English Sheepdog fame, who is healing from kidney stone surgery. Take care of yourself and feel better soon!
Condolences go out to Anita O’Berg on the death of her father, Arnold Rakowksi, who passed away last week at the age of 86. Arnold was loved by all that knew him and, he will be missed.
Congratulations to Devon Kipp and Adam Levy on their fairytale wedding and honeymoon! While the fact that Devon is old enough to get married makes me feel ancient, I couldn’t help but have a warm, happy heart seeing the phenomenal photos of the wedding, which included two Whippets and a Chessie, and an amazing honeymoon in Montana that included stunning scenery and horses. I hope the two of you have a fantastic future filled with love and happiness.
A special 100th birthday wish to Wayne Cavanaugh’s mother. I hear Wayne danced with mom and had a grand birthday celebration!
Also celebrating birthdays this week are: Doug Johnson, Antoinelle Vulpis, Paula Fultz, Carrie Beaver, Cassie Clark, Jamie Wilcox, Pam Lambie, Lee Kronovich, Melanie Sorice, Heather Johnson, Patrina Odette, Dylan Kipp Keith, Patrice Lawrence and Marina Smirnova-Philidor.
My thought for this week: Be strong when you are weak, be brave when you are scared, be humble when you are victorious, and be fabulous every day!
I look forward to seeing everyone soon. Drop me an email with what is on your mind, the fancy wants to hear!!! Be safe out there, my friends! Until next time…
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