Table Talk · July 20, 2022
The American Kennel Club recently published a press release (http://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/akc-social-media-complaints/) regarding the handling of Social Media Complaints. The press release caused some immediate assumptions by keyboard warriors who were up in arms about what that they felt was AKC’s attempt to censor what some post online. After reading the press release and comments, I reached out to AKC executives for confirmation of my interpretation of the release which did not align with what some others had concluded. My understanding was confirmed. The recent press release was not the announcement of a new social media policy. The purpose of the communication was to inform the fancy that the Events Committees would no longer entertain complaints based on comments made in public forums. I was directed to a reply to a Facebook post on this subject authored by Tim Thomas, Vice President, Judging Operations, which included in part:
The notice that is being referenced is a statement identifying that complaints involving social media posts will be addressed under AKC’s Code of Sportsmanship Policy moving forward, which has been in effect for many years and is detailed on AKC’s website. It is not an effort to control, censor, or mute individuals. The AKC receives many complaints of this type and has for several years addressed these under the COS enforcement policy. Some may have been contacted by the Compliance Department in reference to one. The only change was removing this burden from clubs who may have been faced with addressing a complaint and determining whether the post was “at or in connection” to the event and “if true would it be conduct prejudicial”.
In addition to the explanation above, I was made aware of a post made on AKC’s Event Operations blog with some slightly modified verbiage that makes the intent of the notice clearer (click here to see). In the end, individuals with complaints involving social media conduct, rather that submitting to an Event Committee should contact the compliance department (compliancediv@akc.org or 919-816-3546) for questions about how to file a complaint under AKC’s Code of Sportsmanship Enforcement Policy. Maybe the leap to conclusions that we witnessed about this subject is yet another example of how we all need to be more responsible before we comment on Facebook.
More news on the AKC front: At the May 2022 AKC Board Meeting, recommendations were reviewed to allow Junior Showmanship participants to show dogs they or their immediate family members do not own. The AKC voted to support a pilot program that will eliminate the ownership requirement. The pilot program was effective July 1, 2022, and will be in effect for one year. This will be a great opportunity for juniors whose family does not have a dog suitable for the child to show in junior showmanship, and it will make it easier for them to get a dog to become involved with the sport. I personally am supportive of giving kids every opportunity to get involved. Fanciers should note that juniors still need to notify the superintendent of any change to the dog being exhibited.
As Owner/Handlers become more successful in the regular group ring, the issue of showing their dog in two different groups, and sometimes best in show, is becoming more of a reality. (This is a good problem, right?) I have respect for those handlers who remain concerned about their dog and find it necessary to sometimes choose between the two groups or decide not to show in the NOHS group–if they win the regular group–in order to rest their dog for Best In Show. I am saddened that there are some owner/handlers who are critical of other’s decisions to pull their dog from the owner/handler group. Every exhibitor has the right to establish their own priorities, and they should not be judged for the choice they make. I hope we can all continue to support each other and be happy for those exhibitors who excel at the higher levels of the sport.
Best wishes to Gaby Gilbeau and her partner, Dan Saunier, as they relocate from Ohio back to Gaby’s home state of Virginia. Moving long distances is never easy! Enjoy being close to your family; and best wishes to Dan as he starts his new job.
Happy Anniversary to Tracy Szaras and Luiz Abreu. May the two of you enjoy many more years of love and happiness together!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Barbara LaVere, Paul Clas, Angie Lloyd, Kristin Lyons, Tabatha Buckley-Bettis, Mickey Feigelson and Carlena Pulliam. Have a wonderful day, my friends! Make it a great one!
This week I share with you the dream that many will not understand:
My dogs are my personal dream. One day when I am very old and when I cannot walk anymore, my dogs will be in my heart as a trophy of my memories.
Every time I am with my dogs, I think about how wonderful they are. I stopped talking about it to those who do not understand, and I learned to communicate with others of the same mindset. I have met some amazing people I now call friends from all over this big world because of my dogs. I spent money that I did not have, gave up many things, but all these things are not worth even one special moment with my dogs. They are not just a pet or a thing that I own, they are the lost part of my soul and my spirit. When someone says to me, “It’s just a dog,” I do not answer. swing my head and smile. A dog… only the person who loves them understands how special a dog is.
Wishing good karma to my friends and all their dogs…and the adventure continues.
Be safe out there, my friends. Be kind to one and all and enjoy the moment. I look forward to seeing many of you in Houston!! Until next time…
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