Table Talk · November 15, 2023
Flu season is upon us once again. When we talk about the dreaded flu season year-in and year-out, we are usually talking about human flu–but our canines experience the same issue. It is up to us to do the best we can to minimize the transmission of the dreaded virus amongst our canine friends. There should be no ribbon or win, that is more important than considering the well-being of our colleagues and their canines. Caroline Coile did a fantastic job of describing just how easy it is to spread a virus among our dogs. If you have not had the chance, please take the time and read Caroline’s article https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/the-canine-flu-2023/. The BEST way to minimize the impact of the flu on our community is to stay home if you are sick and keep your dogs home if they are sick.
A few weeks back I wrote about the AKC’s revised rule which increases the number of AKC shows, visiting judges are allowed to judge in a calendar year. There seems to be mixed emotions about this rule change amongst the 3,184 AKC judges. Now, judges approved by other registries–such as the Canadian Kennel Club–can judge up to 16 AKC shows per year. This is twice the previous number. Some question the qualifications of our Canadian counterparts because their approval process appears to be much more lenient than that of the American Kennel Club.
Wayne Cavanaugh recently explored this issue in depth (https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/oh-canada/). I could not agree more with Wayne’s observation that no education and testing program can give an individual an eye for a good dog. While education can certainly expand one’s knowledge, and testing can determine an individual’s comprehensive knowledge about a breed, having a good eye for a dog is innate. You either have it or you don’t.
Entries for the AKC National Championship closed last week, and entries for the lead-up shows close today. I have heard that the entry limit of 5,000 has been reached, but I was unable to verify this information. If you have not entered, I encourage you to call MB-F prior to making entries. Reserved grooming has sold out. I am very excited to be able to bring Table Talk Live! coverage of the show to those who cannot be with us for the week. If you are going to be in Orlando–and it is your first time attending or you have a story that you think the fancy would like to hear–please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com or stop by our booth at the show!!!! Last year’s coverage was great, and I am hoping to make this year’s even better!
Entries for the Kennel Club of Palm Springs close December 13th. Jack Bradshaw is the superintendent. Many of us will be in Orlando when the show closes, so you may want to submit your entries before you head to Orlando. This year’s show will be located at a different area of the Empire Polo Grounds and the hard-working volunteers are striving to make this the best show yet! If you have never attended, you need to join us! If you are unable to make the show, we will do our best to share the beauty with you via Table Talk Live! coverage.
We lost another true icon of the sport last week with the passing of Wendell Sammet. Wendell would have been 98 years young in December of this year. He bred and showed Dalmatians and Poodles under the Ale Kai prefix. Everyone who knew Wendell remembers him as a truly good person. Our most sincere condolences to Wendell’s family and close friends at this most difficult time. He will be sorely missed by the fancy.
Gail Miller Bisher is relocating to the Midwest with her family. I’m sure Gail will keep us updated on her future career endeavors, but for now, she will be settling her family in on the North Shore of Chicago. Best wishes, Gail, and welcome to the Windy City!!!!
Healing thoughts to Chris Ann Moore who had knee revision surgery earlier this week. Take care of yourself, my friend. We are all looking forward to your return to the show scene.
Dylan Kipp-Keith and Chris Keith made a quick getaway to Mexico for their anniversary. What a great way for this hard-working couple to celebrate their love of each other!
Happy anniversary to the Bird Dog Babe herself, Courtney Bastian and her hubby, William. Best wishes to you two for many more happy hunting years!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Deb Caywood, John McCartney, Rob Skibinski, Pam Hoerster, Amy Rutherford, Verla Randall, Pat Fernandes, Derek Beatty, Rhonda Holloway, Sydney Good, Jessica David-Tauber, Phil Booth, Mark Bettis, Glenn Lycan, Eric Liebes, Jason Hoke, Michele Abati, Erin Piercy-Foreman and Linda Rowley. Make your special day a great one, my friends!
This week I leave you with a quote from our dear departed friend, Frank Sabella–in memory of Wendell Sammet: “If I had to pick somebody in dogs who I wanted to be just like when I grow up, it would be Wendell Sammet”.
Be safe out there, my friends. I’ll see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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