Table Talk · March 5, 2025
After weeks of speculation, insinuation, and innuendo, the AKC Board of Directors issued a statement regarding the departure of President and CEO Dennis Sprung. As one would expect that statement did not address how the separation came about, rather it talked about his successful career with the AKC and announced they granted him President Emeritus status. https://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/on-behalf-of-the-akc-board-of-directors/. Many continue to speculate why this happened; and it is obvious that the AKC Board was in damage control mode when issuing this statement.
Following that press release, the AKC Board of Directors issued another announcement that Gina DiNardo has been appointed President and CEO of the American Kennel Club effective April 1, 2025. https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/gina-m-dinardo-appointed-president-and-ceo-of-the-american-kennel-club/. Congratulations to Gina, and best wishes to Dennis who will be departing March 31, 2025. Hopefully, the fancy can return our focus to all things canine and preserving the health and well-being of purebred dogs and the sport we all cherish.
The AKC also sent a letter to AKC Club Officers and Delegates announcing that at a special meeting of the AKC Board of Directors, the BOD voted to postpone implementation of the event service fee increase while there was an evaluation of the financial implications across all events. I assume this decision will be deferred to the new Board of Directors.
We are going to have another GREAT cluster in Louisville this year! Entries are up significantly from last year, so I recommend that you hold off on those dinner plans, my friends!! It looks like we will be spending long days together at the Kentucky Expo Center! I look forward to spending time with all of you again this year while bringing Table Talk Live coverage of the cluster to fanciers near and far.
Nina Fetter is working hard to organize the reserved grooming at the Kentuckiana Cluster. This is no small task, as it is estimated there are over 800 grooming reservations! Nina hopes to begin posting names of those who have requested reserved grooming later this week. You’ll find this information on the Kentuckiana Cluster Facebook page and Nina’s Facebook page. If you paid online and do not see your name, please be sure to contact Nina as soon as possible at louisvillegrooming@yahoo.com or text to 567-289-3890. As has been the case in past years, grooming spots will be posted on the wall at the entrance of the Pavilion into the West show building. This information will also be posted at the superintendent’s office. Exhibitors will be allowed to move into the building on Wednesday morning. Please remember there will be specialties going on so please be considerate of those who are showing their dogs.
The Western Washington Cluster held in January has announced changes to their shows for 2026. The Seattle Kennel Club will be departing the cluster in 2026. The summer cluster of all-breed shows will take place July 5-7, 2025, at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. There will be no show in January 2026. Be sure to keep your eyes open for updates from the Puyallup Valley Dog Fanciers, Seattle Kennel Club and Gig Harbor Kennel Club for future plans regarding their shows.
Heartfelt condolences to Elizabeth Salewsky who lost her 40-year-old brother, Jeff, suddenly last week. If that shocking loss was not enough, an exhibitor experienced a medical event while at the dog show at Purina Farms, and Elizabeth sprang into action to assist that person who was then taken to the hospital. Elizabeth’s experience as a first responder gave her the knowledge necessary to assist during this emergency. We can add lifesaver to her many talents. Elizabeth is taking a short break to grieve the loss of her brother. She appreciates all the kindness and support she has received from everyone. We are thinking about you at this most difficult time, Elizabeth. Please know we are all here for you.
We also extend our sympathies to Kristin Lyons who lost her father last week. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult and sad time.
Several fanciers are celebrating anniversaries this week! Happy anniversary to Robin Novack and Laura King, Rob and Diane Skibinski, and David and Kristyn Stout. We wish all of you the best wishes for many more years of happiness ahead.
The birthday crew this week includes Tuni Conti, Andrew Evans, Judy Cooper, Diana Hadsall, Sarah Murphy, Lois DeMers, Keith Bailey, Lesley Potts, Ines Medina, Krista Beal, and Chip Rainwater. Have a very a happy birthday, my friends! Make it a great one!
Remember this my friends: A mistake that makes you humble is better than an achievement that makes you arrogant!
If your travels bring you to the Tarheel Circuit in Raleigh this week, please be sure to stop by the Purina booth and say hi! I’ll see you down the road. Be safe! Until next time…
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