Table Talk · April 30, 2025
My week at Purina Farms at the Poodle Club of America (PCA) was very special to me for several reasons: This was the first show held at the Purina Event Center after a tornado wreaked havoc on the property. I did not expect to get so emotional when I arrived and took a walk around the lovely grounds. While Nestlé Purina has worked very hard to get the Purina Event Center back up and running, the temporary lights, fenced off areas due to wreckage, and the trees that were knocked down during the storm remind me of how lucky we were that the day the tornado hit, it was the ONLY weekend during the show season that there was no event there!
I had the pleasure of watching my dear friend, Gina Weiser, judge the Toy Variety at PCA. Gina stays true to the standard and did measure several dogs. I sincerely believe that the 1-inch difference between the FCI standard and the AKC standard confuses foreign exhibitors. Several dogs were measured out. I think it may be helpful for exhibitors who come from a location that uses the FCI standard to ensure they are fluent with the AKC standard. They must ensure their dogs are the correct size when competing in AKC events. This is a reality not only for National Specialties, but all breed events where specific height and weight ranges are part of the breed standard.
Gina’s ring procedure at PCA was a bit different. All dogs were examined and allowed to move. If a class had dogs she felt required measurement, she conducted the wicket exam AFTER all dogs were examined. When I asked Gina why she utilized this procedure, she explained her desire to give everyone the opportunity to showcase their dog. This procedure was well-received by exhibitors.
Unfortunately, a couple of dogs got loose during the show. Without hesitation, many exhibitors and the Operations staff from the Purina Event Center dropped what they were doing to look for the escapees. Sincere thanks to Tracy, Flora, Kim, and the other Event Center Operations staff who helped look for and bring those dogs to safety. I am very pleased to report the dogs that escaped were found and reunited with their owners.
Poodle Club of America and the Whippet National were broadcast live on AKC.TV. Fanciers who missed the live stream and would like to watch these shows can go to AKC.TV.
The Sunday All-Breed show in Las Cruces, New Mexico was cancelled prior to group judging due to excessive wind. I hope all fanciers got home safely. Driving RVs, Sprinters, box trucks, etc. in high winds is no fun at all.
Most fanciers who exhibit dogs on the East Coast know Dottie “The Candy Lady” Davis. Dottie is currently staying with her daughter and would love to hear from all exhibitors. If you are so inclined, please send Dottie a card at the following address: Dottie Davis, 516 Main Street, Red Hill, PA 18076. Everyone loves Dottie! Show your love by sending a card!
AKC Government Relations will be holding a one-day conference in St. Louis on June 14th. Those interested in attending can get more information at www.akc.org/midwestconference2025. Book your spot now to learn about the latest updates on legislation impacting your rights to breed, show, and train your dogs. There will be interactive workshops regarding effectively communicating with lawmakers and how we can be impact policy on the local level.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Nancy Brown, Emily Thiel, Hana Marangon, Debbie Butt, Nancy Foley, Frank Murphy, Kris Benoit, Grace Fritz, Jan Swayze, George Milutinovich, Nancy Pincus, Alissa Welling, Lexie Ditlow, Kim Meredith, Doug Johnson, Brianna Bischoff, Antoinelle Vulpis, and Paula Fultz. Best wishes for a great day!
This week’s words of wisdom are from our dear, departed friend Kaz Hosaka, who said, “A positive attitude has the power to make wonderful things happen.”
Be safe out there, my friends! Be kind and welcoming at the shows. Enjoy the moment! Until next time….
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