Table Talk • August 13, 2025
Before we jump into this week’s Table Talk — from events and fundraising efforts to global achievements — let’s pause for a moment to share an important reminder…After hearing about recent events that led to the tragic and sad death of a dog left in a vehicle, it’s important to remember that the dogs in our care rely on us for everything. No matter the show, the schedule, or the circumstances—our dogs must always be the top priority. Their safety and well-being are non-negotiable. In extreme heat, even a few minutes can be dangerous for our beloved companions. This is your reminder: Our dogs can’t ask for help—it’s our job to protect them.
I have attended some amazing show the past couple of weeks! As I mentioned previously, the Canfield Cluster boasted a nice entry and, more importantly, the depth of quality was absolutely incredible. This past week I had the privilege of attending the Keystone Cluster in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. It was hosted by the Huntingdon Valley Kennel Club and Penn Ridge Kennel Club. Anyone who has attended this cluster knows all the volunteers prioritize fundraising for causes that support our sport. Not only do they make it a priority, but they also make it FUN!
There was a corn hole tournament and a puppy match. The grand finale of the week was the Casino Night fundraiser and raffle. There is no doubt that the Penn Ridge Kennel Club Charitable Foundation knows how to not only make the dog shows fun, but they also do an outstanding job raising money for the important causes that support the sport of purebred dogs. I would be remiss if I did not give a shout-out to those professional handlers that took the weekend off from showing dogs to work the show and after-show fundraising events. To Ryan and Rachel Tepera, Liv Calabrese, Blake Hansen, and Regina Keiter: THANK YOU for giving back to the sport in such a great way! Charlie Olvis and Liz Muthard, the force and brains behind the Penn Ridge Kennel Club Charitable Foundation, traveled for 17 hours by train and car from Florida to Pennsylvania, and they worked their hinds off for the week. The fancy thanks one and all for your efforts. Stay tuned to find out how much money was raised. To date the Penn Ridge Charitable Foundation has raised well over $300,000 and, after this year, that number will grow exponentially.
Many thanks to the show committee for making the show run efficiently! NOHS groups began an hour before the regular groups each day. In my humble opinion, this is a GREAT idea! This is good for the Owner-Handler community as the NOHS Best In Show concludes prior to the regular Best In Show. It also encourages more fanciers to watch and cheer on the NOHS exhibitors and ensures the dog show concludes at a more reasonable hour. Show chairs that are interested in ideas to make their shows run efficiently, and how to encourage the show superintendents to schedule in this manner should reach out to Charlie Olvis for advice.
While we were having a great time in Lebanon, PA, many fanciers traveled to Helsinki for the 2025 World Dog Show. This year’s show had an entry of 15,700 dogs, including exhibitors from 73 countries representing 397 breeds! The United States was well-represented, including team Calaco and Dylan Kipp Keith taking home Reserve Best In Show, and team Lumpy and Christian Manelopoulos bringing home a Group 2! Congratulations to all involved with both teams.
The topic of premium parking at dog shows has been brought up numerous times, and it is a topic of conversation once again. The issue at hand is that some exhibitors feel that professional handlers are given preferential treatment for premium parking, as opposed to clubs offering it on a first-come, first-served basis. It appears that some may think that handlers are receiving preferential treatment, when in many cases they are sending in their parking reservations early because they want that close access. It is important to remember that not only is the proximity to the rings an issue, but safety is an issue as well. In my humble opinion, if close parking is something you want or need, send your parking in as soon as possible.
It is no secret that the MB-F website has been experiencing increased downtime recently. As a result, some fanciers missed entries this past week. Due to the current unpredictability, it may be a good idea to complete your entries early to make sure you don’t miss a show.
Healing thoughts to Luke Baggenstos who is home recuperating from a knee replacement. Yes, my friends, another bionic handler is among us! We will see you running lefts soon, Luke!
Michael Canalizo has returned from what looks like an amazing trip to Italy and Slovenia to judge the Istra shows and get some R&R. Prior to leaving for his trip, he also made his debut on AKC TV as a co-commentator.
Congratulations to Colton and Heather Johnson and Clint and Karen Livingston on the opening of their new facility – Elevate Ranch Colorado! Elevate Ranch is in Bennett, Colorado and provides space for canine and equine events, horse boarding, and so much more! Take a look at the website and keep them in mind for shows in the Colorado area! https://elevateranchco.com
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Amiko Allen, Zach Watkins, Earl Takahashi, David Salcido, Susan Patterson, and Kim Lourier. Best wishes for a successful year ahead.
Remember this my friends: The people in your life should be a source of reducing stress, not causing more of it!
Be safe out there, my friends. I will see you soon down the road…
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