Table Talk · August 27, 2025
It is hard to believe that we will be celebrating Labor Day this coming weekend! As someone whose favorite season is summer, I get a bit sad when I think that our summer days are quickly coming to an end.
The big Orlando week is a less than four months away, and the room blocks at the Hilton and Hyatt have opened. If you wish to stay at one of these hotels that are connected to the Orange County Convention Center by skybridge, I suggest you make your reservations as soon as possible. They sell out quickly. A message to those who have stayed at the Hilton with dogs in previous years: Please note that dogs will not be allowed at the Hilton this year. The Hyatt and surrounding hotel properties are allowing dogs in the rooms.
Thank you all for your comments about last week’s column concerning entry numbers and the increased AKC event fee starting in 2026. The consensus from comments received is a concern for clubs that are already struggling. While fanciers recognize that there has not been a fee increase in many, many years, the concern is that the American Kennel Club is trying to make up for lost time a bit too quickly. It is confirmed that the “sting” could be alleviated if AKC explains how the increase will help the sport, and what the initiatives referred to in the press release are.
I would like to share a comment received from a reader. They wrote, “It is all in the attitude: If your goal is just to win, you are in the wrong sport. It is time consuming and expensive, but you won’t find better friends. Just ignore the nasty people!”
Heads up to all that will be attending the Hatboro Kennel Club and Montgomery County Kennel Club shows! RV and grooming reservations have opened on the Site Control website. Do not delay; get your reservations in today!
Kate Henlon has been a pillar of our sport for many years. She has been struggling with some health challenges and hearing from friends in the fancy will certainly help her during this difficult time. Please consider sending a card to Kate at: P.O. Box 208, Pendleton, Indiana 46064. Keep fighting Kate! We miss you and want you back sooner rather than later!
Gene Blake has often been labeled the bionic man. No one believes that he is in his 80s when they see him. Gene has just returned home from the hospital after suffering from a collapsed lung. The doctors have demanded that he take it easy for several weeks (good luck with that Julie Mueller), but I hear we will see Gene back center ring very soon! Gene did have to cancel a judging assignment. This is the first time he has done that in 35 years of judging!
And baby makes 3! Congratulations to Lauren and Robert Portal on the birth of Robert James, aka, “RJ” born August 19th at 9 lbs. 9 oz. Best wishes for lots of fun ahead!
Congratulations to Dasha Mlinarich on her recent engagement to Justin Moreno. Friends gathered for a toast to Dasha and Justin after Best In Show at Santa Barbara this past weekend. Best wishes to this happy couple. We hope you have many years of happiness.
The Southern Handler’s Charity League (SHCL) will once again be holding a Junior Jamboree at the Belton, Texas shows. They are looking for volunteers to do mini seminars on topics such as grooming/trimming, conditioning, traveling with dogs, careers in dogs, etc. If you can help out, please contact David Williams as soon as possible. You can reach David via IM or at PeidayCSP1@aol.com.
Happy anniversary to Kay and Doug Belter! May you two lovebirds have many more years of happiness, beautiful dogs, and health in the future.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Bobby Fisher, Faith Turner, Erin Myers, Tim Terella, Jenny Roller, Lanie Zgrabik, Julie Lawrence, Virginia Murray, and Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine. I hope you all have a memorable birthday shared with loved ones.
When times are hard, nothing lifts the mood like a wet nose and a wagging tail – dogs are nature’s cure for sadness.
Be safe out there my friends. May the week ahead bring you cherished wins and great times with friends and family. I will see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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