Table Talk · October 1, 2025
I had a great week at the Golden Retriever Club of America National Specialty at the Purina Event Center. With an entry of 800, the building was at capacity–given the club’s needs and the grooming space requirements. The club and the Purina Event Center staff did an excellent job of using every square foot efficiently! It did not feel crowded and, most importantly, everyone had a fabulous time! Kudos to the GRCA for running a great show. With a National Specialty this large, efficiency is a top priority. Purina Event Center staff are always very helpful and kind; congratulations to everyone involved on a job well done!
It is always great to hear the nostalgic stories about past National Specialty winners! This year’s National Specialty winner was the daughter of the BOB winner from the 2018 National Specialty. Coincidentally, it was held at the same venue as this year’s show. This lovely bitch is Bruce Schultz’s pet, recalling Pat Trotter’s famous quote from Westminster a couple years ago: “Not every pet is a show dog, but every show dog is a pet.” Congratulations to everyone that exhibited, judged, and helped make this year’s National a success.
4,455 dogs will be making their way to Colonial Park for the Morris and Essex Dog Show. This show, packed with tradition, is truly an event! The show begins at 7:30 AM to ensure a smooth-running schedule! Please be sure to keep your eyes open for me, so we can keep everyone up to date on what is happening throughout the day via our Table Talk Live coverage. I cannot wait to see everyone’s beautiful, vintage outfits, the great vintage cars, and most importantly, the beautiful dogs from all over the country! The quinquennial event happens every five years, so enjoy it while you can, my friends! If you have a fun story, or a great outfit you want to share with the fancy, stop by and see me at the Canine Chronicle table in the “magazine tent”.
Morris & Essex is only the beginning of this very special first week of October. Many exhibitors will be moving from Somerset, New Jersey, to Macungie, Pennsylvania, for two days of Hatboro Kennel Club all-breed shows, and the BEST Terrier show on earth, Montgomery County Kennel Club on Sunday. Those exhibitors who have the stamina will head over to Devon Saturday for their all-breed show. This year, I will cover Hatboro and the specialties and sweepstakes on Saturday at Macungie Park, followed by Montgomery County on Sunday. I look forward to seeing everyone out east for this very special week in the sport of purebred dogs. The weather should be beautiful. Exhibitors may want to think about packing their transitional outfits and skip the wool tweed: you may be quite warm!
It is with great sadness that I update you on Kate Hanlon’s health status. Several months back, Kate was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This wonderful lady has put up a great fight while in the excellent care of Eileen Hackett. Sadly, all options have been exhausted, and Kate has been moved to palliative care. Please keep Kate, Eilleen, Abigail, and all friends and family in your thoughts at this very sad, difficult time.
Happy anniversary to Becca Pentecost, and her husband of 20 years, Chad Pentecost. Best wishes for many more years of wedded bliss, and exciting adventures! Ashley Ryan and her husband, Brendon, are also celebrating their anniversary. May the two of you have many more exciting experiences ahead!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Sarah Houston, Andrew Green, Tina Turley-Kocab, Lenny Brown, Hadley George, Sarah Krickeberg, Robin Novack, Rodney Merry, and Cindy Stansell. Best wishes for a great year ahead.
Remember this my friends: No matter how many ribbons you’ve won, how many shows you’ve judged, how many champions you’ve bred, or how important you think you are…how you treat people ultimately tells all! Integrity is EVERYTHING!
No matter where your travels are taking you, be safe out there. I look forward to seeing many of you this week. Until next time…
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