Table Talk • October 29, 2025
It’s hard to believe we are entering the last months of the 2025 dog show year. For many exhibitors and owners, this time of year is met with stress as they make the final push to meet the goals they set at the beginning of the show year. Please remember, everyone has goals–and while someone else’s objectives may not be consistent with yours, their goals are important to them.
Please remember that on Saturday, November 1st–after Best In Show–there will be a celebration of life for Kate Hanlon at the Fort Wayne, Indiana shows. Please wear green to the show on Saturday in a tribute to the memory or our dear friend, Kate.
Thank you to all who reached out to me about last week’s column. It is important that exhibitors, judges, and show officials know that if there is any question about another individual’s behavior, the best thing to do is go to the AKC Executive Field Representative. If they are not the right person to talk to, they will guide you to the appropriate individual or show committee.
If you live on the East Coast, or in the Midwest, this is the time of year that annoying tire light goes on due to the changing temperatures. I suggest that before you head out on the road, stop and check your tire pressure, and adjust it accordingly. It will save you having to stare at that evil orange light for hours while on the road.
If you attended the shows in Belton, Texas this past weekend, you had the opportunity to listen to heartfelt comments from Sam Houston McDonald before he judged his last Best In Show assignment. Mr. McDonald is retiring from judging. Sam has been involved with purebred dogs for many decades, having bred numerous Irish Setter and Irish Wolfhound Champions. He exhibited many Group and Best In Show winners. Sam began his judging career in 1986. I will cherish every opportunity I ever had to exhibit under him. He will be missed center ring.
The volunteers of the Kanadasaga, Elmira and Finger Lakes Kennel Clubs–those Kennel Clubs that comprise the Wine Country Circuit in Romulus, NY–introduced a new, exciting way to engage new young exhibitors and junior competitors. The Canine Knowledge Quiz was designed for Junior Handlers ages 9-18. The quiz offered fun questions regarding breeds, grooming, canine health, famous dogs, conformation and canine sports. Participants were entered in drawings for prizes and special awards, making learning both competitive and rewarding! This sounds like an excellent way to engage our youngsters while educating them!
The AKC Trial Board met this past week regarding the charges against AKC Judge Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine and ruled–unanimously–that she was not guilty of conduct prejudicial to the sport. The AKC can appeal the trial board’s decision.
Once again, I am living vicariously through all the wonderful photographs being posted on social media by Kim and Angela Booth. These two are on another African safari! Anyone who is contemplating a similar journey should reach out to Angela, who has become an expert at arranging safaris that will produce memories for a lifetime! This is a trip that is on my bucket list!
Terri Erickson had an unexpected stay in the hospital but is now back home recuperating, and she is feeling much better! Fortunately, Terri has a great support group. Thanks to her hubby, Paul, and Lila Holberg and Melanie Berger, their new litter of puppies is being well cared for; so Terri can focus on healing.
Happy Anniversary to Donna and Paul Ernst and Shota and Mai Hirai. May your best years yet be ahead of you!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Andrew Mueller, Juliet Clendenon, Debbie Burke Scott, Jineece Rees, Linda Clark, Susan Olsen, Anna Gracie, Katherine Smoot, Domino Parker Brown and Brenda Weiss. Best wishes for a most enjoyable trip around the sun!
My suggestion to everyone is: If someone’s falling behind, slow down and walk with them. If they are left out, pull up a chair. If they are struggling, offer your hand. Your kindness might be the moment they remember forever.
Be safe out there, my friends. Good luck to one and all at the shows! I’ll see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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