Table Talk • November 12, 2025
The November AKC Gazette has been released; and at the suggestion of a few fanciers, I read AKC Delegate Matthew Townsend’s article titled Preserving Our Purpose. Matthew offers six challenges, and while you may or may not agree with his view, it is most certainly thought provoking and, in my opinion, well-intentioned. He offers a couple of thoughts that I will share here:
“A kind word from a judge, steward, or show official can mean the world.”
“Conformation, at its best, is not just about winning, it is about learning, connection, and progress.”
Those of you who read my weekly musings have heard me preach about these very things before.
As one of the very few benched dog shows remaining, the Philadelphia Cluster, which includes Kennel Club of Philadelphia, starts Thursday. Please keep Matt’s statements top of mind while you are there. Even though you are busy trying to get to rings, remember there are potential new exhibitors or families trying to get a dog the correct way amongst the people there. If you don’t have time to talk to them at a specific moment, kindly direct them to your set-up for a discussion when time permits. I read a few comments on the National Dog Show Facebook page from spectators who said they would not return because they did not feel welcome. I implore everyone to just try to be kind! We have very few benched show opportunities left, and they are still one of the best ways to reach the general public with our message about the benefit of owning a purebred dog. Please take advantage of this opportunity to show the public what a great community we have!
I received great news from Lynda O’Connor-Schneider. She is now one week post knee replacement and on the road to recovery. We look forward to having you back running lefts, Lynda!
I am saddened to pass on the news that Lisa Favre, CJ Favre’s wife of nearly 50 years, passed away last week. I would like to share CJ’s message with you:
“To all of Lisa’s friends and her loving family: She wanted to say goodbye. She has crossed the rainbow bridge to join her loving pets. I told God to accept her and that she would make him an excellent kennel manager.
I will never be able to show all of you my appreciation for your prayers and great compassion toward both of us on this last journey for my loving wife.
I will miss her so much. Thank all of you.”
Heads up to those Westminster Kennel Club entry hopefuls. The entries are now open and close November 21. Remember, the lottery is done electronically.
The February 2026 show is not only the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Show, but it will also be show photographer John Ashbey’s 50th Westminster! John attended his first show as an assistant in 1976.
Peggy Browne had a great birthday celebration last week when Ania Kelly, Peter Kubacz, and Faith surprised her with a birthday visit. I heard that ‘Team Faith’ had a great day together!
There have been some negative comments on social media about the Kennel Club of Palm Springs cluster, and the cost to attend the show. While it is true that attending a show in the Palm Springs area during “high season” is expensive, it is a choice that many exhibitors make because of the experience. Some make a choice to attend this weekend of shows as opposed to attending two smaller weekends elsewhere. Others use this as a vacation opportunity. It is every exhibitors’ choice whether they attend the show or not. However, I think this is a wonderful cluster that everyone should try to attend at least once.
November 2026 will be the first American Kennel Club-sanctioned dog show hosted by FCM, the Official Kennel Club of Mexico. The show will be held November 12-15, 2026, at the Santa Fe Expo Center in Mexico City, Mexico.
Happy anniversary to George and Cathy Milutinovich who celebrated their 55th anniversary with their beautiful family by their side. May the two of you have many more to come!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Linda Hurlebaus, Tom Martenson, Kenny Craig, Rex Linn, Alyssa Beutler, Wally Sommerfelt, Bill Hempel, Deb Caywood, Rob Skibinski, Amy Rutherford, Pam Hoerster, and Pat Fernandes. Have another great trip around the sun!
How to know you’re doing life right: Love dogs. Be loved by dogs. Have friends who have dogs. Have a dog!
Be safe in your travels, my friends! I will be at the Purina booth in Oaks, PA all four days! Be sure to stop by and say hi! Until next time…
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