Woofstock, otherwise known as “The Greatest Dog Show on Earth”, has come to a close for another year. When unable to attend, I always enjoy seeing the photos of all our friends dressed in their “Woofstock wear” and I continue to be impressed by the creativity of the vendors who maintain the spirit and “dress [...]
We apologize to the judges, exhibitors, vendors, AKC, Onofrio and the community for the lack of notice as well as the loss of income. With this choice we are working together trying to find a solution that would be best for all. This decision was not made hastily, or without thinking of all of you that have supported us through the years.
“I try not to look at the gloom and doom,” she says. “There will always be dedicated breeders who want to show dogs.” With luck, many of them will be like Meredith-Cavanna—dedicated to learning and growing in the sport, and as interested in giving back as accumulating ribbons. Not everyone can start a phenomena like Woofstock, or become a sought-after judge, but every fancier can contribute somewhere, and Kimberly Meredith-Cavanna has set a great example to follow.
The AKC has sent a couple of letters to their RHP members providing feedback as to how handlers should make decisions about attending shows, take precautionary measures, potential repercussions for irresponsible behavior, etc. Anyone who thinks these communications may be helpful should contact AKC Judging Operations and request information.
The Canine Chronicle is proud to sponsor the National Owner-Handled Series at these shows. Be sure to attend for a chance to win an ad in The Canine Chronicle!
Here is some additional information about Canine Influenza Virus and tips for how to minimize the risk and reduce the spread of the disease:
This is the same strain responsible for the severe outbreak of canine influenza in Chicago in 2015.
Friends in the south continue to contend with a serious outbreak of what has been identified as the H3N2 virus. The virus started spreading at the shows in Perry, Georgia and there have been several reported cases stemming from the Deland, Florida shows and surrounding areas in the Southeastern U.S. This virus is highly contagious and vets and the American Kennel Club are asking people to PLEASE keep your dogs home if they are coughing or demonstrating other clinical signs of the virus which can include lethargy, snotty nose, and related symptoms.
Best wishes to Roxanne Hosaka as she recovers from serious injuries sustained in a terrible cycling accident this past week. She is in the hospital right now and hopefully can move to rehab soon. I will keep everyone posted on her status.
I was so happy to hear that Johnny Shoemaker is out of the hospital and doing better! We truly missed his presence at PCA this year where he was supposed to steward for the esteemed Poodle expert, Judge Frank Sabella.
