Welcome to a special Thursday version of Table Talk, the Westminster version! Another trip to New York is in the books. As you all know by now, the beautiful Standard Poodle, Siba, shown by Chrystal Clas, won that coveted BIS ribbon. Bourbon, the equally magnificent Whippet, claimed the Reserve Best In Show rosette. This was a [...]
By Amy Fernandez Nothing hones your coping skills like a few years in this game. Emergency Response protocol becomes second nature. So, when Pier 92 got trashed by the cruise liner, canceling the show was not even an issue. 144 years into the deal you gotta admit that Westminster is resilient. Cram the whole show into [...]
By Amy Fernandez Progressive is old, really old, so old it’s been on the DNR list more than once. But just like the dog game, somehow it always gets back in there for the next round. That alone makes for a quirky, unique kinda club. Over the years their shows have been big and they [...]
By Amy Fernandez photo ©Getty Images for American Heart Association I’m up for anything designed to get the purebred message out there. So, last year when The Canine Chronicle was invited to cover the American Heart Association’s Go Red event, I was all in. As I said then, this mashup of high fashion, celebrities, social messaging and [...]
You gotta give credit where it’s due. Back in 1877 when Westminster first ventured into dog shows, the club recognized that strategic PR was the key to success. And 144 years into the deal, they got this down. As show chairman David Helming proudly announced, they are ready to roll, and nothing makes that point better than the Empire State Building which will once again sport purple and gold in honor of America’s Dog Show.
I am off tomorrow for what will be my 30th (plus) year at Westminster. I remember my first trip there, benched in my breed section, and being completely overwhelmed by it all. The entry in Shar-Pei was significant with well over 50 entries, if I recall. While walking on to that floor to pick up my armband, my [...]
By Amy Fernandez AKC is doing something right. These days, Meet The Breeds has become an AKC tradition. But even in its earliest days, when it was more of a pop-up event at Madison Square Park, it immediately became a lightning rod that galvanized NYC’s disenfranchised purebred fans. And even in a place like New [...]
It’s a perennial topic in our crowd, finding someone reliable to care for your dogs. Family and close friends are the usual recruits, and yes, you generally owe favors for a lifetime in exchange for that service.
Well, this story will convince you that it’s well worth any price. Dog sitting has become big business these days. And the job description encompasses many things. But the top of the line, premium care option is unquestionably the dedicated, responsible, savvy few willing and able to take on “special needs” dogs.
It is hard to believe that Westminster 2020 is right around the corner! The Westminster Kennel Club is working very hard to make the best of this year’s limited space. They have posted an exhibitor’s logistics schedule on their website at https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2020-wkc-dog-show-updates/2020-shuttle-information-all. I urge everyone to read the schedule carefully and plan accordingly! Please be [...]
