Table Talk
I spent the last several days in Enumclaw, Washington at the Olympic Cluster. This cluster consists of two days of specialties, including a Sporting Show and a Working Show on Thursday, a Working Show and several independent specialties on Friday, and two all-breed shows on Saturday and Sunday. The temperatures the first three days were dangerously hot and it makes me think about what we ask of our dogs. Just when IS it too hot?
There are some dogs that do not appear phased by the heat. I am not sure if they are just so intent on pleasing their human or if they really are not phased by 95 degree-plus temperatures. There are other dogs that are obviously affected by the heat and struggle to stay cool. Is it fair to ask a Siberian Husky (and I am just using this breed as an example) to run left circle after left circle in the heat of the day under the sun? Would it be too much to ask of a show-giving club to try to modify plans to hold several different groups (NOHS, brace, puppy, and regular groups) due to the heat to minimize the length of time these dogs (and humans) have to endure the excessive summer heat? The club did provide misters under the tents but the heat was still as close to unbearable as I have experienced at a dog show in my lifetime.
Regarding that point I was so encouraged to hear Marissa Clark’s intro before she judged the Sussex Spaniel specialty on Friday. Prior to the start of judging, she addressed all exhibitors outside the ring calling their attention to the heat and giving all the license to wet their dogs down and keep them cool: She comforted all by saying she is familiar with coated dogs and would NOT negatively view anyone who wet their dog down. She then gave all of the exhibitors the choice to go at a faster pace to minimize the length of time these dogs would be in the heat. Much to my delight all agreed to go at a rapid pace for the sake of the dogs. Kudos to Marissa Clark and the Sussex Spaniel folks!!!!!
Birthday wishes to Norm Kenney, Vicky Cook, Bill Sahloff, Lynn Meyer, Nikki Riggsbee, Merry Jeanne Millner, Renee Popkey, Ric Routledge, and Christian Rangel.
Happy Anniversary to Don and Georjean Jensen, Michele Molnar and Jamie Danburg, and Joe and Bobbi Walton.
Enjoy the last part of your summer my friends and don’t forget to let me know what you are up to, where you are traveling, and any special events you have coming up in your life!!!
Until next time…..
Please let me know if there is an entire Show Committee, or special Committee member you would like mentioned for their hard work and dedication. I’d love to hear from you!!!! If there is a b-day, anniversary or special trip you’d like to tell us about, email me at Deb.Cooper@caninechronicle.com or nustarshowdogs@comcast.net.
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