Good Dog (People) – Leading the Way During the Pandemic
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By Sarah Montague
The 2020 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show ended on Tuesday February 11th. Handlers, trainers, owners, organizers returned to their homes and began to plan for the next leg of the new season and circuit. But Westminster turned out to be the last significant moment of what constitutes “normality” for the fancy.
The COVID-19 infection tally was already mounting at the time of the show. On March 11th the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic, and on March 13th the White House designated it as a National Emergency. In varying degrees all across the country states began to create protocols, ranging from advisories to lockdowns. Almost all banned crowded public assembly, and sporting events were especially vulnerable.
Every level of society has been affected, and the canine community has been no exception. Shows were cancelled, and even if they hadn’t been, people were reluctant to travel and expose themselves to risks that were anything but clearly defined.
Among many tiers of involvement, our world consists of breeders; owners; trainers; handlers; kennel clubs; show organizers; superintendents; local facilities; judges; officials; media, vendors and the general public.
That old adage ‘it takes a village” has been demonstrated in large and small ways all across the country. The Canine Chronicle wanted to celebrate some of those who have acted to reimagine and reclaim the fancy so that it’s future is assured even as we continue in an uncertain world.
In the first of a series, I spoke with some movers and shakers about initiatives they’ve taken to be sure the sport stays strong, and why the fancy is bred to withstand the worst.
PART 1: Just Do It – The Show Organizers
Terri Erickson
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Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=192974
Posted by AnthonyA
on Nov 15 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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