Table Talk · December 21, 2022

And just like that another show year has come to an end. How exciting it is to finish the year with shows that have entries that exceed 5,000 dogs with deep quality in the breeds! Many dog/handler teams took their last lap this past weekend; and in many cases those dogs will go home to begin the next chapter of their lives which may include motherhood, fatherhood, and doing the work they were bred to perform. Saying goodbye to dogs that have become a part of the family is the toughest part of the job for every professional handler.

Conversely, there are some dogs that began their show career in Orlando this past week. I wish them all the very best of luck in the coming year.

One of my favorite parts of the competition in Orlando is the Bred-By Exhibitor event. When I watched this year’s Best Bred-By competition Sunday night, I had to check to make sure I was not watching Best In Show! What amazing quality! While watching Best Bred-By, it occurred to me that the future of our sport looks bright! Congratulations to one and all. Your hard work, dedication, and effort on behalf of your chosen breed is apparent. Job well done!!

Another event I cannot miss at the AKC National Championship occurs in the Junior Showmanship ring. This year about 140 kids competed, and watching these kids compete brought tears to my eyes. The composure and talent in that ring ceases to amaze me!  The spectators were three deep, and the crowd showed enthusiastic support. As Linda Clark said prior to awarding Best Junior Handler, “This, my friends, is the future of our sport!”  Heather Johnson quoted Abraham Lincoln and said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”  So very well said!

Sadly, Norm Kenney had to stop judging in Orlando on Sunday after the second breed of his assignment due to back pain. He was replaced by Pam Bruce. We hope he recovers quickly and is back in the ring soon!

If you have not had a chance to check out our Table Talk Live! coverage, please visit The Canine Chronicle Facebook page. Thank you to all who participated in this year’s coverage.

To those who are planning to brave the Chicago winter weather, do not forget that entries close for the IKC Cluster today at noon. MB-F is the superintendent (www.infodog.com).

For those who will be joining me on the West Coast for sunshine and palm trees at the Kennel Club of Palm Springs, entries have closed, and we have an impressive 3400 dogs on Saturday and 3200+ on Sunday. The group shows and specialties on Thursday and Friday are always draw significant numbers with deep quality as well. This will be the first time we will be bringing you Table Talk Live coverage from Palm Springs. If you will be there, please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com.  I would love to include as many people as possible in our coverage. If this is the first time you have attended the shows in Palm Springs, I would love to chat with you! Is Palm Springs one of your favorite shows? I would love to chat with you, too!

Healing thoughts to Virginia Murray who is recovering at home from a recent surgery.

Best wishes to Beep Lee who is undergoing triple by-pass surgery. We will see you soon running more left-handed circles, I am sure!  Rest up and take it easy, my friend.

Celebrating wedding anniversaries this week are Ron and Cheryl Bigford and Jeff and Patrice Lawrence. Happy Anniversary my friends! I hope your day was very special and you were able to celebrate in style!

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are Blake Hansen and Diana Skibinski. Enjoy your special day!

Please remember to send me notification of birthdays, anniversaries, and travel updates so I can share them with our readers! Also, please remember that specialty wins and NOHS wins are self-reported:  Please send your wins, including Photo, Show/Location, Registered Name, Owners, Breeders, Handler to showresults@caninechronicle.com.

This week’s thought:  When the dog show is over, whether you have won or lost does not matter; as long as you have gone home with the best dog, everything is fine!

Happy Holidays everyone! Enjoy your break with friends and family, and let those pooches run!!!!! I look forward to starting 2023 and bringing you coverage from Palm Springs.

Be safe, and may the coming year bring you many great ribbons and beautiful puppies. Until next time…

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