Table Talk · September 11, 2019

The issue of staying for group judging after winning the breed is one that comes up frequently. At a recent show, the working group on Sunday had 13 dogs competing out of a possible 30 breeds. The small size of the group was noted by a couple of exhibitors who exhibited in the breed competition earlier in the day, and they commented about how they would have loved the opportunity to show their respective group. I personally feel that, under most circumstances, if an individual does not intend to stay and show in the group, they should not compete in the breed. Some circumstances warrant not showing in the group that, in my opinion, should not be viewed as unsportsmanlike. Examples include winning the breed from the classes with a young dog who is not quite ready for “prime time”, pulling a dog due to weather or temperature concerns, pulling a dog due to illness or injury, or any other issue that may put that dog (or exhibitor) in harm’s way. In these situations, it may be advisable to seek the breed judge out and explain why the dog is being pulled from group competition. In addition, it does not hurt to address the issue with other breed competitors and explain the situation so one is not viewed as being unsportsmanlike. In my humble opinion, if an individual makes the decision to show in breed competition, absent an unforeseen occurrence such as those mentioned above, the dog should be shown in the group. Whatever the circumstances, we as fanciers should try to be understanding, and we should not jump to conclusions without getting the facts. The more we all support each other, the better, right?

With the shrinking opportunity for major wins, another issue has been getting a lot of attention lately. There is a debate about whether or not to continue showing a dog in the classes at a cluster after it has finished its championship in order to hold a major for the others needing points. In many cases an exhibitor may be asked by other competitors in their breed to leave a dog that finishes in the classes in order to hold the major. I don’t think that this type of request is out of line, however, I do not think that an exhibitor should be expected to show that dog to any less than its full potential. We should all continue to work together as fanciers, and try to not judge each other. Let’s leave the judging to the individual standing center ring, and may the best dog win!

Many terrier fanciers are hunkering down and getting those terriers in tip-top shape for the upcoming Montgomery County Kennel Club weekend. I am very excited to be able to bring Table Talk Live! to the largest terrier show in the world and I look forward to spending the weekend with all, especially those veteran terrier enthusiasts that make the show so special. Give me a shout if you will be attending and are interested in joining the Table Talk Live! fun. I would love to be able to add to our breed priorities segments, so if you are interested, please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. I look forward to hearing from you and visiting with you at the show!

We wish to extend our most sincere condolences to Connie Gerstner-Miller on the loss of her big brother, and Luke Ehricht on the loss of his father. I hope you both know we are thinking of you at this sad time in your lives.

Our thoughts and prayers are with boxer enthusiasts Donna and Roger George as Roger recovers from a stroke. He is currently in Miami Valley Hospital (Ohio). Roger has been able to eat a bit and speak a bit but good thoughts for him are in order. We are pulling for you Roger! Hang in there, Donna, we are all here for you!

Congratulations to Kate and Mike Berry on the arrival of their new baby, Aiden Berry, who measured in at 7 lb. 8 oz. and 20 inches long. I look forward to meeting your bundle of joy soon!

Bobby Paust is off to Romania to judge the Dracula show and the InTerra show. Safe travels, Bobby. Enjoy your judging assignment.

We have several lovebirds celebrating anniversaries this week. Sulie and Greg Paveza are celebrating the big 4-0 this week. Along with them, Jeff and Becky Arch, Debbie and Steve Melgreen, and Sam and Karen Mammano are celebrating the day they joined together in holy matrimony. May you all have many more happy years to come.

Celebrating birthdays this week are: Connie Clark, Lorraine Rainwater (who is also enjoying a much deserved vacation in Yellowstone with hubby, Chip), Pam Beale, Susan St. John Brown, Corinna Ohrnberger, KayCee Klang, Nancy Hritzo Trangmar, Holley Eldred and Bill Ellis.

My thought for this week is this, my friends: If you are unhappy with the way a show is run, don’t complain about it on social media. Go to the club and offer your suggestions and volunteer to help!

Be safe, be kind and hug your pooches. Remember, they do this for you! Until next time…

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