Table Talk

One of the body building coaches that I follow wrote us all an inspirational note at the beginning of the year. I thought it applies to our sport as well. Every January, we see what we call “Temporaries” at the gym. These are the people that have made a New Year’s resolution to get in shape, lose weight, become more active, etc. For the first 30-45 days of the year the gym is over-crowded. There are new faces that are not necessarily familiar with the equipment, gym etiquette, etc. I am one of the guilty ones who gets frustrated by these new folks. Brandon’s remarks made me stop and think not only about my fitness life, but also about the sport of purebred dogs, so I thought I’d make a similar appeal to all my friends out there.

Brandon suggested we put ourselves in the “newbie’s” shoes: How intimidating is it to get started? How scary is it to go into a gym not knowing anyone, not knowing the equipment and really not knowing what to do. Imagine how a new person feels the first time showing their dog. We all have been there at one time or another, right? How awesome would it be if we all looked for a “newbie” each weekend we were at a show and offered our friendship and mentorship? Our sport really is dying and it is ours to save! Take this New Year’s resolution: Find that person with that “deer-in-the-headlights” look. If they have an armband on, look it up and see what info you can gather from the catalog. Give them a positive experience so they come back!

I have the opportunity to meet many different people at the shows while I am at the Purina booth. I am trying to spend a bit of extra time with those that either tell me they are new to the sport or who I can tell have limited experience based on my interaction with them. It is my goal to open our special world to some new participants so we can regenerate and recharge the sport. Like I said, it is ours to save, it is ours to build upon!

The Orange Empire shows coming up the last weekend in January are moving again. This time they will be at the equestrian event center in Norco, California. I hope the facility works out well for everyone. I will miss all who will be attending this year since I can’t make it there.

The Portland Shows have quite the judges education extravaganza this weekend:  Folks from all over the country are flying in to be educated. It sounds like it will be a rousing success! I can’t wait to hear the feedback from the attendees.

Robin and Cindy Stansell are returning from their judging assignment in Aguascalientes, Mexico. It sounds like they had a great time! Meanwhile Desi Murphy and Bill Shelton are off to the Philippines to judge the Philippine Canine Club, which is their version of our Westminster Kennel Club. I am sure they will have a great time there and impart some valuable wisdom to the exhibitors.

Our thoughts are with Kyle Robinson and her mom as her mother continues to recuperate from an extended illness.

Birthday wishes to Nancy Liebes, Jeff Sossamon, Daryl Martin, Kristen Jackson Dowd, and John Wade.

I wish all my best to you. Please be kind, hug your dogs, and be careful out there!!!! Until next time….

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Posted by admin on Jan 18 2017. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.