Table Talk · May 14, 2025
It is beginning to feel a lot like summer! This is the time for many Parent Club National Specialties, and I am blessed to be able to be attending several! Most recently, I was able to check another National off my bucket list as I attended the American Boxer Club (ABC) National at the Marriott Indianapolis East. This is the second year the Boxers held their National Specialty at this property after they lost their location just a few short weeks prior to their show in 2023. The National Specialty Committee of ABC is a well-seasoned group of individuals able to tackle issues swiftly and efficiently. ABC was held at their previous site for many years, and they were able to find an alternative site and negotiate a multi-year contract. The staff of the hotel does everything in their power to make fanciers feel welcome. Unfortunately, this year there was an extensive renovation occurring there, and it did create a bit of an inconvenience. However, everyone in attendance appeared to have a good time and folks were able to overlook the minor inconveniences.
ABC is one of the Parent Clubs that is fortunate to have many active, passionate members who consistently organize fundraisers. As a result, this club is financially solvent which helps them overcome obstacles and address last minute issues.
Boxers and Poodles are two breeds that hold their National Specialty at one location, which happens to be centrally located, as opposed to moving from region to region annually. Both National Specialties consistently attract an excellent entry. In my opinion, clubs that struggle financially and have problems attracting a good entry should seriously consider holding their national in one central location for multiple years in a row. Having multi-year contracts that gives them the ability to work through issues only once, store equipment in one place, etc. are just a few reasons for clubs to consider this type of arrangement.
Here is a message to all fanciers traveling to your National this summer: Have fun and be sure to optimize your time with new folks to your breed–your breed’s future depends on it!
This past Sunday was Mother’s Day, and many fanciers rushed home on Sunday to enjoy time with family. Others opted to take the weekend off to spend with Mom. If your show schedule required you to be away from Mom on her special day, be sure to make up for it when you get home!
To all fanciers who will be attending Woofstock this year, please remember that RV reservations are due May 21st. You can find the RV reservation form in the premium list on the MB-F website, on the West Coast Dogs Facebook page, or the Woofstock Facebook page. Don’t procrastinate–get those reservations in!
This past weekend the Southeast Alabama Kennel Club had to postpone their show by 2 hours due to a watermain break at the facility in Perry, Georgia. It reminds me of the old adage, stuff happens!
Del Sur Kennel Club held their shows at a new venue in Southern California this past weekend. The Lakeside Equestrian Center proved to be a great venue for a dog show. The site is quite like the City of Industry venue. The dirt was packed well, and while the temperatures were warmer than one would like, most everyone was appreciative of the club’s efforts. I think all exhibitors would appreciate the availability of water when temps are warm. It is everyone’s hope this concern will be addressed next year.
As venues become more and more difficult for dog shows to secure, we must keep an open mind when a show is held at a new location. Negative comments should be kept under wraps until after the event, and speculation is just not helpful. We need to support our clubs that are working hard to hold shows for all of us to enjoy.
The AKC has approved a rule change concerning Specialty Clubs and the number of specialties that they can hold. Specialty clubs can now hold up to four Independent Specialties each year–or five when one is held with its National Specialty. Clubs can add up to four designated specialties annually. There are many All-Breed and Group Clubs that are actively seeking Specialty Club partners. Those interested in exploring opportunities should contact AKC Club Development for assistance.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Jackie Fisher, Cari Swindell Jackson, Alessandra Folz, Kara Janiszak, Liz Tobin, Cody Koch, Jay Richardson, Tony Vacha, Bill McFadden, and Kim Rudzik. I hope your special day takes the cake!
This week’s words of wisdom are compliments of my friend, Rhanda Glenn:
When someone wins–you cheer for them. That is called respect.
All of us are working to be and do our best, so cheer for the person whose hard work has come to light. The next time it could be you in the winners’ circle. There is no better feeling than having cheers from your peers and respect from your colleagues.
Be safe out there, my friends. I look forward to seeing you down the road soon. Until next time…
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