Table Talk · May 7, 2025
I just returned from my annual trip to South Jordan, Utah for the Beehive Cluster. The beauty of the countryside in this area of our great nation is breathtaking, and the volunteers of this cluster really know how to put on a dog show! This year, the entry topped out at just over 1,000 dogs. Best In Show concluded between 4 and 5 PM every evening! It can be done, my friends, and there is a lesson to be learned here. The show chairs of this cluster make efficiency a priority and work with the superintendent to ensure that scheduling is tight with no wasted time. There were a few large specialties, including a National, but that did not get in the way of a smooth schedule. I encourage show chairs across the country to reach out to Mike Van Tassell or Kelly Reimschiissel if there is an interest in learning how they run their show. Kudos to Mike, Kelly, and all of the hard-working volunteers for another wonderful, well-run show. It is always a pleasure to be a part of it!
While the photographer was taking group photographs in Utah, there was a backlog of exhibitors waiting for win photos from specialties, etc. Group judges and exhibitors expected to be allowed to jump to the head of the line and were told they had to wait. One of the judges– who had been judging breeds since 8 AM and a judged a couple of groups–was told to wait. The group exhibitors had to return to the ring for more groups, but that was not acknowledged. It has always been an understood that group photographs are given priority, but this was not the case this past weekend–and several judges and exhibitors were upset. Perhaps a conversation between the show chair and the photographer may solve this “hiccup” going forward. Let’s remember that the photographer is hired by the club.
A heads up to all fanciers: The MB-F post office box in Bend, Oregon will be closed effective June 1, 2025! Exhibitors can enter MB-F shows via fax, online, or via pony express to P.O. Box 22107 · Greensboro, NC 27420-2107.
Holley Eldred took a short trip to Wisconsin to visit with Hannah Ralston and her adorable son, Wyatt, recently. Hannah is fighting cancer and will soon give birth to her second child. Please keep Hannah and her family in your thoughts. Hannah is a tough cookie and I have no doubt she will get through this illness. This wonderful, sweet young woman and her family are going through something no young family should be asked to cope with. We miss you, Hannah, and we look forward to having you back sooner rather than later. We love you, Hannah!
The dog fancy–specifically those in the Doberman community–lost a bright light this past week. Sadly, Nicole Baron passed away. Anyone who knew Nicole will remember her as a kind, sweet, passionate, and devoted Doberman fancier. She was loved by everyone that had the privilege of knowing her, and she lit up the room every time she entered. Our sincere condolences to Nicole’s family and friends at this most difficult time.
Bill McFadden took a short trip to the emergency room during the Beehive cluster in order to have a strange pain in his chest checked out. After visiting with the on-site EMT and determining his EKG was normal, they still recommended a trip to the ER to make sure everything was okay. The doctor at the hospital confirmed he was good to go, so Bill continued showing for the remainder of the weekend. This event reminded me of how important it is for each and every one of us to listen to our bodies; when something is not right, act quickly and get it checked out! We have lost too many beloved fanciers who did not address health issues in a timely manner.
David and Kristyn Stout are off on what looks like the cruise of a lifetime! They checked in from Italy and Croatia and they seem to be having a wonderful, relaxing trip! Safe travels, my friends. Send lots of pictures. We look forward to your return to reality soon.
We were able to celebrate the birthdays of Randy Garren and Grace Fritz prior to the start of groups in Utah this past week. Other fanciers celebrating birthdays include Cassie Clark, Pam Lambie, Lee Kronovich, Melanie Sorice, Patrina Odette, Dylan Kipp-Keith, and Patrice Lawrence. Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful year ahead.
This week’s words of encouragement are compliments of Sarah Congleton. She reminds us to, “Stay close to people who inspire you, believe in you, support you, and celebrate with you.”
Be safe out there my friends! I look forward to seeing you down the road! Until next time…
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