Table Talk • June 4, 2025
My early June cross-country tour has begun! This journey begins in Kansas City with my team from Purina for several days of learning and connecting. From there, it’s off to Vallejo, California for three awesome days of Peace, Love, and Dogs! As promised by the hard-working volunteers of the Contra-Costa Kennel Club, the only change to the format of the weekend is the number of days the show will run–everything else remains the same! We’ll still dress up, enjoy great music, relish the incredible hospitality of the Contra-Costa Kennel Club, and be amazed by the great depth of quality dogs, thanks to the 60-plus specialties on Friday! There will still be a Woofstock clothing boutique for shirts, etc. for humans and canines. Be sure to stop by the Purina Booth if you are attending and say Hi! We will be having a fun raffle at the Purina booth along with some awesome Purina goodies for everyone who stops by, downloads, and activates the My Purina App. Come join the fun!
I am very pleased that last week’s column about the recent decline of class dog entries sparked some amazing discussion amongst fanciers. There is a consensus that the aging of our sport, and the expense associated with breeding are playing a role in this decline. Others voiced frustration about having to show to the same judges most of the time, and the lack of ability to build majors due to the number of dog shows. Now that we all agree about the why’s, I’d like to make a call to action to my fellow fanciers. Let’s join together to push AKC for a solution to these problems.
There are many wonderful pedigrees out there that will disappear if older breeders do not take younger, interested fanciers under their wing and teach them the art of breeding world-class dogs. It’s easier said than done, but we should focus on the continuity of our legacy and help lay the groundwork for a solid future for the sport of purebred dogs. We need to come together to develop ideas and implement ways to motivate people in our sport to breed quality show dogs.
I have been a Delta Airlines supporter for many years. When I learned the airline diverted a plane due to a sick dog, I was proud of my choice! I’m not saying other airlines would not do something like this, but the fact that Delta did is truly amazing!
It is with great sadness that I pass on the news that Dottie “The Candy Lady” Davis passed away peacefully last week. Dottie was truly loved by all her dog show friends. She will be missed. She had an electric smile and was one of the most popular ladies at the shows. Condolences to Dottie’s family and friends during this sad time.
Congratulations to Vesta Rash who is now a homeowner in Maryland. Vesta had to find just the right home and property for the dogs, so when her search concluded, it was a happy dance for all! Best wishes to you for many happy memories in your new home.
Happiest of Birthdays to Kathleen Kolbert who turned 100 years old this past week! Kathleen is still quite active in the sport! Other fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Kerrin Winter-Churchill, Lois Snyder, John Miller, Shawn Nichols, Linnea Baker, Jennifer Hoffmann, Alexis Jones (look out world, this girl is 21!), Karen Kurtzner, Vienna Mueller, Tracie Zeitz, and Terry Chacon. Best wishes for a great year ahead!
Don’t forget that even when life gets hard and you feel like giving up, there is a future that you have not seen yet. Stay strong, believe in yourself, and never stop moving forward!
Be safe out there, my friends. It is getting warm, so keep humans and canines hydrated!
Be kind to your fellow exhibitors and give those hard-working volunteers a pat on the back! Until next time…
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