Table Talk · April 14, 2021
After several discussions about the TV reality show Pooch Perfect and reading conflicting commentary from friends in the fancy, I had to see it for myself! The program puts a reality tv spin on competitive dog grooming. I know there are fanciers that find the program, offensive and of course, animal rights activists are having a field day accusing the production of abusing the dogs used in the grooming competitions. On the other hand, the goal of the show was to provide entertainment, and in my humble opinion, it did just that. Am I crazy about the idea of bedazzling dogs’ coats, making them all kinds of crazy colors, and trimming them to look like other animals? Not exactly. Frankly, I was impressed with how these groomers trimmed and colored these dogs in limited time frames. I know the dogs used were treated well; they were in no way abused or taken advantage of, and I would have to say the show achieved its goal: To provide fun television entertainment. Will I finish watching the season? Probably not. It is, however, fun to watch someone you know on TV, right? Afghan fancier Phil Schafmayer, who is a competitive groomer, is one of the contestants.
Unfortunately, the shows this past weekend in Elkton, Florida, were cut short on Sunday due to severe weather conditions. The Greater Orange Park Dog Club canceled Sunday’s show during breed judging due to high winds and lightning.
I was thrilled to get the notification that the Harvest Moon Clusters hard-working volunteers have secured an alternative venue for their 2022 shows! Harvest Moon will be held on their regular 42nd weekend of the year, October 20-23, 2022, at the Sonoma County Event Center and Fairgrounds. I have been to this site, and it is quite lovely.
I was saddened to hear that Ted Hoots, a member of the Apple Valley Kennel Club, was hit by a car on his way home from the Apple Valley Shows this past Sunday. Sadly, Ted did not survive the accident. Ted was a hard-working member of the club and had just finished volunteering for the cluster. Our most sincere condolences to Ted’s wife, Shari, and the rest of their family. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist with funeral expenses for Ted.
I was relieved to hear that all humans and dogs escaped safely when Canadian fanciers John, JoAnn, and Hailey Griffith’s home burned. A GoFundMe campaign has been established for the Griffiths as they begin to rebuild all that was lost. Our thoughts are with them at this challenging time.
The sport is mourning the loss of one of our beloved icons. AKC Executive Field Representative and retired handler Sue Vroom passed away on April 7th from pneumonia. Sue was an amazing dog person, friend, wife and mother. She was loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing her. She left a huge hole in our hearts and in the sport, and she will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy to her son, Aaron Mead, and friends and family at this most difficult time. Donations in Sue’s honor can be made to Take The Lead. Sue was scheduled to retire from the AKC at the end of April.
Tuni Conti is recovering from a trip to the emergency room after suffering dehydration at the Pointer National in Florida. Tuni is feeling much better and, she will be drinking more water in the future!!
I hear Cindy Stansell is home recovering from knee replacement surgery. Robin, it is your turn to be the home nurse! Good thing your foot is all healed!
Delores Burkholder is also recovering from a knee replacement. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Happy Anniversary to Lori and Bobby Paust! May the two of you enjoy many more years of love and happiness.
Celebrating birthdays this week: Alex Lass, Dottie James, Pam Peat, Ken Wall, Kayla Bruner-Byers, Aaron Wilkerson, Lynda Beam, Howard Huber III, John Ramirez, Benjie Marcus, Brian Livingston, Bryan Martin, Brianne Rock and Rosie Steinke. I wish each of you the BEST day for your birthday!
My thought for the week: The older you get, the more you realize how precious life is. You have no desire for drama, conflict, or stress. You just want good friends, a cozy home, food on the table, and people and dogs who make you happy.
Be safe out there my friends and don’t forget how easy it is to be kind to those around you. I hope to see many of you soon in sunny Southern California! Until next time…
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