Table Talk · April 26, 2023
Since we no longer receive paper premium lists, it is becoming more challenging for exhibitors (present company specifically) to put together a show schedule. While I have been attending shows regularly in different capacities, I have not actually shown dogs for several years. I now have a couple of class animals that I plan on finishing, but in order to do that I have to get them entered and then have a plan for attending the shows! UGH! I see show information posted in various places and contemplate the options. I also look at the Canine Chronicle Show Calendar where all the shows are listed day by day, week by week.
Several times, I have decided to attend a few shows only to miss the closing date! When I received physical copies of the premium list, I would make my plan in the same manner. I would look at the Canine Chronicle calendar, compare shows/judging panels side-by-side, weigh the pros and cons of location, judges, potential entry, etc. I would then pull out that premium list and put it in my notebook, so I didn’t miss the closing date. Nowadays, in order to use that method, I have to print out at least a portion of the premium list and stick it in my notebook–an extra step that–if I don’t do it right away–does not happen. Frankly, I like not getting 15 trees worth of paper in my mailbox every week, most of which was thrown in the trash quickly. However, I do not like missing entries! Now, when I decide I want to go to a show, I put several reminders on my calendar with show, closing and superintendent information. It worked this time, my friends! I got my entries in before the shows closed!
How do you ensure you don’t miss closing dates for shows? Give me a shout at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com.
A hot topic of discussion lately is how clubs can make sure there is clear agreement with judges they are hiring about exactly what assignments they will have at the show. In the past, the non-regular classes have been assumed. Because there is no clear list of what the judge is assigned to that day, they might leave prior to judging their NOHS assignment, miss a 4-6 puppy assignment, or simly say they do not want to judge the classes for one reason or another. When this occurs, it can cause huge scheduling conflicts, and it does not give the exhibitors a warm and fuzzy feeling about the experience. If the club’s judging contracts specify what assignment(s) the judge is being asked to fulfill, they will have the opportunity to tell the club what they are willing or not willing to do. If this is done, there is no excuse for a judge to miss any portion of their assignment, and it makes it difficult for them to decline something they have agreed to in writing.
I was recently asked (twice) how to file a complaint or request a bench show hearing at a show where there is no AKC Executive Field Representative present. The short answer is the AKC Rep has nothing to do with bench show committee hearings. It is the responsibility of the Show Chair and Event Committee to facilitate such proceedings or complaints. Every Show Chairman should have the “book” ~ Rules Applying to Dog Shows with them. The first sentence of Section II states, It is the duty of the committee, not of the AKC, to deal initially with acts of alleged prejudicial conduct which occur during or in connection with a club’s event. If the show is taking place on a weekday, the AKC offices can be contacted for assistance, if needed.
On the topic of finding information relating to the American Kennel Club, a reminder that the best way to navigate the AKC website, in my opinion, is to use Google. Don’t use the AKC website search engine!!
Jason Hoke is recovering from round one of his corrective back surgeries. Feel better, Jason, we look forward to having you back in the ring soon!
Danelle Brown found herself on the “other side of the bed” recently as she was hospitalized due to severe discomfort. Her tests are improving, and she is feeling better, but until the problem can be identified, she will need to be careful about travel, etc. Feel better, girl!
Jen Reed was hospitalized again recently. Take care of yourself, Jen, and I hope the issue is resolved once and for all.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Polly Smith, David Kirkland, Rowan Baggenstos, Nina Fetter, , Vince Indeglia, Correy Krickeberg, Rhonda Holloway, Ivonne Rangel, CJ Favre, Nancy Foley, Debbie Butt, Nancy Brown, Hana Marangon, Frank Murphy, Emily Thiel, George Milutinovich, Kris Benoit, Kristen McGregor, Grace Fritz, Alissa Welling and Lexie Ditlow. Have a great day, my friends!
A thought for all my friends as you contemplate walking in the ring: Don’t walk in the ring to win, walk in and Show Your Dog!!!!
Be safe out there and please be kind to one and all! I’ll see you soon in New York!!!! Until next time…
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