Table Talk · August 23, 2023
Over the decades there have been many innovations that make showing dogs easier. A more recent innovation has been the creation of stacked or side-by-side crates on a trolley so dogs can easily be transported to the ring at the same time. These are normally used for toy dogs, and we have to remember that not all equipment is right for all breeds of dogs.
This past weekend in Muncie, Indiana an unfortunate situation occurred when the partition in a trolley failed, and two bulldogs got into a bad fight. As the story was described to me, the bulldogs were supposedly left unattended in one of the show buildings that was very hot. Bystanders saw the fight occur and ultimately had to throw water on the trolley to get the dogs to stop fighting and separate them. While this was an accident, we should all learn from this situation and try to keep it from happening again. A trolley with a divider may not be the best way to transport and contain strong, heavy or large breeds ringside.
I am told the fight was horrific. I heard there was a good amount of blood, and the two dogs were not letting go. Imagine if this was your first dog show and you witnessed such an occurrence. It could be your last show.
I have not been told if charges were filed against the handler. There were witnesses who documented their account of the situation, but there were others who chose not to testify in writing.
Some complained that the AKC Representative did not do their job. Please note that in a situation like this, it is up to the Show Chair to determine if a bench show hearing is in order, not the AKC Representative who is only there to give advice. In the event the show chair decides a bench show hearing is not warranted, the situation can be documented by witnesses and forwarded to the AKC compliance department for further evaluation. In these cases, it is critical that witnesses document what they saw and experienced. Without eyewitness accounts, nothing that can be done.
There are changes on the horizon for Woofstock 2025! Historically, Woofstock has been a five-day cluster with one full day of specialties, 2 days of all breed shows hosted by Contra Costa Kennel Club and two days of all breeds shows put on by Yosemite Kennel Club. With entries around 2,000, it is by far one of the largest shows in California, second only to Palm Springs. Beginning in 2025, the annual Peace, Love and Dogs event will be reduced to three days: one day of specialties and two days of Contra Costa Kennel Club. The club hopes to keep the cluster at a manageable level for the many volunteers who work so tirelessly to bring us one of the greatest clusters of the year!
It is with great sadness that I report AKC Judge and terrier fancier Carolyn Alexander has lost her long, valiant battle with cancer. Carolyn demonstrated her terrier-like determination in her fight as she continued to do what she loved for as long as she could. The sport will miss her. Condolences to David and the rest of Carolyn’s family and friends.
Longtime member of Lima Kennel Club and Sandusky Kennel Club Jim Morris passed away recently. Jim’s dedication to the kennel clubs and his beloved Rottweilers and Beagles will not be forgotten. Sympathies go out to Jim’s wife, Deenie, and all who had the pleasure of knowing Jim.
As anyone in Great Danes knows, Tootie Longo has been a fixture around the rings for decades. Unfortunately, Tootie will be taking a respite from show to let her broken arm heal! We look forward to having you back just as soon as that arm is good to go!
Congratulations to Jan Swayze-Curry on being elected to judge the 2025 American Whippet Club National Specialty! I am certain this will be another epic Whippet National!
Happy Anniversary to Anita and Eric O’Berg. May you newlyweds have many more amazing years together.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Patty Keenan, Dana Cline, Larry Fenner, Bonnie Linnell Clark, David Johnson, David Miller, Bobby Fisher and Erin Myers. Have a fabulous day, my friends!
If your travels bring you to Chicago, be sure to stop by the Chronicle booth at McCormick Place and see me! We will have our latest issue of The Canine Chronicle, and I will be visiting with fanciers for Table Talk Live!
Be safe out there, my friends. Enjoy your last days of summer! Until next time…
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