Table Talk · August 3, 2020
By Deb Cooper
I am always saddened when we lose an icon of our sport, but some hit harder than others. On Sunday, July 31st the sport of purebred dogs suffered a great loss when Barbara Dempsey Alderman passed away. Barbara was kind to me from the minute I showed up on the scene. She gave my young dog a 5-point major at a specialty and, while taking the photo, she said, “Are you new? I don’t think I have ever seen you before.” That began a long-time friendship. Barbara was so very helpful, kind and, most importantly, encouraging. Our friendship grew even closer years later when her husband, George, had a stroke while traveling to shows in my area. I have treasured her friendship and mentorship through the years. She was like a mother to me.
Since her passing, looking at photographs of Barb through the years has been a comfort to me. She would want every one of us to remember her doing what she loved and celebrating her life as well as her many contributions to the sport. I will always laugh when I think of her shlepping her 50 lb. purse and the extra 50 lb. bag. And her suitcase, good grief! Many of you who know me well know that I, too, do not travel lightly, and guess where I learned it???? Barb put me to shame when it came to the handbag and the suitcase!
Barb was adored by all that had the pleasure of crossing paths with her. Why? She was always kind, always had a smile on her face, and offered great mentorship to anyone who would accept it. Rest well my friend aka “Energizer Bunny” and “Moon Township Momma”. I will see you on the other side. I am so glad that you were able to do what you loved until the very end.
Comforting thoughts go out to Bobby Hutton who lost his long-time partner James Wallace Scamahorne, Jr. recently to an extended illness.
Congratulations to Kentuckiana Cluster Chair David Johnson on the retirement from his day job. David worked at the Highlands Funeral home for over 30 years. Best wishes for an enriched retirement, my friend. You deserve it!
One of the worst nightmares a handler or exhibitor has is when one of our dogs gets sick or injured on the road. Fortunately, Chris Manelopoulos was paying attention to his poodle special, Ru, and realized she was experiencing a medical issue in Greenville this past weekend. Thankfully, his quick response paid off and she is recovering. I hear she will be back as good as new within several weeks! I am so glad things turned out well.
In keeping with the theme of our “family sport”, this past weekend there were a couple of baby-related activities happening at the dog show. Tracy Szaras hosted a lovely baby shower for Zach Helmer and June Beckwith to celebrate the upcoming birth of their baby girl. It won’t be long now before we all get to meet their little bundle of joy.
Maddie and Adam Peterson had the reveal for their baby this past weekend. We cannot wait to meet baby boy, Hudson Timothy Peterson. Hang in there, girlfriend, it will be here before you know it!
Great news for German Shorthaired Pointer fanciers! The parent club has approved allowing the color black effective January 1, 2023. Wirehair pointer fanciers have their fingers crossed that their club will follow.
Happy Anniversary to lovebirds, Juliet and Dave Clendenon. I hope you have the chance to do something special while celebrating your love for each other!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Glen Lajeski, Roz Kramer, Lisa Bettis, Dale Kaplan, Greg Myers, Cole Vanover, Devon Kipp Levy, Lisa Miller, Gustavo Molinari, Taffe McFadden, Brian Almojera, Shane Hooper, Donna Garofalo, Cheryl Peterson, and Rebecca Arch.
My thought for this week is this: Being rude is easy. It does not take any effort and is a sign of weakness and insecurity. Kindness shows great self-discipline and strong self-esteem. Being kind is not always easy when dealing with rude people. Kindness is a sign of a person who has done a lot of personal work and has come to great self-awareness and wisdom. Choose to be kind over being right and you will be right every time. Kindness is a sign of strength!!
Be safe out there my friends! If you are in Canfield, stop by the Purina booth and say hi! Wishing you all meaningful wins and good times with friends. Enjoy the moment! Until next time…
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