Table Talk · August 7, 2024
I think all will agree that many dog fanciers have difficulty adjusting to change. In my career, I have shown up at the wrong showgrounds because I didn’t check the premium list to find out the show moved to a different venue! I only made THAT mistake once! I learned from that experience to always check the premium list to verify the location of the show.
Even when the show is at the same venue, when we show at the same site year after year, we become accustomed to a certain set-up–our grooming or RV spot are “here”, rings are “here”, etc.
This year, the Steel Valley Cluster in Canfield, Ohio added a brand new, air-conditioned building to its list of amenities. Inside this building were six rings, the show superintendent, Purina (the show sponsor) and some reserved grooming. Groups were held in this building, too. The cluster in Canfield hosts many specialties which attract terrific numbers and deep quality from all over the country. Those specialties were still located outdoors in their own ring(s).
Any change to a show this size is a huge undertaking. It will take time to adjust everything to make it most efficient for all. The Cluster Committee was seeking feedback throughout the weekend and working on how to make the show most enjoyable and workable for all. Kudos to all the cluster volunteers for your hard work and efforts on behalf of everyone who attended this cluster. I, for one, greatly appreciated being in the air-conditioned building! As with other shows around the country, the Steel Valley Cluster’s entry is smaller than decades ago, but it is, indeed, growing once again! This year the Marshall, Michigan shows that directly competed with Canfield moved their weekend, and it is my understanding the Salem, Virginia shows will also be moving their dates next year. The changes to these competing show’s dates will likely result in an even larger entry for next year’s Steel Valley cluster. With an entry exceeding 2,000 on the weekend, the depth of quality in the groups was very deep, and enjoyable to watch!
Congratulations to Charlotte Patterson who is celebrating her 34th anniversary as an AKC judge! We look forward to having you in the ring for many years to come, Charlotte!
Thank you to one and all who reached out to me in response to last week’s column. Many of you expressed concern regarding whether the individual who used duct tape when grooming a dog was benched. While the answer to this question is yes, I want to make sure the point of my column was clear. We, as owners, have the responsibility to know exactly who we are entrusting our dog(s) in the pursuit of championships, other titles, and rankings. One cannot ask enough questions or do too much research before deciding who to hire. As owners, we must act in the best interest of our dog. In my opinion, owners have just as much accountability for the safety of their dogs as the handler with whom they send them to the show.
I am very sorry to report that Phil (P Levi) Marsman has passed away. Phil, more affectionately known by his friends and colleagues as “The Mayor”, was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor who was loved by all who knew him. He was a devoted fancier who had a great career as a handler, then AKC judge. He will be sorely missed by many in the fancy. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends for this great loss.
Happy Anniversary to Jen Holmberg Baggenstos and John Baggenstos, and Nancy and David Foley. Here’s to many more awesome years filled with love and prosperity ahead!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Cheryl Patterson, Taffe McFadden, Shane Hooper, Brian Almojera, Rebecca Arch, Lynn Meyer and Christine Nethery. Best wishes to all of you. We wish you the most awesome day!
Remember this my friends! It is not what you do in a day, it is what you do EVERY day that will make a difference. It is the small habits. How you spend your mornings, how you talk to yourself, what you read, what you watch, who you share your energy with and who you allow access to you that will change your life!
Be safe out there, my friends! Enjoy the moment, stop and smell the roses, and be kind to one and all! I’ll see you down the road. Until next time…
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