Table Talk · December 6, 2023
I cannot believe that in just a few days I am getting on a plane to head to Orlando, Florida to attend the AKC National Championship. Each year, I look forward to the Junior Showmanship competition–an event I think is second to none. Every year I am in awe of the talent of our up-and-coming generation of exhibitors. I am inviting anyone who is participating in Junior Showmanship throughout the week to join me for a Table Talk Live! Segment. Please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com or stop by The Canine Chronicle booth. We will be there all week (and you can be assured you will see me ringside watching Juniors!)
I encourage all Juniors and their parents to read Jessica Braatz’s recent article https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/the-juniors-perspective-the-next-generation-of-greats/. Jessica describes her first exposure to what she calls “the greats” and how that influenced her involvement in the sport. Most importantly, she describes how she thinks participants can maximize their time in Juniors. What I find encouraging is her counsel to them to use their time in Juniors to learn as much as they can as opposed to accumulating points and ribbons. Job well done, Jessica!
Those fanciers who are attending the AKC National Championship week for the first time, please be sure to stop by the Canine Chronicle booth. The fancy would love to hear about your first experience!
Congratulations to Sergio Olivera who recently completed all requirements to become a United States citizen!
The Kennel Club of Palm Springs reached out to exhibitors to assure everyone that the concerns about the canine flu are at the top of their priority list! The KCPS will take proper precautions while adhering to the recommendations of the AKC. They also appreciate that exhibitors will exercise sound judgement and monitor the health of their dogs while exercising all precautions by not bringing dogs to the show whose health is questionable. They are asking that everyone (club, judges, exhibitors) work together to have the shows be as safe as possible. Entries for Palm Springs close next Wednesday the 13th. We look forward to seeing you there!!
Even though this is Michael Canalizo’s busiest time of year, he found time to travel to the Dominican Republic to judge their inaugural Champion of Champions event. I hope you are able to get a bit of rest while there my friend as I know you will be coming back to all things AKC National Championship! We all thank you for your hard work and dedication to making this show one of the premier dog events in the world.
Campaigning a top dog is not for the faint of heart. The stress of the travel while trying to optimize a dog’s career is no small feat. That stress was amplified for Luke and Diane Ehricht when Luke went to the Emergency Room last week. He ended up with an ambulance ride to the hospital! Luke is feeling better and, of course, chomping at the bit to “saddle up”. In the meantime, Diane is doing a great job taking the lead at a critical time of the year. Get well soon, Luke. Take care of yourself and know that Diane is in control! Follow your doctor’s orders. We’ll see you in the ring soon.
I am pleased to report that Peggy Beisel-Mcilwaine’s husband Sandy, has been discharged from rehab and is home! Keep up the good work, Sandy!
I hear Rodney Merry is on the road to recovery! The grafts are working, and there is no infection currently. We cannot wait to have you back in the ring, my friend. Take it easy! The shows will be here when you are ready to come back.
It is with great sadness I report that long-time Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeder Zane Smith has passed away. Zane was involved with breeding Staffie Bulls under the Bullseye Staffordshire Bull Terriers Kennel name for 50 years. Zane’s friends remember him as a great dog man and wonderful friend. He will be sorely missed by the fancy.
Our condolences go out to Mary Norton on the loss of her mother, Elaine Norton. Elaine loved to sit ringside, and she was Mary’s biggest cheerleader. Elaine will be missed not only by her daughter and the rest of her family, but by the dog fancy as well.
The Southern Handlers Charity League held a 50/50 raffle at the Conroe, Texas shows this past weekend to support Sue Cassel following her stroke and car accident. Anyone wishing to assist Sue at this difficult time can contact the Southern Handlers Charity League.
Happy Anniversary to love birds Jan Swayze and her dearly beloved Steve Curry. Best wishes for many more happy, healthy, prosperous years together.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week includes Lane Tarantino, Richard Green, Alan Hargrave, Gail Miller Bisher, Marti Johnson, Clint Livingston, Jordan Confer, Rachel Adams and M’Kayla Stahr. May your next trip around the sun bring you joy and happiness.
As we begin to look to a new year, I leave you this week with the following thought: “When you want different for yourself, you have to start moving different. Old keys do not unlock new doors.” – Carlos Dominguez.
Be safe out there, my friends. I can’t wait to see everyone in Orlando! Until next time…
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