Table Talk · February 19, 2025

 I hope everyone has recharged after Westminster. While some were fortunate to go home, others headed for their next show, which in many cases started Thursday! Best wishes to all you road warriors and I hope there is a break in sight for you and your canine charges.

Congratulations to Detroit Kennel Club and Oakland Kennel Club on a return to the show schedule as they held a 4-day cluster this past weekend. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into the revival of the show, and it was a huge success! The shows at the Suburban Showplace have always been an area favorite for spectators and these kennel clubs had several special events to make the show fun for everyone. Even though the show is not benched, the cluster attracts a diverse audience thus giving the fancy the opportunity to showcase the sport of purebred dogs in all its glory. Hopefully, all their hard work will result in interest from potential exhibitors.

Last Monday morning in New York, news broke that Dennis Sprung, CEO of the American Kennel Club was let go. I am told that some knew about the firing on Friday. There was no formal statement made by the Board of Directors–the group who made this decision. As a result, there was and continues to be a great deal of speculation what happened and why. A week later, and there has still been no official announcement to the fancy, the delegates, or the employees of the AKC. Three past Chairmen of the Board made a statement condemning the Board action, citing that the Board should always show respect and appreciation for the valuable officers and employees of the AKC. The full statement can be found at: https://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/past-board-chairmen-condemn-board-firing-of-dennis-sprung/. All kennel club are encouraged to contact their club’s delegate and request that their opinions about this matter are expressed to the delegate body and the Board. Hopefully, we will receive some type of communication from the BOD regarding the reasoning behind Mr. Sprung’s firing soon. The silence coming from AKC’s board room is creating a deafening roar from its constituents.

Those fanciers heading to Madison, Wisconsin for the Renaissance Cluster this week can pre-pay for a parking pass on the Alliant Energy Center website at www.alliantenergycenter.com. I look forward to seeing you there: Stop by the Purina booth and say hi!

Heads up to those planning to attend the Kentuckiana Cluster in Louisville! Entries close at MB-F, the show superintendent at noon EST on Wednesday, February 26^th. Reserved grooming closes on Saturday, March 8^th. Get them entered and get your grooming reservations in sooner rather than later! Once again, this year, I will be bringing you Table Talk Live coverage from Louisville.  Be sure to stop by and join in the fun!

Grooming, RV, and electric reservations have opened for the Maryland Blue Crab Cluster in Doswell, Virginia. If you have not attended a show at the Doswell venue, it is a great venue. Exhibitors also have the benefit of a well-oiled machine with the men in orange handling grooming and RV parking (among all the other things that they do). Head on over to the Site Control website at www.sitecontrolservices.com/kennelclubs/blue-crab-cluster/ and make your reservations!

Healing thoughts to all who are fighting the Westminster crud! Several people have come down with the flu or upper respiratory infections. It seems the best medicine is a lot of rest.

Best wishes to Ray Harrington who is having surgery this week. This is the next step in Ray’s fight against cancer. We know you’ve got this “Rayman”. All our best for a quick and successful recovery.

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include:  Blair Aguillard Commisso, Charlotte Patterson, Ryan Platt, Colette Seror, Ryan Dillman, Allison Sunderman, Lori Stephen, Erin Olsen, Susanna Bjornsson, Valeria Rickard, Anne Regan, Ed Fojtik, Jen Baggenstos, Heather Buehner and Rindi Gaudet. I wish you all a more fantastic year than the one you just had!

Remember, my friends: Life is short. Cut out negativity, forget gossip, say goodbye to people who don’t care. Spend time with people who are always there!

Be safe out there and stay warm. I look forward to seeing you soon down the road. Until next time…

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