Table Talk · February 23, 2022
If you have not yet had the chance, hop on the Canine Chronicle website and read Bridget Bryson’s article (http://caninechronicle.com/?p=224373). In my opinion, Bridget hits the nail on the head and gives some terrific advice as to where fanciers can spend their energy instead of looking for, or assuming that there is always an agenda that has nothing to do with the dog being exhibited. Bridget starts her article by stating that she has left all dog show discussion groups because of the negativity. This is very sad; in my opinion, as Bridget’s thoughts are exactly what SHOULD be on these discussion groups, and people like Bridget are bailing because of frustration and the need to cleanse oneself of the negativity. (Please Note: I have never met Bridget, but I would love to sit down and have a glass of wine with her!)
I have seen new exhibitors enter and exit some of these groups quickly. New exhibitors are looking for places to get information, learn the craft, and seek mentors. As an outsider, or new person, they quickly feel uncomfortable because of the finger pointing, arguing, and negative posts about judges, exhibitors, show giving clubs, etc. So, in a lot of cases, they leave the discussion groups and sadly, in more cases than we would like to acknowledge, they leave the sport before they even get started.
The reason a dog does not win is because (right or wrong) the judge liked another dog better. That opinion could be the result of a combination of things: conformance to the breed standard, condition, showmanship, etc. Many times I have heard the statement, “I lost to a face”. What people forget is “that face” was biking their dog at 10 PM to keep them in condition, hand feeding the dog who isn’t eating enough to sustain its show condition, and trimming, brushing, and training early before the show begins, and well after the show ends. My point? You could be that face. Instead of looking at the person holding the lead, look at what is on the end of their lead, and what is on the end of yours. Learn from those people, work harder, and in some cases, get a better dog.
We need to believe in the dog we show and accept that we have paid for the judge’s opinion on that day. Our judges are human beings, and they are doing what they do because they love the sport, just like we show our dogs because we love the sport. I hope we can all enjoy our sport and not automatically assume a win or loss has a hidden agenda.
At its February meeting, the AKC Board of Directors approved changes to the Judge’s Approval Process effective May 1, 2022. Of particular note is that once again the process has been revised to allow an individual to apply for an entire group instead of the 12 breeds currently allowed. You can find more detailed information about the revisions to the process at : http://caninechronicle.com/?p=224266. I am interested to hear your thoughts about the changes. Please comment on the CC Facebook page or email me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. Judging Operations will be hosting a webinar on March 15th at 5pm EST. There is a link to register for the webinar in the above referenced article.
Thanks to everyone who responded with their thoughts about the proposed new rule allowing championship points for group placements 2-4. A majority of fanciers who responded were supportive of this proposed provision. Those who were not in favor were concerned that this provision would make it easier to achieve an AKC Championship.
Congratulations to the Sun Maid Kennel Club on their 100th Anniversary! They celebrated with fantastic shows this past weekend in Fresno, California where their entry was nearly doubled! The club provided lovely hors d’oeuvres for exhibitors both Saturday and Sunday!
The Shupps and the Bernardins are off on a well-deserved holiday in St. Lucia. Great timing, my friends! I’m sure the weather in St. Lucia will be better than the weather on the East Coast.
Happy Anniversary to Tara Martin-Rowell and J.D. Rowell. May you continue to enjoy a life filled with love, happiness, and adventure.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Anne Regan, Ed Fojtik, Rindi Gaudet, Jen Baggenstos, Heather Buehner, Charlotte Patterson, Sarah Purdin-Golding, Cheryl Codrington, Michelle Montes-Capton, Florence Foti, Ryan Platt, Dennis Brown and Luke Baggenstos. Enjoy your special day, my friends.
Remember: The less you respond to negative people, the more peaceful your life will become!
Be safe on your journey. Enjoy the moment and pitch in wherever possible! Until next time…
Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=224733
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