Table Talk · February 26, 2025
Last week, William Feeney, one of the three past Chairmen that signed a letter condemning the manner in which AKC President Dennis Sprung was terminated, further clarified his position in an individual letter https://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/former-akc-board-chair-william-feeney-addresses-sprung-firing/. One week later, there has still been no communication from the AKC Board regarding Sprung’s separation from the American Kennel Club, nor has there been any indication of when a statement might be forthcoming. As a result, speculation, and insinuation to the detriment of all involved continues.
The next meeting of the AKC delegates is March 11th. Many fanciers are anticipating clarification at that time. Frankly, I do not know if we will ever know why. What I do know is that whatever the reason was, we all agree that the way the termination was handled is seemingly inappropriate and disrespectful. Sadly, absent facts, and an official announcement, the speculation and insinuation will continue.
My travels took me to Madison, Wisconsin this past weekend for the Renaissance Cluster. This cluster is growing by leaps and bounds due to the heroic efforts of Cluster Chair Ed Fojtik and his hard-working team of volunteers including Margaret Wilson, Terry Bilton, Judy O’Brien, Jan O’Grady, Gail Bisher, Carissa Boettcher, Diane Elliman, Scott Kipp, Joyce Winkels and Ed Fojtik, Sr. This year the entry topped at 1,900, and I believe that entry would have been significantly higher if the shows were not limited. (That limit was necessary due to the size of the current building). Fortunately, Ed and his team have secured a much larger building for next year. This building will accommodate more vendors, more entries, and more specialties! With 28 rings the possibilities are endless, and I am certain that this team will optimize every square inch of space, just like they have done in the current facility.
This year there were 21 specialties, and dogs and exhibitors from 47 states were represented. I saw fanciers from the north, south, east, and west. In addition, exhibitors came from as far as Japan, Korea, Mexico and Canada! Everyone that was fortunate enough to attend was glad they came; and everyone I talked to cannot wait to return next year!
Friday’s Sporting Group was judged by Virginia Murray–the same Virginia Murray who judged the Sporting Group at the Westminster Kennel Club a couple of weeks ago. What are the chances that she would have the four dogs she placed in New York at the shows in Madison, Wisconsin? Well, my friends, that happened. As Virginia was judging the group with a big smile on her face she said, “Okay, let’s do this again!” and placed the same four dogs in the same order.
When is see a show thrive like this after it made a comeback just a few short years ago, I remain optimistic about our beloved sport. A huge THANK YOU to Ed and his team for all the hard work, dedication and most awesome hospitality. Congratulations on a job well done!
I hear Katie and Adam Bernardin and Kelly and Ed Shupp are off on a celebratory vacation in Ocho Rios! Have a great time basking in the success of your most incredible journey with Monty!
Our star reporter, Candice Duclos, did a fantastic job representing our sport on New Day Northwest last week. It is interviews like this that help educate the general public about our sport. If given the opportunity to do something similar, please take it. Thank you, Candice and Scandal for representing the sport of purebred dogs so well!
Entries for the Kentuckiana Cluster close today at noon. The superintendent is MB-F. Get those entries in, my friends. I cannot wait to see you there! Be sure to check out the Table Talk Live segment with David Johnson, Cluster Chair, and Nina Fetter, who heads up grooming, etc. to get all the details about this year’s show.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Maddie Peterson, Lynda O’Connor-Schneider, Sarah Purdin-Golding, Luke Baggenstos and Nate Francesco. Have a GREAT day and may you all have the best year ahead.
This week’s advice to all:
You absolutely must become okay with not being liked. No matter how loving or kind you are, you will never people please your way into collective acceptance. You could be a whole ray of sunshine and people will hate you because they are used to rain. BE OK WITH SHINING REGARDLESS.
Be safe out there, my friends. It seems as if we are all on a perpetual loop of dog shows these days! If your travels bring you to the Tarheel Circuit in Raleigh, please stop by the Purina Booth and say Hi! Until next time…
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