Table Talk · February 28, 2024
Table Talk · February 28, 2024
This past weekend I went back to my roots when I attended the Renaissance Cluster in Madison, Wisconsin. I had not attended shows in this area for at least 20 years. Ed Fojtik, Margie Wilson and the team of volunteers who were responsible for the cluster worked very hard, and they did a magnificent job of reviving these shows while creating a great cluster for exhibitors to enjoy.
My first impression? There were so many specialties! In some cases, breeds had the opportunity to show 8 times in a four-day time frame. For some dogs and their human counterparts, 8 shows in four days is a lot. It does not phase others. When given so many fantastic opportunities, one has a choice of whether to enter all of them or pick and choose the ones that look best for them and their charge. You are not required to enter all of the shows, but this multiple-specialty format is certainly a great way for the cluster to get a good entry! I enjoyed watching deep quality in several breeds. Congratulations to all who had a hand in making the cluster a huge success. Your efforts did not go unnoticed. The lovely Thank You card and chocolate bar left for exhibitors was a very nice touch! Well done!
Going back to an area where I have not been for quite a while reminded me of how far-reaching my friendships and acquaintances in the sport are. I do not think I have seen Margie Wilson since my old International Kennel Club of Chicago days. With the sport of purebred dogs being a common denominator, one can see a friend or acquaintance after many years and pick up right where we left off! Once again, I am reminded how blessed I am to be part of such an incredible community!
When the judging panel for the 2024 AKC National Championship was released, comments were posted on social media that were viewed as inappropriate and unkind. The comments have since been taken down. It is important to remember that the Committee for the AKC National Championship asks Parent Clubs for recommendations for judges that can judge at least 5 breeds. Very few parent clubs respond. As concerned exhibitors, I urge you to reach out to your parent clubs and give them recommendations and ask that they forward those recommendations to the AKC National Championship Committee. I have also heard comments about the lead-up shows. I personally have received requests from the Cluster Chair of the lead-up shows regarding judge recommendations, and I am sure I am not the only one asked. Putting a judging panel together is an arduous task. Please try to be helpful and constructive with your comments instead of being mean-spirited and selfish.
Good news for those exhibitors who are looking for a place to show in Michigan in March. The Jaxon and Macomb Kennel Clubs have revived their show! Shows will be held March 28-31, 2024. This will be their first show since 2019. Entries close Wednesday, March 12th and the superintendent is MB-F.
If you have not sent in your entries for the Kentuckiana Cluster, entries close at noon EST today. The super is MB-F. Get them entered, my friends! I cannot wait to see you there. It’s sure to be a great cluster!
Recently, there have been a few occurrences of altercations between toy dogs and larger breeds or terrier breeds. A while back I recall an owner/handler of a toy dog being vocal on social media about their dog being “attacked” by a large dog. This toy dog was being walked on the ground and allowed to antagonize the large breed dogs they were walking nearby. All exhibitors have the same responsibility to keep the dogs in their care safe and in control, no matter the size of their dog.
I had a situation recently when walking into the ring with my young dog. The owner of another dog (a breed NOT being judged at the time) was sitting near the ring gate not paying attention to his dog and it lunged at my youngster when I was walking in the ring. Fortunately, I am always on alert and pulled my dog away immediately and there was no altercation. However, my poor young dog’s mind was BLOWN! This dog snapped in his face and the situation could have ended much differently. Here are a few bits of information to keep everyone safe:
- Terriers hunt vermin. It is their nature. Most react to high-pitched barking and small dogs. They will react if confronted by small dogs.
- When at a show, be mindful of your surroundings. If you have a dog that tends to react to other dogs, do not sit at a ring entrance. Instead, stand (or sit) off to the side. Never take your eyes off your dog and limit the potential for error by reducing the risk.
- If you have a toy dog, do not walk it near a group of terriers or large dogs. If you must walk through a crowded area, pick up your dog and pay attention. Do not let them bark at the dogs around them.
- Do not give enough lead for a dog to get in another dog’s face, it’s too much. This is how accidents happen! Keep your dog close by and under control.
- Everyone has a responsibility to pay attention to their dog. Your dog might be friendly, but another dog may not be amenable to a “visit”.
If we all do our part, we can reduce unpleasant and potentially dangerous situations!
Happy Anniversary to Rob and Diana Skibinski! You two certainly do not look old enough to be married for 46 years! Have a great one, my friends. Best wishes for many more, happy healthy years ahead!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Maddie Peterson, Luke Baggenstos, Nate Francesco, Wendy Kampinski, Lesley Potts, Ines Medina, and Sarah Drake. Make the most of your special day!!
Remember my friends! Dogs are not just dogs. They are Sanity. They are Happiness. They are Teachers. They are Therapists, and they are our BEST FRIENDS!
Be safe out there and take time to enjoy the moment. I will see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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