Table Talk · January 27, 2021
The January Brooksville, Florida circuit was a huge success! The shows averaged over 3,000 dogs per day. With 10 shows held over a two-week period, this is another indicator that the sport of purebred dogs is back on the road to normalcy! While I was not able to attend, every fancier I spoke with was thrilled to see the depth of quality and the great breed entries! Congratulations to everyone involved in making this a very successful circuit! Those that were fortunate enough to get their entries in for the limited entry Ocala shows have headed 45 minutes up the road from Brooksville where they begin showing again on Thursday. For those spending time in Ocala, be sure to check out the Canine Chronicle website or Facebook page for helpful hints on where to eat, and other interesting facts about the area! They don’t call it the Horse Capital of the World for nothing!
I’m sure most of you are aware of the pilot program that AKC has announced which will allow mixed-breed dogs to compete in Junior Showmanship. AKC’s goal, as I understand it, is to enable as many juniors as possible to participate in our great sport. Many fanciers have asked if the ownership requirement might also be addressed. Currently, the junior showmanship guidelines require that the dog being exhibited also be owned by the junior. I am in the process of getting clarification regarding how this pilot program will be administered and will share that information with you as soon as it is available.
We all have some aversion to change. As an example, when the Grand Champion program was announced, I was very skeptical. In its first weeks, I shook my head and could not believe that AKC would come up with such a crazy idea. Once the program implementation was clearly defined, I realized it encouraged many exhibitors that would have otherwise finished their dog’s championship and taken it home to sit on the sofa to continue to be involved in the sport. It has brought many more exhibitors to the breed ring, in my opinion. I am the first to admit when I make a mistake, and this is one case where a new program was established, and I was sure it wouldn’t work. In my humble opinion, the Grand Champion program has been great for the fancy! Since then, I try to keep an open mind. Until I can better understand what the AKC has in mind for administration of the change to the Junior’s program, I am going to wait to pass judgement. Stay tuned for more on this topic!!!
Speaking of Juniors, the Westminster Kennel Club has clarified qualification requirements for their June 2021 show. Junior Handlers will be invited to enter if they have been awarded Best Junior Handler (from the winners of a minimum of two competing classes) at four or more AKC Licensed or Member shows between November 1, 2019 and February 15, 2021, and who were at least 9 years old and under 18 prior to March 1. Additionally, if a Junior reaches age 18 on or after March 1, 2020, the wins will count up until they turn 19 or February 15, 2021, whichever is earliest. Good luck to all the Juniors!!!!
Long-time Great Dane fancier Tootie Longo is suffering from COVID-related pneumonia. I am certain that hearing from her friends in the fancy will lift her spirits. If you would like to send a card to her, please mail it to: Tootie Longo, c/o Tina Longo Grecci, 8666 Woodhawk, Kirkland, OH 44094.
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Shetland Sheepdog breeder and exhibitor, Julie Desy. Julie was always very kind to everyone, and she had great passion for her Shelties. The fancy will truly miss Julie’s smile and her presence at the shows. Our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.
Southern California Dalmatian fancier Jose Alas recently lost his battle with cancer. Jose was a great friend to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by all. Our sympathies go out to Jose’s family.
The volunteers of the Sun Maid Kennel Club have been hard at work trying to change their dates so they can add an additional show! Mark your calendars for three shows on President’s Day weekend February 18-20, 2022 in Fresno, California!!!!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Marcelo Veras, Kristin Dowd, Kathryn Mills, David Cook, John Wade, Penny Kretchmer and Kellye Riani. I hope each of you have a big slice of fabulous cake and ENJOY your special day!!!!!!
As Jon Bon Jovi said: “Nothing is as important as passion. No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate!!!”
Be safe and stay well, my friends! I will see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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