Table Talk · January 4, 2023
Table Talk · January 4, 2022
Happy New Year! May all of you have a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year filled with beautiful puppies, many winning ribbons, and even more great times with friends and loved ones. I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions, but I committed to being better about reaching out to friends I don’t see often to check in, say hi, and make sure all is well. My commitment is motivated by the recent passing of retired AKC Judge and my good friend, Al Krause.
I met Al some 30 years ago and we hit it off immediately. I enjoyed Al and Bettie’s company; I was envious of their love and devotion to each other. After Bettie’s death several years ago, I would reach out to Al each time I went to Las Vegas, and we would get together for dinner. I vividly remember the conversation when Al told me he was hanging up his judge’s license. Even though he was still doing well and as lucid as a youngster, he felt he should step aside and give the younger generation their time. He said the sport was very good to him and he did not want to be that person standing in the ring with fanciers shaking their heads asking when he was going to hang it up. After his retirement from judging, I continued to reach out when I was in town so we could have dinner and chat. Then COVID hit. The next couple times I was out there, I would say to myself, ‘I have to call Al,’ but I didn’t. This last October, it was the same story. I arrived in Vegas and never gave him a call. Al went to the hospital on Christmas Day. He was transported by ambulance, and he never left. He was 90 years young, and he played poker with his buddies until the end! I truly missed my opportunity to see a good friend. Godspeed, my friend. You will be greatly missed.
I implore everyone to reach out to your friends. Make the call. Spend the time. You will not regret it, but I promise you WILL regret NOT doing it!!
Here’s a message to those fanciers who are planning to attend the Cool Cluster in Grayslake, Illinois the last weekend of January: don’t forget that entries close January 11, 2023! The show superintendent is Onofrio Dog Shows (www.onofrio.com). There are still a few reserved grooming spots left, so if you have not already reserved, you’d better grab them while they are available.
Those fanciers who will be joining us in beautiful Indio, California for the Kennel Club of Palm Springs this coming week should be sure to keep an eye on the weather! I am packing my rain gear, so I am prepared for potential bad weather. Rain or shine, the show is always fabulous. I look forward to bringing you Table Talk Live! from this great show for the very first time. If you are planning on attending, please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com and join in on the Table Talk fun!
The Westminster Kennel Club premium list is out! You can access it through the link on our website at http://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/2023-westminster-kennel-club-dog-show-premium-list-available/. Entries open February 2, 2023, and close February 17th, or when the 2500 dog limit is reached whichever comes first. Once again, Westminster will be a Champions-only show. For those who are in the top 5 of their breed rankings during the qualifying period, entries can be made as soon as the invitation list is posted. I look forward to seeing everyone at the beautiful Billy Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York in May!
There is a saying that we are never dealt a hand that we can’t deal with, and our show results reporter, Erin Olsen, is a good example of that! Erin is healing from knee replacement surgery and recently, Erin’s husband, Keith, was experiencing chest pain and arm numbness. In true Keith fashion, when they wanted to take him by ambulance to the hospital, he declined. First, he went home to make sure things were under control and then drove himself to the hospital! After a long day in the ER, Keith was settled in a room with Erin by his side. Hopefully, he’ll be going home soon. In the meantime, Erin, being the survivor she is, has things under control! We hope you both are back to full health soon!
The break between the AKC National Championship in Orlando and the first shows of 2023 is a popular time for everyone to vacation with loved ones. It seems that several were on the same wavelength when they made plans in 2022. Clint and Karen Livingston and their family, the Fenner family–along with Erin Foreman and their family, and Tiffany and Shea Skinner were all in Hawaii at the same time, but on different islands!!!! Great minds think alike! I hope you all enjoyed the well-deserved time off over the holidays!
I was sorry to hear that handler Angie Lloyd’s father Jimmie Lloyd passed away. He was 80 years old. Donations in his memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, Take the Lead, or your local law enforcement K-9 unit. Jimmie was loved by all who had the pleasure to know him. He will be sorely missed by the dog community and his family and friends.
Happy Anniversary to Dennis and Katey Brown. I hear they renewed their vows to celebrate their 20th! Also celebrating an anniversary milestone this week is the happy couple, Jeff and Chris Margeson.
Congratulations to all of those celebrating birthdays this week including Mary Miller, Joseph Vergnetti, Deb Shindle, Jeff Wright, Adam Peterson, Debbie Melgreen, Kayley Kovar, Harry Miller, Laurie Green, Tammy Seidlitz and Colette Livingston-Keith. Enjoy your day, my friends. Best wishes for another successful trip around the sun!
As we begin a new year, please remember this: No one in this world is pure and perfect. If you avoid people due to their mistakes, you will be alone in this world. Judge less and love more!!!
Be safe! Until next time…
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