Table Talk · June 23, 2021
I have finally recovered from my fantastic weekend at Westminster that was held at the Lyndhurst Estate! One thing is for certain, my friends–I am out of practice!!!! The opportunity to do Table Talk Live! Coverage from the first-ever outdoor, summer Westminster Kennel Club dog show kept me going, and it was truly an awesome experience. Thanks to everyone that participated, and if you did not get the chance to participate this time, Houston is right around the corner!
Television coverage of shows like Westminster is the best possible exposure the fancy can achieve. With that exposure, we need to remember that all eyes are upon us, and we should all act accordingly. We should maintain the momentum with positive, welcoming attitudes and be at our best. As Antoinelle Vulpis so eloquently stated: How you act and how you react matters. Whether you realize it or not, there is a younger generation who observe our actions closely. What example do you want to set? Be someone’s inspiration, not the reason they want to quit!
There are a lot of shows going on all over the country, and fanciers are anxious to make up for lost time. While I understand the desire, I would like to suggest that everyone be careful! If you are tired, stop and rest. If you are hungry, stop and eat! That next show is important, but nothing is more important than the safety of our fanciers and our beloved canines!
This past weekend the Medina Kennel Club held its two-day cluster in Lima, Ohio. This was Barkaritaville’s first time in Lima, Ohio, since relocating from Tallmadge. The club has gone to great lengths to make their cluster about relationships and having a good time. The club held its first pee-wee event and held a special social event for the kids. Congratulations on a job well done!
I would like to address an issue that came up from my comments last week: I made a statement about the number of “beautiful” service dogs that I saw in the airport when returning from Westminster. I was not discounting the wonderful work that some of our show dogs legitimately perform as service dogs. No one appreciates the work of service dogs more than I do. I have worked with service dogs in the past, and I find the work service dogs and therapy dogs do is nothing short of amazing.
As temperatures are unseasonably warm across the country, we need to remember that our dogs do not ask to be show dogs. We ask them to be show dogs. If you are on the road with your dogs, make sure you have sufficient equipment to keep them cool. If you are sending your dog with someone else, it would be a good idea to clarify how they are going to care for your dog. Do they have a generator in their rig with air-conditioning? Do they use fans? Will they unload their dogs (your dog) into an air-conditioned facility? Will they take them into their hotel room at night if they do not have an air-conditioned rig, or there is no air-conditioned facility? Our dogs are counting on us to look out for them!
I’m keeping my eye on the ban taking effect that will prohibit the importation of dogs from 113 countries deemed to be high risk for rabies. This ban is currently reported to be temporary, but the issue is evolving. Pilar Kuhn is actively following the issue and is in contact with the CDC. Pilar is planning an informational Zoom meeting to discuss the topic. If interested, check Pilar’s Facebook page for more information.
I am sorry to report the passing of AKC Judge Tomas Gomez. Tom was always a kind gentleman and will be sorely missed by the sport. Funeral services will be held on June 30th at 2 PM at Sunset Northwest Funeral home in San Antonio, Texas. Our heartfelt sympathies to his loving wife Alane and family.
AKC Judge Mary Lou Kniola tragically lost her life in a house fire this past Friday. Mary Lou was very active in the Delaware Ohio Kennel Club and was loved by all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with her. Our condolences go out to Courtney, Tony, and the rest of the Kniola family at this most difficult time.
Chris Ann Moore is healing from a much-needed knee surgery. You will be as good as new in no time, my friend!
Love is definitely in the air this week as we have several wedding anniversaries to celebrate! Michael Faulkner and Michael Rawlings are celebrating 22 years together. Lynn Meyer and Michael Allway are celebrating 16 happy years together, and Chip and Lorraine Rainwater are celebrating 35 years of wedded bliss. Anna Stromberg and Ben Franzoso are celebrating 15 years together, and, finally, Bob and Marietta Shreve are celebrating 63 wonderful years together! Happy Anniversary to all of you! May you spend many more, happy healthy years together.
Celebrating birthdays this week are Jim Frederiksen, Erica Vogt, Perry Payson, Mary Norton, Sulie Greendale-Paveza, Anita O’Berg, David Haddock, Cassidy Hayes and Cully Leck. Have a great day filled with family, friends, and canines!
Remember my friends…no matter how much winning you do, be mindful of how you treat others and keep your ego in check. You will meet the same people on the way down that you met on the way up!
Be safe out there my friends. Stay cool and be kind! I look forward to seeing many of your smiling faces in Houston! Until next time…
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