Table Talk · March 13, 2024
I was able to attend a couple of days of the Tarheel Cluster this past week. I hadn’t been to these shows in a couple of years, and it was fun to go back. It was great to see people that I hadn’t seen in a while and observe new dogs I had only heard about. The volunteers of the Tarheel Cluster do an amazing job making everyone feel welcome and appreciated. The entries ranged from 1,100-1,700 per day. You might remember that this cluster used to be held the week after the Louisville Cluster. This year, Purina–who has been sponsoring the cluster for many years–offered Group and Best In Show prizes for the NOHS Groups in addition to the regular Groups. Take The Lead had an amazing raffle that was well-received. Congratulations to all the winners that took home some lovely raffle prizes!
A couple of professional handlers from here in the States had the opportunity to judge in Canada this past weekend, and our Canadian friends were very pleased with their judging. Congratulations to Ernesto Lara and Tabatha Bettis for the excellent execution of your assignments!
About a year ago the AKC approved separating the Bred-By Exhibitor class into puppy and adult divisions. The division is not required, but when the division is offered, exhibitors are thrilled with the option. For many breeders, this gives them the ability to exhibit more than one dog or bitch in the Bred-By class. The additional class can actually increase entries. Many exhibitors have been disappointed when this class division is not offered. If you attend a show and the class division is not offered, please be sure to write to the show giving club and request the class division. Clubs appreciate constructive suggestions.
For those attending Louisville this week, there will be a grooming list posted on the wall in the front hall, and another posted at the front of the exhibition hall near the stage. There are over 900 grooming reservations this year!
I am excited to be in Louisville this week bringing you Table Talk Live! coverage. I am interested in chatting with NOHS competitors about your thoughts on NOHS competition vs. regular competition. I am also anxious to get your thoughts about the possibility of multiple judge panels for dog shows. Please stop by The Canine Chronicle table at the front of the exhibition hall or email me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. I cannot wait to see you there!
Just when the AKC Executive Field Staff was fully staffed–finally–I noticed the Executive Field Representative position in Raleigh, NC was posted. I believe this is the position held by Mark Desrosiers who will be sorely missed in this role. Stay tuned for more information about what Mark’s next chapter with the American Kennel Club might look like!
Mary Dukes completed her first judging assignment in Raleigh this past week since retiring from her role as AKC Executive Field Representative. She looked comfortable in the ring and did a great job. Mary will be a wonderful addition to the AKC judge’s roster!
The much-anticipated announcement about the Under The Sun Event Center in Colorado is here! This lovely facility, built for canine and equine events, will be ready to welcome All-Breed dog shows, Specialties, and National Specialties in 2026. For more information, please visit https://utsdog.com/index.php/services/event-center-opening-2026/.
In addition to the training/day care facility and the exciting new event center, Colton and Heather Johnson also have started the Sunrise Service Dog initiative, a not-for profit organization dedicated to creating a bridge to possibilities by partnering individuals with exceptional canines. If you are fortunate enough to be in the area of the Under The Sun facility in Colorado Springs on Saturday, May 18th, please consider attending the Raise The Woof Shindig–a fundraiser for this very important initiative!
It is with great sadness I report the news that Diann Smith, wife of Greg Smith, passed away last week. Her passing was sudden and unexpected. Together, Greg and Diann started Garden Studios Photography. Healing thoughts are with Greg at this very difficult time.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Diana Wilson, Kelsey Jesseph, Jan Butler, Jean Gauchat, Lindsay Gorder and Kate Hanlon. May your next trip around the sun include sunshine, puppies, and great success!!!
Please remember this my friends! Supporting another person’s success won’t mess up yours. Real friends want to see you win!
Travel safely and please take time to enjoy the moment! If you are going to be in Louisville, I will see you soon and I will see the rest of you down the road. Until next time…
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