Table Talk · March 16, 2022
My March marathon continued with a trip to Shelbyville, Tennessee for the Country Music Cluster. This is the second year that the cluster was held in Shelbyville instead of Franklin, TN as the regular show facility was not available due to a conflict. The Cluster hopes to return to Franklin in 2023. The Cluster Committee should be applauded for securing the alternate site and holding their show. Under the best of circumstances, this location can be a challenge, but the frigid temperatures, snow and ice added a bit more excitement this year. The date change of the Raleigh shows to the same weekend as this cluster also challenged the entry this year. Here is hoping that things go back to normal next year. This is a hard-working cluster committee, and they deserve to have great success!
You have heard me talk about the need for more active mentors within our sport time and time again. I want to give a shout-out to Tracy Szaras who went above and beyond to do her part for breed education this past week. She participated in breed education in Raleigh on Thursday and drove through the night to get to Shelbyville, TN for Friday’s show! Thank you, Tracy. Thank you for recognizing how important it is to have knowledgeable, experienced breeders participate in breed education, and thank you for going the extra mile (literally) to do your part!
On another educational note, Linda Pitts and Jody Paquette Garcini left the Country Music Cluster to serve as judges for a grooming competition. Sounds like a lot of fun!
Week Three of my March marathon continues with one of my all-time favorites–the Kentuckiana Cluster in Louisville, Kentucky. Once again, the Pomeranian National will be held across the street at the Crown Plaza. This year’s national is very special as my friend, Curtiss Smith, will be judging! Kudos to the club for selecting a breeder/handler judge. Curtiss shared some great thoughts on the eve of his judging assignment:
“I have walked into the ring here many times over the years, but I am honored and humbled to be voted to judge this year. I’ve served on the board, West Coast judges’ education, trophies, and am the current Vice President. I have been fortunate to show many top Pomeranians, including the top winning Pom in the history of the breed. I’ve bred champions and most importantly happy pets in great homes. I’ve learned from the past greats and taught many newcomers. You can never learn all or too much!!
“We come to a national to show our best, to learn from others, to see what can improve our breeding program, or can help someone improve theirs. We come to be with people that we share a special love for the breed we put our heart and soul into. Winning is always great! But we have a special comradery with other breeders, and great times shared. Memories are made that will be cherished for a long, long time. I hope everyone will enjoy their time here this year, I know I will! The past few years have been tough on us all, with many losses of loved ones, and there will be more tough days ahead. Please cherish these days, and remember, we all go home with the best dogs that melt our hearts.”
I look forward to chatting with Curtiss after his judging assignment for a Table Talk Live! segment where we will share Curtiss’ experience in the ring. Keep your eyes open for this segment and more as Table Talk Live! will once again be covering the Louisville cluster.
New this year to the cluster will be an in-ring practice and assistance session for the 4-6 month puppy competitors. This practice session will be in ring 5 one hour prior to the 4-6 month puppy competition. What a great option for newcomers, and our young puppies!!
Many of our friends will be returning from Crufts just in time to join us for great fun in Louisville. If you were at Crufts, and will be in Louisville, please reach out: I’m sure the fancy would love to hear about your experience via Table Talk Live!
Kim and Angela Booth, Keith Bailey, and Jeff Pepper have returned from their photographic safari in Tanzania. Fortunately, Kim Booth is a baboon whisperer and was able to save his traveling companions from a curious creature that wanted to hitch a ride!!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Lindsay Gorder, Kate Hanlon, Denise Beagle, Jess Johnstone, Susan Allison, Tyler Crady-Roche, Dick Greaver, Doris Cozart, Kristyn Stout, and Jan Hepper.
My thought for this week: If you feel the need to get even, try getting even with those that have helped you!!!
Be safe out there, my friends. Give your pooches a big hug and enjoy the moment. I’ll see you in Louisville! Until next time…
Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=226564
Posted by Comments are closed
