Table Talk · March 26, 2025
I would like to thank all my loyal Table Talk readers for your feedback regarding last week’s column. For those who may have missed it, I wrote about a new exhibitor who attended a dog show insufficient knowledge about what is expected of participants, and what preparation may have made his experience more successful.
Most fanciers responded consistently by highlighting the need for mentoring by breeders along with kindness and mentorship at shows, when we realize a fellow exhibitor may be in need of a gentle hand and education about how one can prepare their dogs for exhibition.
Susan Shephard had some poignant words of wisdom that I would like to share:
For years now we read about our diminishing population of breed enthusiasts. We are losing our dog show population for a variety of reasons. Aging, burn-out, and finances are just a few of the reasons we lose people. But these are the long-term people that, for their own reasons, stop breeding and showing. What about the new people that don’t make it 5 years? Why do they walk away?
There are many reasons that contribute to our “newbies” deciding that dog shows and/or their chosen breed is not meeting their expectations. It requires a lot of work, time, dedication, and money. Career and family obligations can get in the way. Tons of reasons to walk away. The one reason that should never be on the list is the seller of the puppy.
We have all seen that show puppy with a novice from a well-established kennel and we scratch our head wondering why anyone would sell this as a show prospect. Please remember, the greenest novice is a representative of you and your breeding program in the ring, so sell them a dog that you’d take in the ring.
Next, in my opinion, is the worst thing that can happen to a novice exhibitor. Their breeder does not mentor them. How can we expect a novice to learn how to present a dog, maintain coat and condition, learn the history of the breed, understand line breeding vs. outcross breeding and more? I am not saying you need to be this person’s best friend, but I firmly believe you have an obligation not only to your novice, but to the sport and to your breed to mentor a new person in the sport. Teach them what they need to do to represent you and your breeding program appropriately. To a point, this includes your pet people. Teach them how to correctly care for their dog.
Bottom line, people. Take care of your dogs and the sport, and it will take care of you. It is the very least you can do.
Instead of assuming the worst in people, let us all assume the best the first time around! If you see someone with that “deer in the headlights” look at a show, stop and ask if they are okay and offer a hand, or call on someone else you know that could give them a helping hand and advice.
Sadly, because of the damage to our beloved Purina Farms, the Columbia Kennel Club and Sedalia Kennel Club all-breed shows scheduled for March 28-30 along with the USASA (United States Australian Shepherd Association) National Specialty scheduled for April 11-18th have been cancelled. Our friends at Purina are working very hard to get everything cleaned up and open for business as soon as possible. Of course, everyone’s safety is of the utmost importance!
Our friends involved with Woofstock have shared some valuable information about this year’s show with us. The show will not be found under Woofstock on the MB-F Superintendent site; it will be found under Contra Costa County Kennel Club. The show has changed from four days to three. There will be one day of specialties on Friday, June 6th and all-breed shows on Saturday and Sunday June 7th and 8th. There are currently 35 independent specialties to be held on Friday. Over the weekend there will be 24 specialties and 46 supported entries. It will have the same Woofstock vibe with music, costumes, a costume contest, tie-dye shirts, and lots of fun! This year’s closing date will have the standard closing date–it will not be a week early as it was in past years. Make sure to put this epic event on your calendars and join in the fun of Peace, Love, and Dogs!
If you attended Louisville and bumped into Holley Eldred, she most likely asked to take your photo to send to her Assistant, Hannah Ralston. Those that know Hannah and have had the pleasure of meeting her beautiful baby boy, Wyatt, know she will bring a smile to anyone’s face that needs it. Hannah, at 33 years of age, is now in the fight for her life. She has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer while pregnant with her second child. She has had surgery, and now awaits the arrival of her baby so she can begin chemotherapy treatment. If you would like to contribute to Hannah’s Go Fund Me you can go to https://gofund.me/de22ed6b. Please consider reaching out to Hannah with words of encouragement and keep her and her family in your thoughts. Hannah, we all look forward to seeing you on the other side of this journey. Know that you are loved by us all.
After 42 days in the hospital following his stroke, Rick Workman is now home! Our thoughts are with you, and we hope you have a complete recovery, Rick!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Dale Sullens, Kate Murray, Tad Brooks, Kelly Shupp, Allison Alexander, Terri Meyers, Tiffany Saxon, David Powers, and Tim Thomas. Best wishes to one and all for the best year yet!
Be safe out there, my friends and please remember to be kind to all. I look forward to seeing you soon down the road! Until next time…
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