Table Talk · March 30, 2022
I had this past weekend off and I was able to watch the Oscars from the comfort of my own couch!!!! This year’s Oscars had what I will call two memorable occurrences during the broadcast, and those that watched could remember it for one of two reasons. In my opinion, one of these reasons was heart-warming and positive while the other was, well, a bit troubling in my opinion. When presenting, Chris Rock made what was interpreted by Will Smith and his wife, Jada, as an inappropriate remark about Jada’s shaved head. Will’s way of dealing with this was to cuss at Chris Rock and walk up to the stage and literally smack him upside his head! Frankly, I would have hoped that someone of Will’s stature would have handled this situation a bit more professionally. Later, in the broadcast Lada Gaga and Liza Minelli were presenting the Best Picture award, and Liza Minelli was demonstrably confused and having difficulty. Lada Gaga comforted her, told her she had her back, and was very supportive. I found the interaction between these two icons heartwarming and encouraging.
You might ask yourself why I am talking about the Oscars in Table Talk? It has nothing to do with the sport of purebred dogs. I mention the two contrasting occurrences because, in my opinion, one was a memorable act of kindness while the other was a demonstration of just the opposite: negative behavior and bad judgement. We have a choice of which one we allow to leave a lasting impression in our mind. I personally choose to recall Lada Gaga leaning over and very compassionately telling Liza Minelli “I gotcha”. We have choices of what we talk about. There has been a lot more discussion about the Will Smith/Chris Rock incident than the Lady Gaga/Liza Minelli scenario. We need to continue to bring the positive to the forefront. In our sport, we cannot always win. If we did, exhibitors would not show up and compete. We need to enjoy our wins and be able to find the good in those days where our ribbons may not be blue, purple, or red, white and blue. We are blessed with the privilege of showing and breeding our dogs. We are blessed with those weekends where we take one or two dogs out of our pack, take them on the road and spend that one-on-one time with them. We are blessed with the opportunity to spend time with good friends to love, laugh and learn. This week when we attend shows, may we all try to be Lada Gaga and not Will Smith!
A big ‘welcome back’ to AKC Executive Field Representative Diana Wilson who had her first week back on the job in Fort Worth, Texas following her broken leg and surgery to repair it. Take it easy, my friend. It’s great to have you back!!
When returning from the shows in Louisville, Kentucky, Rhonda Cassidy and Mike McGuire were unpleasantly surprised to find that their home was visited by unwanted burglars while they were gone. I’m glad no one was hurt, but it is certainly unsettling to find your home ransacked and your personal belongings rifled through and stolen.
One of the more popular show venues in Southern California is once again hosting dog shows! The City of Industry Expo Center is open for business! The Conejo Kennel Club and Lake Matthews Kennel Club will be holding their shows there this summer.
The Clermont County Kennel Club is happy to announce that they have secured an alternative venue for their September dog shows! Clermont County will hold their shows September 10th and 11th with specialties on the 9th. The location is the Greene County Expo Center in Xenia, Ohio. There is plenty of RV parking and free car parking, and the shows will be held indoors in three metal buildings with concrete flooring. Clubs interested in holding specialties on the 9th should contact bill@bearcatboxers.com.
Congratulations to Morris & Essex Kennel Club! M&E has donated $10,000 to animal-related charities in the Ukraine. Once again, the fancy supports those with common interests across the globe!
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Great Pyrenees fancier Wayne Boyd. Wayne was a long-time, well-respected handler and breeder. He was best known for the Great Pyrenees he bred under the Rivergrove kennel name. Wayne will be sorely missed by the fancy. Sincere condolences to his wife, Jean, and the rest of Wayne’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Daryl Martin whose sister, Marna Martin, passed away suddenly Friday night. The Last Lady of Song, and known as “Marna Moo” by her family will be missed by many. Marna was 77 years old.
I learned of the passing of Romana Arnold this past week. Romana was a long-time Shar-Pei fancier having owned many Best In Show winning Chinese Shar-pei. She served as a board member of the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America for many years. Our thoughts are with her husband, Lee, at this most difficult time. Romana will be sorely missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are Gabriel Rangel (Gabe celebrates the big 6-0 this year!), Tiffany Saxon, David Powers, Terri Meyers, Tim Thomas, Daniel Stutzman, Peggy McDill, Stan Matsumoto, Sarah Perchick, Justin Van Deren and David Frei. May you all have the best day! I hope it is celebrated with friends and loved ones!
My words of wisdom this week are: Correct each other in private. Defend each other in public. Keep your personal business off social media!!
Be safe in your travels, my friends. Lend a hand where possible and be kind to volunteers that make our shows possible. Enjoy the moment! Until next time…
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