Table Talk · May 18, 2022
The Kentucky Derby is always a favorite event for all animal lovers, especially those in the equine world. This year’s Derby also provided a great life lesson to anyone who competes with an animal! Rich Strike won the Derby at 80-1 odds! Not only was he in a poor starting position, nor was he the biggest or best horse, but he only made it into the race because another horse had to withdraw. This $30,000 claimer ran against multimillion-dollar horses, and he ran with such heart and determination that he and his jockey crossed the finish line first proving that it is not always about having the best of everything or being the biggest or most favored. Rich Strike’s win proves that heart and dedication to win can indeed prevail!
I believe this is a terrific lesson for Juniors and new exhibitors in the sport of purebred dogs, as well. Ladies do not have to wear St. John suits, and not all exhibitors need to have fancy, custom-made show leads. Everyone must start somewhere, and every individual that wants to be involved with our sport can find a comfortable place to start and work up the ranks from there. Put in the hard work. Find good mentors and supportive, experienced people with whom to surround yourself. The rest will come! Don’t be intimidated if the #1 dog in your breed shows up at the show you have entered and are attending: Go in the ring, show your dog to the best of your ability, and have a good time. The rest is all icing on the cake! Remember, you can’t win if you don’t show.
The AKC Board of Directors has approved a pilot program that will not require ownership of a dog by the exhibitor to be entered in Junior Showmanship. Additionally, Juniors in all sports will receive credit towards Junior’s rankings, regardless of their ownership of the dog they are showing. The pilot program is effective July 1, 2022, and will be in place for one year. Entry for Junior’s competition will continue to require information about the dog being shown and substitutions will continue to be handled in the same manner as they currently are done. This is great news for Juniors! The AKC continues to find ways in which Juniors who cannot have a dog of their own can get involved with the sport and learn the ropes!
Back in May 2020 the Board of Directors approved increasing the entry limit for two all-breed shows in one day from 500 to 600. The approval included a sunset clause through July 2022. Based on the success of clubs that held two shows in one day during this period, the Board has voted to make the 600-dog entry limit permanent.
Justin Smithey and Cheslie Pickett-Smithey have been on what looks like a dream vacation to Italy to attend the Whippet Congress. What could be more fun than Whippets and tours across Italy? Safe travels, my friends!!
Supportive thoughts go out to Angie Lloyd whose father, Jimmy, is having surgery this week. It is heart-warming to know that Angie will stay with family when needed without any hesitation. We are all here for you Angie, and look forward to having you back at the shows when your father is healed.
A message to those who are planning on attending this year’s celebration of Peace, Love and Dogs at Woofstock, 2022. PLEASE be sure to get your entries in TODAY by noon! Entries AND RV parking close today, Wednesday, May 18th! I look forward to seeing everyone in Vallejo sporting your tie-dye!!!
It is with great sadness that I must share the news of the sudden passing of Golden Retriever enthusiast and AKC judge Cathie Turner. Cathie passed away in her sleep just hours after judging in Northern California. She and her husband, Bill have been fulfilling one of their life-long dreams of traveling across the country. Cathie was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she will be sorely missed by the fancy. Godspeed, my friend!
Leslie Hiltz’s husband, David, passed away last week after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Our heartfelt condolences to Leslie and the rest of the Hiltz family at this difficult time.
Happy 40th wedding anniversary to Gina and Cliff Weiser! Gina, you must have been a child bride! I don’t know how you could possibly be married for 40 years!
Also celebrating wedding anniversaries this week are Vickie Seiler-Cushman and Dr. Jeff Cushman, and Tuni and Ernie Conti. Happy Anniversary to all of you.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Dennis McCoy, Tony Vacha, Bill McFadden, Kim Rudzik, Judy Descutner, Jay Richardson, Bert Rettick, Brendan Coleman, Brenda Combs, Kevin Ellingson, Ania Kelly, Geno Sisneros, Kim Langlands, Tammie Wilcox, and Barbara Miller. We also wish a very Happy 82nd Birthday to Morris and Essex Historian Billy Gorodner. Enjoy your special day, my friends!
My thought for this week is this: Being negative only makes a difficult journey more difficult. You may be given a cactus, but you don’t have to sit on it!!!!!!
Be safe out there, my friends! Find a reason to perform an act of kindness to someone in need. I’ll see you soon down the road. If your plans take you to Mission Circuit, please stop by the Purina Booth and say hi!!!
Until next time…
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