Table Talk · May 22, 2024
The 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show did not disappoint! I truly enjoyed the Billie Jean King Tennis Center as the Westminster venue. Every Westminster is special, and every win–whether a breed win, a group placement, or more–is a cherished memory. This year, one of the icons of the sport, Kaz Hosaka, chose his 45th Westminster as his last show, win or lose. Kaz retired the way that every great handler dreams of by winning Best In Show. Kaz and his Miniature Poodle, Sage, put on a show and left many in tears. Kaz has always been the epitome of a sportsman, and the support and admiration he received from his colleagues was heartwarming. It made me proud to be a part of our beloved community!
It is only fitting that I share with you the heartwarming comments made by Jeff Hanlin about Kaz:
“Being in the presence of Kaz Hosaka is like taking a master class in perseverance, patience, kindness, humor, devotion, intuition, trust, sportsmanship, respect, friendship, and humility. He is the living embodiment and essence of every good thing we should all aspire to become, and a level of talent that comes around once in a century.
“Thank you, Kaz, for being the person who inspires everyone around you to reach higher, to try harder, to become better, to never stop learning, and, most importantly of all, to never believe that anything is impossible. Your journey with Sage has been a privilege to witness both at the little shows and the big ones, and the memories of your many late night stories in the setup are something we will always treasure.”
Remember this my friends, always be yourself, unless you can be Kaz….then Always be Kaz!
Once again, this year, the PETA activists tried to rain on our Westminster parade. Thanks to some agile and quick thinking security guards, they were stopped in their tracks before they could interrupt Best In Show.
Gabriel Rangel took a fall while competing in the Terrier Group and several competitors, the judge, and Westminster Kennel Club President Donald Sturz came to his aid. Gabriel has checked in to let everyone know that he is okay! As Gabriel said, “I am like a Terrier! I am okay!”
Everyone in the sport of purebred dogs is mourning the loss of iconic Great Dane breeder Tootie Longo. Tootie passed away this past Saturday after a valiant battle with cancer. She was a dedicated breeder of black Great Danes. Tootie was a legend, a true Tour De Force. There was no mountain too high for Tootie to climb, and she always competed with grace. She was a true lady in her own right. Our sincere sympathies to Tootie’s family and friends at this very sad time. The sport of purebred dogs will not be same. Rest well, my friend.
Entries for this year’s Woofstock have closed. This is the last year for the four-day cluster, and I cannot wait for the celebration of Peace, Love and Dogs! Over the four days, this year’s show boasts an entry of 8,173! I am excited to be able to bring you Table Talk Live! coverage of this year’s show. Be sure to make time to show off your hippie wear to all those at home who will be unable to join us!
I am pleased to report that, after a lot of hard work, the Detroit Kennel Club will be back in 2025!!! DKC will be joining Oakland Kennel Club for a four-day cluster February 13-16, 2025 at the Suburban Show Place in Novi, Michigan. The venue is outstanding, and the cluster volunteers are working hard to make sure the show will be a great experience for all. Be sure to put this cluster on your 2025 schedule!
Maggie Peat and Tom Sikora along with Pam and Dave Peat are off on a European adventure! Their first stop was Amsterdam on what looks like a trip of a lifetime. Have fun, guys! I wish you safe travels. Keep those photos coming!
Happy Anniversary to Chris Manelopoulos and Rachel Corbin who are celebrating their 24th. Also celebrating an anniversary this week is that awesome couple, Maddie and Adam Peterson. May you lovebirds continue to enjoy life together with love and happiness.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Ania Kelley, Kevin Ellingson, Geno Sisneros, Nancy Smith, Kim Langlands, Kate DeSanto, Klayton Harris, Erin Roberts, Jack McIlwaine and Ric Plaut. Best wishes to one and all for a great year ahead.
The weather is warming up across the country, so be sure to check those generators and A/C units!!! I hear this year is going to be a hot one!
Remember this my friends: The best revenge is no revenge. Move on, be happy, flourish and find peace. Let your success make the noise.
My next stop is the Dachshund National Specialty at Purina Farms. Be sure to stop by the Purina Hospitality booth and say hi! If your travel plans take you to Woofstock, I hope you will join in the Table Talk Live! fun.
Be safe out there, my friends. I look forward to seeing you down the road. Until next time…
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