Table Talk · May 31, 2023
Table Talk · May 31, 2023
A Memorial Day at HOME! A rare, but welcome occurrence. It’s Week 2 of Table Talk from the screened porch surrounded by my pooches, and the beauty of the flowers in my garden. I cannot help but be thankful for what I have. When things get challenging, I suggest trying my approach: Reflect on what you have, and what to be thankful for! To those fanciers who have served to give us all freedom to be thankful for, I express gratitude to you for your service.
Inevitably, every December I have conversations with Breeder/Owner/Handlers who are frustrated with having to compete with “Professionals” in the Bred-By competition. Year-in and year-out my position remains the same: every person in the Bred-By Competition started in the same place. Some have been blessed with extraordinary talent and passion to excel in the show ring, and they should not be penalized for their success. Their ability to showcase their blood, sweat and tears in the whelping box coupled with a special talent and desire to showcase their dogs does not make them any less of a breeder.
The same could be said for the National Owner Handled Series competition. Every competitor started in the same place. Some journeys took different roads than others. Individuals who own their dog and have worked hard to create a competitive team should not be penalized–or judged–for holding a dog for a handler, grooming a dog, or helping a handler for a day or a weekend. This, my friends, is my opinion. If one has the desire to be successful in NOHS, watch those who are successful, make sure you have a good dog, and work at becoming the best you can be. Don’t waste time worrying if your competition was in a handlers set-up. You will be much happier, and perhaps that extra time spent working with your dog will make you that force to be reckoned with in the ring!
Several fanciers had the pleasure of celebrating the Royal Kennel Club’s 150th anniversary with tea at Buckingham Palace. I am green with envy! (no pun intended) This opportunity truly sounded and looked like the opportunity of a lifetime. Andrew and Amy Green, Beth Sweigart and Peter Green, Jan Ritchie Gladstone and Bruce Schwartz were among the lucky ones that were able to participate in the royal celebration.
There are some who say that the lifestyle created by those of us who participate in the sport of purebred dogs on a full-time basis is unhealthy or disadvantageous for children in their formative years. Jody Paquette and Leonardo Garcini’s children, Chana and Tori, have certainly proven that view wrong. Both girls, who are in the 2nd and 3rd grade, ended their school year with academic excellence awards for straight A’s! Way to go girls, and way to go to their parents and all involved in their lives!
Our sport lost another great breeder and fancier. Steve Anderson passed away last week. Steve and his wife, Ann, got their first Boxer in 1963 and that was the beginning of the great line of Rummer Run Boxers. Sincere condolences to Ann and the rest of Steve’s family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Joining my dearly beloved and I celebrating anniversaries recently are: Bill and Taffe McFadden, Ivonne and Gabriel Rangel, and Betty-Anne Stenmark and her husband, Ben Thum. I hope you all enjoyed your special day and celebrated in style.
A reminder to all fanciers from your dogs!! (This is spoken from the heart as I nurse an older dog through illness.)
1) My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be painful. Remember that before you get me.
2) Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3) Place your trust in me; it is crucial to my well-being.
4) Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up for punishment.
5) You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I only have you.
6) Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
7) Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.
8) Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.
9) Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out too long, or my heart is getting too old and weak.
10) Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I cannot bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence”. Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death.
Remember! I love you.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Lisa Croft-Elliott, Kat Moyer, Jake Haycock, David Daugherty, Chris Keith, Pam Laperruque, Jody Paquette, Greg Smith, Kim Booth, Guy Fisher, Jen Hoffmann and Shawn Nichols. Make it a great one, my friends!
Travel safe and be kind to all! Until next time…
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