Table Talk · November 17, 2021
As clubs try to recover financially from the COVID shutdown, many try to save money on judge-related expenses. Some try to hire fewer judges to cut costs. Some try to save money on travel expenses for judges. More specifically, clubs may ask judges to fly out the night of their last day of judging as opposed to allowing a judge to stay over another night and incur additional lodging costs. Some judges are not comfortable flying out late and prefer to stay that last night and leave the next day. What is important is that both judges and clubs communicate their expectations up front and come to an arrangement that is acceptable to all parties.
Hiring fewer judges can have a negative impact on the schedule and cause the show to run later than it would with a couple more judges. Furthermore, there have been some judges who feel that they are being asked to do too much. They say that with their regular judging, and then being asked to judge non-regular groups as well–in some cases after judging 175 dogs and a regular group–they are exhausted. Once again, I think it is the responsibility of the hiring clubs to ask judges up front about the non-regular judging and if nothing is said, the judge should communicate what they are willing to do as well as what they consider to be too much.
One of the most difficult decisions we have is as breeders is deciding where our puppies call home. In my opinion, it is extremely difficult to make the decision to let our show prospects go to show homes. Even more stressful is making the decision to let a show puppy go to a first-time show home! If that wonderful first-time show home is too far away for the breeder to provide proper mentoring, it is even more stressful! My heart was full when I heard how kind and helpful the whippet fanciers were to a new exhibitor and his whippet! It is that first experience that will shape an exhibitor’s decision to come back or not. Let’s all follow suit and welcome those folks that are new to our sport! Breeders may want to send an email or post a Facebook message asking fellow fanciers to be on the lookout at XYZ show for Suzie and her dog, who will be showing for the first time.
I checked in with Mike Stone about the Golden Gate Kennel Club shows. The shows will not be held at the Cow Palace in January 2022. They are trying to move their show date to later in the Spring. I will keep everyone posted about developments regarding these historic shows.
Congratulations to Lisa Miller and her dog, Cardi, who have had another couple successful trips around the ring. Lisa’s strength and determination as she pushes through while undergoing chemotherapy should be an inspiration to us all!
Jason Hoke is off to Italy, but this time it is for R&R!!!!! Enjoy your trip touring Sicily, Jason. We are looking forward to many wonderful photographs.
I was pleased to hear that Clint Livingston has been cleared to slowly get back to his regular activities. Clint was at the Colorado shows last weekend running left-handed circles. Welcome back, and take it slow my friend!
Clint and Karen Livingston are celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary this week. Happy anniversary, guys! Save some time and energy to celebrate your special day!
Celebrating birthdays this week are Pam Hoerster, Amy Rutherford, Pat Fernandes, Sydney Good, Mark Bettis, Glenn Lycan, Jessica Tauber, Eric Liebes, Phil Booth, Jason Hoke, and Carla Link. I hope each of you have the chance to do something special with friends and family on your special day.
My thought for this week is: The color of your ribbons says very little about your capabilities as a dog handler, but the happiness of your dog says everything!
A message to those of you who will be attending the second set of Tucson shows this week, please stop by and say hi to me at the Purina Booth. Be safe in your travels, my friends! Until next time…
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