Table Talk · November 2, 2022
The 4-6 month puppy competition has become very popular among exhibitors. In my opinion, there is no better way to get puppies out there and get their “paws wet” with some ring time, exposure to other dogs, and exposure to a legitimate exam. Like any trip around the ring, what the puppy and handler get out of the experience is dependent upon the judge. Every judge licensed for one breed or more is eligible to oversee the 4-6 month competition. Unfortunately, professional handlers, their household members and their assistants are not eligible to exhibit. The caveat to this ineligibility is if those household members or assistants are eligible to show in juniors; then they can show in the 4-6 competition.
When clubs hire judges for this competition, it may be a good idea to ask the person they are hiring if they are interested in nurturing the young dogs and their handlers and providing more of a training opportunity than the conventional judging assignment. Patience would be at the top of my list as a necessary trait for someone being asked to judge the 4-6 competition. I do not think clubs should assign this competition to a judge without a prior conversation about the expectations of both parties. There are some people that absolutely love judging the youngsters, but there are others who are not interested. What an exhibitor and their puppy get out of this special attraction can be night and day depending on who is standing in the center of the ring.
Have you exhibited in the 4-6 puppy competition? If so, I would love to hear from you at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. What did you love about it, and what would you have changed about your experience?
If there was any doubt about the camaraderie between fanciers, this past weekend brought home who we are and what we are about. After the tragic loss of a young member of our sport who was loved by all, fanciers from all over the country changed their profiles on social media to honor Jamie Donelson. Saturday, October 29th was Wear Pink and Pearls Day to honor the memory of Jamie. Exhibitors walked into dog shows across the country and made a sea of pink and pearls last Saturday. Remembrances were held at many shows, and even those who were not at the shows wore their pink and pearls in Jamie’s honor. Let us all remember to be kind just like Jamie Donelson!!! Rest In Peace beautiful girl. You are missed by your dog family.
For those wishing to pay their respects to Jamie and her family, the arrangements are as follows:
Tilinghast Funeral Home
433 Main Street
Danielson, CT 06239
Wednesday, November 2 from 4pm-7pm
Donations in Jamie’s memory can be made to Take The Lead. www.takethelead.org
This is a public service announcement to those exhibitors who stay at Red Roof Inns when traveling to shows. The Red Roof Inn has revised their pet policy to only allow dogs less than 80 lbs., and several exhibitors have been unpleasantly surprised upon check-in by not being allowed to stay. If your plans take you to a Red Roof Inn, you may want to call the property directly and clarify their pet policy for that venue.
The Purina Event Center is undergoing a bit of a facelift. Signage, etc. is being updated to incorporate Purina’s new color scheme and logo. I have been asked by a few folks if Purina Farms and the Purina Event Center has been sold. The answer is No. Purina Farms and the Purina Event Center are still owned by Nestlé Purina Pet Care. If you have not yet had the opportunity to show dogs at this lovely facility, I highly recommend you put it on your bucket list. From the most awesome floor to the bathing facilities and RV grounds, it will not disappoint!
Happy 35th Anniversary to Harry and Lisa Miller! It is hard to believe that you guys have been married for 35 years–surely you were children when you tied the knot! Enjoy your special day and may you have many more to come.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Anna Gracie, Kathy Bilicich Garcia, Brenda Weiss, Alfonso Escobedo, Katherine Smoot, Jerry Klein, Peggy Browne, Gary Andersen, Dawn Horock, Becca Pentecost, David Williams, Hal Bierman, Christian Manelopoulos, Dasha Mlinarich and Ernesto Lara. Happy Birthday one and all!
Remember, my friends: your smile is your best feature and kindness is never wasted. Be safe out there. I’ll see you soon down the road! Until next time…
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