Table Talk · November 22, 2023
If you have been in the sport more than a few years, at some point you will find a judging panel for a show you want to enter that includes a friend, a family friend, or someone that has been involved with the breeding of a dog you are exhibiting. In many cases, your relationship with the judge will not be defined by the rules governing dog shows, and good judgement will be required when deciding whether to show to that judge or not.
I was taught early on that if you must ask, it’s probably better not to do it. If for whatever reason you decide to show to a judge who fits the description above, be prepared to accept the results graciously. If you are not sure you can control yourself, you may want to avoid showing to this person. I think we all need to remain mindful of the situation we are putting the judge in and be able to accept the outcome.
The AKC National Championship entries have closed with record numbers! The overall entry totals a staggering 9,807 which again makes the AKC National Championship the largest dog show in North America! A few interesting highlights include:
- All 200 AKC recognized breeds will be represented
- The largest entry is Golden Retrievers with 147
- There are 875 entries in the NOHS finals
- The Junior Showmanship competition includes 153 Juniors
- There are 1,717 entered in the Junior/Puppy Stakes
- 1,272 breeders entered the Bred-By Exhibitor competition
Wow! If there was any doubt that our sport is thriving, let this most amazing entry put your minds to rest.
The Volunteers of the Kennel Club of Palm Springs are hard at work making the January 2024 show better than ever! As mentioned previously, this year the show will be held in a different area of the Empire Polo Club. Those who attend in RVs will be pleased to know they will park on grass and there will be no plastic required under ex-pens this year. Added special attractions include Temperament testing and CGC testing Friday-Sunday. Remember my friends, entries close during the Orlando show week (December 13th) so get your entries done before you leave!
Our thoughts are with Peggy Beisel-Mcilwaine. Her husband, Sandy, was hospitalized and is now in a rehab facility to help gain back his strength. Hopefully, Sandy will be back home in no time.
Liz Muthard was traveling to Columbus, Ohio to judge when she had to take a detour to the hospital after becoming ill on the flight. Sadly, Liz missed her judging assignment. The good news is she is on the mend and arrived back home after the weekend minus a gallbladder! Feel better soon, Liz!
Judge changes were not the only excitement in Columbus last weekend as an electric transformer caught fire and the building, including all exhibitors and dogs, was evacuated. Thanks to the hard-working volunteers, everyone was evacuated safely, and after a short delay the show resumed without missing a beat!
The Kennel Club of Philadelphia, which is now the only benched show left in the country, was held this past weekend in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Benched shows are an excellent opportunity to educate the public about our sport, and purebred dogs in general. While it’s exhausting for the exhibitors, it is important to take the time to talk with the public and encourage participation. To bring this concept to reality, I share comments with you made by Elliott Wentzel who attended his very first dog show at Philadelphia in 2018:
Take the time to talk to the spectators and mostly BE KIND! I know we are all busy at the shows but take the time to talk with the public and let them say “hi” to your dogs. This is what our sport is all about. Share your love of this sport with others. You never know who that kid may be who is dying to show a dog one day. This is your opportunity to show the world what our sport is all about. At the end of the day, our sport will not grow if we continue to be closed off and inaccessible. Be the one to make someone leave the show considering getting into our world of purebred dogs. This is your chance; be the change you want to see!!!
For those of you who do not know, Elliott is now very active in our sport and is one of the best ring stewards we have out there. This is due, in part, to his positive experience and interaction with Mary Merlo when he attended the Kennel Club of Philadelphia 5 years ago! Let us all be like Mary!
It is with great sadness that I pass on the sad news that Joanne Booth-Brickley has passed away. Joanne loved life and loved meeting people, and she made an impression on all that were lucky enough to meet her. Sincere condolences to Monica and Kim and the rest of Joanne’s family and friends.
Clint and Karen Livingston recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe that 15 years have passed since Clint and Karen said, “I DO”. May the two of you have many more years of love, success, and happiness.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Carla Link, Scott Kipp, Ray Harrington, Elizabeth Salewsky, Tami Luddeke and Holly Leftwich. Best wishes for another terrific trip around the sun, my friends!!
I leave you this week with a heart-warming thought from our Editor’s last column: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.
Be safe in your travels, my friends. Take time to enjoy your surroundings and make memories along the way. I will see you soon down the road. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Until next time…
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