Table Talk · October 2, 2024
I had the pleasure of attending the Wine Country Circuit in Romulus, New York this past weekend. While the weather was damp, some would call it wet, it did not prevent everyone from enjoying the beautiful area–and having a great time at the dog show! After a long hiatus, it was great to be back again, and see friends that I don’t see often enough!
Anna Stromberg rolled her van enroute to Wine Country while trying to avoid hitting an animal in the road. As expected, fanciers rushed to Anna’s aid, picking up her and her dogs and ensuring everyone arrived at the show safely. I am pleased to say that all canines and humans were not hurt. A huge shout-out to Paul Clas and Catherine Pikul for taking the lead in rescuing Anna and the dogs! There is never a doubt that fanciers are dedicated to helping each other when things get tough.
I would like to personally thank Penny Kretchmer for always being willing and available to help, regardless of what is needed. Penny, you are an amazing human being, and we are lucky to have you!
Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was caught in Hurricane Helene’s path. The devastation in some areas is overwhelming. For those who have experienced severe damage, and are in need of assistance, please do not forget that Take The Lead is here to help. They make the process as “user friendly” as possible, but please note that tax returns are necessary in order to apply for help.
Sadly, the Augusta Kennel Club had to cancel their shows for October 5th and 6th due to damage caused by Helene. Our thoughts are with everyone in the area.
There has been a great deal of discussion recently about judges exhibiting their dogs (at shows or clusters where they are not judging, of course). The minority opinion is judges should not exhibit their dogs. Most fanciers, however, are very supportive of judges showing their dogs. They feel that judges who exhibit are in better touch with what it takes to get a dog in the ring and are more appreciative of all the “blood, sweat and tears” that is involved in breeding and showing dogs. In my humble opinion, I think that we should all be supportive of judges that continue to exhibit their dogs.
Heads up to those breeders who cherish their AKC Breeder of Merit status. It seems that the AKC is removing Breeder of Merit status from breeders if full litters are not registered. Some breeders have started registering full litters prior to sending the puppies home to ensure registration. This is one solution to the problem.
Andrew and Vienna Mueller will finally have their formal wedding! The festivities are being held at Roche Harbor, Washington. Best wishes for a great wedding day! We look forward to seeing your lovely photos!
I would like to share some words of wisdom from Andrew Brace. I think we all should take these thoughts to heart:
“Dog shows grew out of the desire of breeders to compare their stock with those produced by others. Their objective was to give experts the opportunity to evaluate the dogs competing in order of merit and to declare the dog that was, in their opinion, the Best of its Breed.
“With time, as shows became more regulated and structured, Group and Best in Show competition emerged where Best of Breed winners competed against other breeds. In recent years, the big ring competitions have become the focus of major dog shows, whereas, in truth, breed competition still remains the most important.
“The big ring sees major winners coming together hoping for the ultimate win of Best In Show and gives fanciers the opportunity to see at close quarters many outstanding specimens of their respective breeds. Connoisseurs and those who have deep-rooted passion for the sport, possessing an instinctive eye for excellence, acknowledge great dogs as being so and applaud their success. They appreciate their breed type, quality, construction, movement, conditioning and performance, regardless of ownership or pedigree. Sadly, there will always be those who, through either ignorance or jealousy, deny themselves the pleasure of appreciating true excellence by searching for some minor blemish–be that actual, or imaginary! These people are often very vocal and only too keen to spread their opinions amongst those who are stupid enough to listen, people whose own knowledge and strength of character are so lacking that they would prefer to be influenced by malicious hearsay than by using their own eyes.
“Those who go out of their way to damn a dog that is acknowledged by the cognoscenti as a great one does themselves no favours and are an embarrassment to the sport they claim to love.”
Thank you, Andrew, for this reminder!
Keep your eyes on The Canine Chronicle Facebook page and website on Monday, October 7th for a Table Talk Live segment with Westminster Kennel Club President Donald Sturz Jr. We will be discussing all things Westminster 2025! If you have specific questions, please email (deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com) or message them to me as soon as possible.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Bailee Rogers, Lenny Brown, Haley George, Sarah Krickeberg, Robin Novack, Cindy Stansell, Corey Benedict, Megan Hof and Ken McDermott.
For all of my friends heading to Montgomery County KC this week, I have this wish for you: May your coats be perfect, may your dogs stay healthy, may the grass be short and the weather cool and dry. May your travel be easy, may you see old friends that you have missed, and remember the ones that are no longer here. May the Montgomery gods be with you all. Here’s to the best Terrier weekend of the year!!
Be safe in your travels, my friends! Until next time…
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