Table Talk · September 14, 2022
If you have not yet read Will Alexander’s article titled Why Bother? in this month’s Canine Chronicle (http://www.onlinedigitalpubs.com/publication/?m=2330&i=760058&p=120&id=8717&ver=html) I urge you to do so. Will talks about a youngster who walked by as he was blow drying his Irish Setter in the rain and asked why bother? We have all been there: Spending hours line brushing, bathing, and blowing out coated dogs at outdoor shows when it is raining or extremely windy and knowing the moment we leave the protection of our awning the dog is going to look like a drowned rat. UGH! Will’s article reminded me of all the times exhibitors in my breed would come to my set-up and ask why I bothered to wet down and force dry my Shar-Pei. My answer, consistent with what Will talks about in his article, is because I am a professional and I want my dogs to look their best. Whether an owner/handler, a professional handler, or the occasional exhibitor, we should always do the necessary work to ensure our dogs are presented in their best possible condition. Frankly, I do not know any breed that can be taken out of the crate straight to the ring and look their best. In my opinion, preparing a dog for the ring also gets their mind in the game. As an example, when you are planning on going out to dinner, don’t you feel better after you have showered and “gotten ready”? Putting your dog on the table and prepping them helps get their head in the game, as well! In order to have the best possible result, we need to put in the effort. Thanks for the thought-provoking article, Will!!
One of everyone’s greatest fears is a dog getting sick at a show with a life-threatening condition such as bloat, an allergic reaction to a bug bite, etc. While most shows have an on-site show veterinarian, or a veterinarian on call, we sometimes find ourselves at a remote show where the vet might be a long distance from the show grounds Please keep in mind that most handlers keep bloat kits in their rigs, and there are a lot of exhibitors that are also vet techs, or even veterinarians! If you find yourself in need and do not know of anyone at the show who can help, do not hesitate to go to the Superintendent or AKC Field Representative and ask for assistance. They can page for help if they do not know of someone at the show. Back in the day, I can think of a couple of situations where Nina Fetter and I helped tube bloating dogs so they could get to the vet for further treatment.
Clubs continue to struggle to put together judging panels, and exhibitors continue to express frustration with seeing the same judges on panels week-in and week-out. Some show chairs are trying to diversify their panels by seeking out permit judges, or judges with permit breeds that are willing to come only for expenses if they can judge their permit breeds. With increased expenses and challenges getting judges, this is a great alternative to think about.
Whippet exhibitor Peggy Splawn was in a horrible roll-over automobile accident while traveling home from the shows in Oregon this past weekend. Her frightened whippets escaped, and two were found quickly but one was missing for quite some time. Peggy was taken to the hospital, and several fanciers rose to the occasion to help find Rio. I am pleased to report a happy ending for all! Peggy is okay and Rio has been found and is also OK! This is yet another example of the fancy banding together when a fellow fancier is in need!
Lisa Miller got great news at her oncologist visit this past week! All Clear!!!! Congratulations, Lisa! You have been a great example of determination and perseverance, and we are so very happy to hear your good report.
It’s a Boy!!!! Congratulations to Cheslie Pickett Smithey and Justin Smithey who are expecting baby boy Smithey this coming March.
Happy Anniversary to Jamie Souza Bartlett and Will Bartlett, Antoinelle and Frank Vulpis, and Sulie and Gregg Paveza! May you all enjoy many more happy, healthy years of love and happiness ahead.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Diane Baker, KayCee Klang, Elliott Wentzel, Pam Beale, Corinna Ohrinberger, Susan St. John Brown, Richard Lawless, Holley Eldred, Tyler Mills, Bill Ellis, Michael Shepherd, Robert Scott, Ann Marie Ruggieri, Sandi Olsen, Vickie Mauk, Angela Pickett, Alaina Moulton, Geir Flyckt-Pedersen–and a very special 86th birthday to Eugene Blake! Enjoy your special day, my friends. We wish you all many more happy birthdays to come!
I leave you this week with words from Lou Auslander taken from the Westminster Kennel Club archives: “When a judge gets excited and his/her heart skips a beat, that is what dog show judging is all about!”
Be safe out there, my friends! Be kind to your fellow exhibitors, thank those hard-working club volunteers, and pitch in whenever possible! I’ll see you soon down the road! Until next time…
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