Table Talk · September 18, 2019
Recently I had the pleasure of receiving two different phone calls from a couple of different dear friends/mentees to tell me of their Best In Show! In one case the dog was breeder/owner/handled and in the other the dog was owner/handled. I cannot describe to you the joy and excitement on the other end of the phone when I answered each of these calls and it reminded me of what the sport should be about. I was so happy for each of them and was so honored that I was on their call list!
When my friend Elizabeth posted her win photo on Facebook she wrote:
To Every Breeder/Owner/Handler out there: Don’t Stop Believing. Dreams Do Come True!
We are all lucky to be involved in this sport, and we are even luckier that our dogs give us the love, devotion and performance week in and week out. We should all share in the joy and excitement and cheer for the person who is handed that red, white and blue ribbon. Remember, while that dog may not have been your first choice for the Best In Show honors that day, there is a breeder, owner(s) and handler involved with the dog that has been given the nod and they deserve the opportunity to enjoy their moment.
Our fancy is very special in so many ways. We have several organizations that have been established by and for fellow fanciers, and our colleagues are very supportive of these organizations. Fundraisers are organized at different clusters all over the country on a regular basis, and a lot of hard work and effort goes into organizing these events. Congrats to all that have volunteered in any way to help put on an event or a fundraiser. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by the fancy.
When donating to these special causes, it is my most sincere hope that donations are made purely on the basis of wanting to help the organization, and the fanciers who are in need, without consideration for what win that donation may get them down the road. Kudos to all of those who continue to make generous gifts and donations to so many causes that support our sport. It is my hope that those that have accepted the challenge to raise funds, and who may also be judges, can find appropriate ways to show their appreciation for those that support their various fundraising efforts that do not involve ribbons and wins. We are all lucky to be a part of this family, and should be able to show appreciation to each other the good old-fashioned way!
Thanks to everyone for your great comments about last week’s topic about staying for group judging. The topic of showing in both the NOHS group and regular group when a dog wins BOB and NOHS BOB was discussed as well. Some were not certain about whether or not it was appropriate to not show in the NOHS group if they were planning on exhibiting in the regular group. I believe that, in this case, the owner/handler must have a priority if a choice needs to be made. I believe that all exhibitors will agree with me that the decision should be made, first and foremost, with the well-being of the dog in mind. If it is hot, or the weather is otherwise inclement, a choice may need to be made. If the dog does not have the stamina to go from one group to another, consideration should be made. In order to be able to make what could be a split-second decision, if the exhibitor has pre-established priorities (i.e. NOHS rankings vs. All Breed rankings), that decision will be easy. It would not be a bad idea to seek out the judge for the group where the dog was not exhibited in order to explain your decision and avoid hard feelings or a misunderstanding.
Asia hosted a few US judges this past week! Grace Fritz was able to knock another item off of her bucket list by traveling to Shanghai and enjoy some time sightseeing. Jason Hoke was off to Japan once again to judge and Peggy Beisel-Mcilwaine was judging there, too. We wish you all safe travels back to the States!
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club recently sent out a communication to judges reiterating how the breed should be judged. I applaud the club for this effort. I think that more communication like this should be sent to the judging community when it addresses specific concerns a parent club may have about how their breed is judged.
Our fancy has lost another friend in Chris Walkowicz. Chris was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Our condolences go out to her friends and family at this most difficult time.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Michael Shepherd, Dorothy Schuerman, Vicki Mauk, Sandi Olsen, Robert Scott, David Stout, Daniel Magee, Val Atkinson, Colton Johnson, Debby Smith and Julie Lee.
Happy Anniversary to Paul Clas and Chrystal Murray! Take a bit of time out of your busy travel schedule to enjoy time with each other!
I leave you with this thought for the week: Stop being jealous of people in their winning season. You do not know what they lost in their losing season!
Be safe out there my friends!!! Until next time…
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