Table Talk · September 8, 2021
I had the pleasure to attend the Blue Grass Cluster at the Lexington, Kentucky Horse Park this past weekend. It has been several years since I had the pleasure of going to the horse park AND attending the cluster. Those of you who have not had the opportunity to go to the Kentucky Horse Park should put it on your bucket list! What better excuse then to attend a dog show over the Labor Day holiday weekend! Each morning when I arrived, I stopped my car and watched the horses who were turned out to frolic, play, and beautifully trot across their respective paddocks. What an amazing start to my day! Horses are indeed good for the soul.
The volunteers of the Blue Grass Cluster did not disappoint. Their hard work paid off and a good, safe time was had by all! Thank you so much to one and all for your effort, hospitality, and dedication. It was a great cluster!
Due to rising costs, many clubs are electing not to send premium lists through the US Mail and instead are emailing premiums, or links to premium lists. In my opinion, this is a great move toward saving costs, and being more eco-friendly! The key to success here is to read the premiums when they come to your inbox, at least for the shows you plan to attend! If you are anything like me, you do not open the emails that are not relevant for the moment. Unfortunately, being uninformed could create issues when you arrive at the show. Assuming things are status quo, especially in today’s climate, may leave you with unpleasant surprises. Learn from your colleagues here, my friends! Look at those premium lists as soon as they are available!
After many years of service to the American Kennel Club and the fancy, Patty Proctor retired at the end of August. Patty leaves big shoes to fill. Cliff Steele is in training to replace Patty’s executive field representative role in the East and Sandy D’Andrea has been promoted to Field Director of Conformation, replacing Patty’s role. Best wishes to Patty on her retirement, and best of luck to Cliff and Sandy!
Last week I wrote about the concern regarding judge’s competency. A few of you contacted me asking what is the right thing to do if you find yourself in a situation where the judge obviously is having difficulty fulfilling his or her responsibilities? While it may be a bit awkward, I would go to the AKC Executive Field Representative and/or the show chair and voice concern about the situation. You should be prepared to describe, in detail, why you feel the judge is struggling. Please remember, compassion is so important. If a situation in the ring is uncomfortable, you can ask the ring steward to contact the field representative to come to the ring.
I am pleased to report that Lisa Miller has been released from the hospital ahead of schedule. Keep up the good work, Lisa. We are all pulling for you and eager to have you back at the shows. To those of you who participated in the Custom Ink Fundraiser, wear your awesome #millerstrong t-shirts with pride, and thank you so much for your support!!
I could not be happier to announce that Janice Hayes and Eric Ciceron got engaged on their beautiful Hawaiian vacation!!!! Janice and Eric have been together for 8 years and this marks a new chapter in their lives. Congratulations to the newly engaged couple, and best wishes for a continued happy, healthy life together!
Ken Greenslade began the next chapter in his fight against Myelofibrosis as he received his much-anticipated stem cell transplant. This transplant would not have been possible without the bone marrow donor. Please consider Donating organs, blood, and tissue whenever possible. It is has saved so many in our society.
It is with great sadness to report the news that Bobby Paust passed away this past weekend from a massive heart attack. Bobby, with his wife Lori by his side, was working very hard to return to normalcy after a severe stroke a couple of years ago. Recently, Bobby was back out to a couple of shows with Lori, and he was even able to get around in a cart, on his own. He would want to be remembered for his wit, kindness, and sportsmanship. Our sincere sympathies to Lori, Bobby’s children, and other family members at this most difficult time.
Celebrating anniversaries this week are Pam and Bob Lambie, Karen and Sam Mammano, and Debbie and Steve Melgreen. Enjoy the moment my friends, and may you have many, many more happy, healthy years of wedded bliss.
We have several fanciers celebrating birthdays this week. They are Darla Daugherty, Loen Irons, Bonnie Datema, Kim Calvacca, Lisa Thomas, Lorraine Rainwater, Diane Baker and Jessica Sanchez.
I am looking forward to seeing everyone that will be attending Morris & Essex, and the Montgomery County Kennel Club week! I will do my best to keep those who cannot join us informed, and provide fun Table Talk Live! coverage for the week. Please reach out to me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com if you would like to participate in our coverage.
Please do not forget to thank our hard-working volunteers. If you have a bit of extra time, offer a hand. There continues to be a severe shortage of stewards at almost all shows. Offer a bit of help if you have time. Those stewarding assignments will come in handy when you apply for your judge’s license!!!!
Be safe in your travels and I look forward to seeing you down the road! Until next time…
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