Table Talk • August 6, 2025
Nearly a week of shows in Canfield, Ohio leaves my heart full of hope for our sport! The depth of quality at every level–Breed, Group, and Best In Show–was amazing! The Best In Show lineups were so enjoyable to watch. For those of you who could not attend, please visit our Facebook page, and look at some of the in-ring videos. I guarantee you will have a smile on your face when you have finished watching the competition!
This was the second year the cluster utilized the new, modern building. While this is a significant change from clusters past, the volunteers worked very hard to make the show a great one for all! This year the clubs made several layout changes trying to improve on last year’s setup, and they are open to suggestions for 2026. A fifth day was added (on Wednesday) this year, and it had an amazing entry of around 1,200 dogs. Remember this my friends, Rome was not built in a day and big changes like this take a while to work through.
I would like to give a shout-out to Mark Kocab, Tina Turley-Kocab, JC (Joe Cirincione), and Antoinelle Vulpis for your kindness and hospitality. You really helped make the Table Talk Live coverage successful. You guys are awesome!
Many of you probably saw or heard that “Rupert” the Berger Picard escaped from the yard and went missing. Sadly, Rupert did not make it and passed away. Our hearts go out to the owners, handlers, and Rupert’s team at this very sad time.
This past weekend the power went out at the Kenner, Louisiana shows in the evening due to a transformer being hit. Kudos to AKC Rep, Jill Bell and the club volunteers for staying on top of the situation, being there to look after the dogs, and moving dogs into cooler spots as necessary until the handlers/owners could be notified. The power was restored around 11:40 PM. The Southern Handlers Charity League made social media announcements about the problem, and they were there to help until the power was restored.
For those who will be joining us at the Keystone Cluster this coming weekend, please do not forget to buy tickets to attend the Penn Ridge Kennel Club Charitable Foundation soiree on Saturday night following Best In Show. I will be there covering this awesome event with Table Talk Live. The theme this year is Superheroes. I would love to film as many folks as possible posing as your favorite superhero! This event raises funds for many important causes, so bring your wallets and have a great time with your friends.
For those of you planning to attend the Mountain Valley Cluster in Salem, VA this year, the dates have changed to October 15-19. This cluster was previously held this past weekend in competition for entries with Canfield.
Visitation for Frederick Kipp will be held at Thelen Funeral Services and Crematory, W309 S480 Commercial Drive, North Prairie, Wisconsin 53153 on Sunday, August 17 from 4-6 PM. The memorial service will immediately follow the visitation.
I just heard that Marion Bradshaw passed away on June 12th after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Those on the West Coast will remember Marion when she accompanied her husband, Jack, as superintendents for West Coast shows. Marion was funny, kind, witty, generous, and smart. Our sincere condolences to Julie Bradshaw Draper, Susan Bradshaw MacLyman, and the rest of Marion’s family at this very sad time.
Jorge and Susie Olivera are off to Hawaii for some well-deserved R&R! Have a great time on your trip.
Debbie Campbell-Freeman and Ron Freeman are off on a 3-week adventure to Rome, and a cruise to Sicily, Greece, and Turkey. Sounds like a trip of a lifetime! Enjoy the journey and safe travels!
Happy anniversary to Pam Tillotson-Desrosiers and Mark Desrosiers, and Jennifer Holmberg Baggenstos and John Baggenstos. We wish you many happy, prosperous years to come, my friends.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Devon Kipp Levy, Gustavo Molinari, Lisa Miller, Taffe McFadden, Brian Almojera, Shane Hooper, Cheryl Patterson, Edu Artero, Becky Arch, Susie Sosne, Lynn Meyer, Chris Nethery, Michelle Hanson, Amiko Allen, Zach Watkins, Earl Takahashi, David Salcido, Susan Patterson, and Kim Lourier. May your next trip around the sun be even better than the last.
Remember this my friends: “All great dogs have faults; they just carry them better.” – Bea Godsall
If your travels bring you to the Keystone Cluster, be sure to stop by the Purina Booth and say hi! Most importantly, I’ll see you at the party Saturday night!
Be safe out there. Until next time…
Short URL: http://caninechronicle.com/?p=334934
Posted by Comments are closed
