Table Talk • January 7, 2026
The 2026 show season is off to a great start! I was very fortunate to celebrate the kickoff to 2026 in Palm Springs! (Actually, it’s Indio, but anybody who is anybody knows it’s the Kennel Club of Palm Springs). Not only is ‘Palm Springs’ the largest dog show in Southern California, it is the largest outdoor dog show in the country. The Empire Polo Grounds is, in my opinion, the most beautiful venue for a dog show! This year the format changed, and specialties and group shows were held on Friday. This was followed by three days of all-breed shows on Saturday through Monday. As clubs are faced with difficult financial decisions, I take my hat off to the volunteers of the Kennel Club of Palm Springs for making difficult decisions find a way to afford a venue as special as the Empire Polo Grounds.
As I was sitting in the tent taking a video of the groups, I was smiling from ear to ear. I had a front row seat to watch handlers establishing relationships with their new dogs and, in some cases, enjoying some special moments with their charges that will be retiring at Westminster. Some dogs are continuing their career. It was fun to note how much those dogs have improved since their debut 12 months ago.
A group of fanciers who have been friends for decades have been talking for a couple years about celebrating special friends while they are still with us and active in the sport. They are calling it the “Be Like” club. The first of those celebrations was held at Palm Springs, where the Kennel Club of Palm Springs was kind enough to donate tent space to hold the inaugural event. Over 200 people attended. They laughed and cried while celebrating the career of Andy Linton. The format was a combination of “roasts”, “thank you’s”, and favorite memories. Watching the purebred dog community come together to cherish a friend is a beautiful sight to see.
I had the opportunity to meet several foreign judges at the show. It was wonderful to hear about the reach The Canine Chronicle has around the world! Thank you for keeping up with the sport of purebred dogs in the USA via all the coverage provided by CC–including Table Talk Live!
Our sport lost a great entrepreneur, artist, and loving fancier recently. Chris Christensen passed away last week at the age of 87. Chris was known for his dedication to his dogs, his love of his art, and his dedication to his wife. Most of us have at least one, if not more, grooming products from Chris Christensen in our tack box. Rest well, my friend. You will be missed.
Many fanciers were shocked at the sudden loss of Coco (Colette) Seror (Secher) last week. I met Coco when I got involved with the International Kennel Club many, many years ago. She was welcoming, supportive, and so very kind. That began a friendship that lasted many years. I was sad when Coco told me she was moving to California, but happy she was able to fulfill her dream! The fancy will be a much less colorful place without you, Coco.
I am equally sad to report that Heidi Martin passed away. This amazing lady was known for her incredible talent as an artist. She was a sweet soul and recently found her home in Weston, Missouri where she continued with her art, and enjoyed a wonderful circle of friends. Condolences to Midge Martin and the rest of Heidi’s family and friends at this most difficult time.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Debbie Melgreen, Kayley Kovar, Laurie Green, Harry Miller, Cliff Weiser, Tammy Seidlitz, Colette Livingston-Keith, Chandler Thomas Becker, Lila Holberg, Chris Erickson, Garry Newton, Eileen Hackett, and Ken Latimer. Best wishes for a prosperous, fun-filled year ahead to one and all!
Westminster is right around the corner, my friends! Don’t forget to make those reservations! I look forward to seeing everyone there for our next Table Talk Live broadcast!
As we start the new year, here is a thought we should all consider: Be silly. Be fun. Be different. Be crazy. Be you, because life is too short to be anything but happy!
If your travels bring you to Portland, please stop by the Purina booth and say hi! I look forward to seeing you all in the new year. Safe travels to all! Until next time…
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