Table Talk • July 9, 2025
The July issue of the Canine Chronicle is out! You can read it online or pick it up at an upcoming show. This month’s Publisher’s comments – https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/from-the-publisher-65/, written by our editor and publisher Tom Grabe, really struck a nerve with me.
In today’s climate, with the potential for two shows in one day, all the non-regular special events, concurrent specialties, etc., a judge could put their hands on well over 200 dogs in one day! At shows like the Renaissance Cluster that has multiple specialties, a handler and dog could show three times in one day, or twelve times during the cluster. If a professional handler brings a string of dogs and is fortunate (or unfortunate) enough to specialize in a breed that has specialties–in addition to the regular All-Breed show–the number of times that handler runs left-handed circles with each dog is staggering. Of course, anyone has the choice of whether they want to enter and exhibit at all the shows during the cluster or not. Tom wrote, “There has to be a limit to how much fun we can have in one day.” We all should be cognizant of how much “fun” our dogs can take, how much “fun” exhibitors and owners can take, and how much “fun” the judges can take. There is only so much that dogs, handlers, and judges can take!
I have never judged over 200 dogs in one day. I have judged national specialty sweepstakes with a decent entry and when I was done, I was exhausted! I have good friends that were professional handlers and have moved on to judging. These seasoned fanciers showed a full string of dogs, many that required extensive grooming, and all said that judging all day and doing one group is exhausting – at least as exhausting as exhibiting a string of dogs. It gives us all something to think about.
The Keystone Cluster is coming up in early August. I must say that this is not just a fantastic dog show, but it’s an opportunity to give back to the sport by participating in the annual Penn Ridge Charitable Foundation fundraiser. This year’s fundraiser will be held on Saturday, August 9th after the show. The theme this year is superheroes! Who wouldn’t want to dress up as their favorite superhero and enjoy an evening with fellow fanciers. If you would like to purchase raffle tickets for the annual raffle with great prizes like $5,000 cash, high-end electronics, trips, artwork, and so much more, look for Holley Eldred, Blake Hansen, Lois DeMers, Tuni Conti, and Kevin Chestnut… they are assisting with ticket sales. Tickets cost $10 each, and there is a discounted rate if you buy multiple tickets. There will even be a consolation prize for those who do not win any of the “big” prizes! The Penn Ridge Charitable Foundation and Penn Ridge Kennel Club have raised more than $350,000 to date with proceeds going to Take The Lead, the George Ward Scholarship Fund, and many other very worthy causes supporting fanciers and canines. Also, don’t forget the handler raffle! I look forward to spending a very special evening with everyone. If you are unable to attend, I will bring you Table Talk Live! coverage from the event, including the raffle drawing(s)!!
The sport of purebred dogs suffered great loss last week with the passing of Brian Meyer. Brian was a professional handler for 31 years before retiring to begin his judging career in 1999. Brian and his wife Cindy piloted dogs in all 7 groups to Best In Show. He was one of those judges that always had fun doing what he loved. His positive attitude made showing under him fun for all exhibitors whether seasoned and brand new. Brian and Cindy were married for 57 years. So many in the sport will miss Brian immensely. Our sincere condolences to Cindy, Lynn, Kent, and the rest of the Meyer family at this very sad time.
The Bulldog community also lost a pillar of their breed this past week. Connie Chambers of Legend Bulldogs passed away. Connie, in tandem with Cody Sickle of Cherokee Bulldogs, set the bar high for the breed. The Bulldog world, the dog world, and our society is better for having had Connie as a part of it. Connie lived up to the moniker of ‘Legend’!
Congratulations to Sarah (Congleton) Houston and Ben Houston on your marriage last week. Sarah’s brother, Tanner, contributed to the wedding fun by bringing the Fireball! Best wishes to Sarah and Ben for the BEST life ahead!
And then there were four! The Escobedo/Whitmore family celebrates their new addition! Araceli Adele Escobedo was born July 1st weighing in at 6lb. 14 oz. and 19.5 inches long. Alfonso was able to hang up his lead for a short time to welcome “Baby A” into the world. Ashlie is holding down the fort while Alfonso returns to the ring with their string of dogs. Welcome to the world “Baby A”! We cannot wait to meet you.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Ron Spritzer, Steve Dainard, Linda Rowell, Tom Pincus, Jim Augustus, Jamie Larkman, Dan Buchwald, and Arlene Davis. Have a great birthday celebration, and may the year ahead bring you all health and happiness!
Here’s a thought to consider for the week ahead: In a society that has you counting money, pounds, calories, and steps, be a rebel and count your blessings instead.
Be safe out there, my friends. I am excited to see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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