Table Talk • June 11, 2025
I just returned from America’s ultimate festival of showdogs, better known as Woofstock. This year the cluster was three days with one day of specialties and two days of All Breed shows hosted by the Contra Costa Kennel Club. Friday was the specialty day, and there were at least 35 specialties, with some clubs hosting two shows in one day. In my opinion, more people dressed up and got into the spirit this year on Friday than in years past!
As the club promised, the format of the cluster was the same–a celebration of peace, love, and dogs! As in previous years, the hospitality is second to none and the experience would put a smile on anyone’s face. The Woofstock Boutique, which is a fund-raising effort, was as successful as ever with anxious fanciers trying to find that perfect t-shirt or sweatshirt for themselves, their friends, or their dogs. Every year I feel fortunate to be able to attend this event, and I can’t wait to return the next year. Thank you to one and all for your hard work to make this very special, epic event happen!
I had a conversation with a couple of long-time exhibitors about the issue of club members showing their own dogs at their club’s show. This is not a new topic for exhibitors, and, in my humble opinion, we need to have an open mind when thinking about this issue. Put yourself in the place of a fancier who lives in a remote location such as Montana or Wyoming. Dog shows in those areas are few and far between, and I do not think that a club wants to lose any volunteers because they want to show their dog. I hope we can all understand the hundreds of miles these folks normally have to drive to show their dogs. Maybe exhibitors can work together to come up with a solution, and those attending shows can relate to the predicament many clubs face when trying to find volunteers currently.
Another popular topic of discussion came up. This concerned judges exhibiting. This is a topic I covered during Table Talk Live! in Louisville this year and several judges and exhibitors gave great reasons about why they think it is good for our sport to have judges continue to exhibit their dogs.
I recently had a discussion with a judge who is currently campaigning a top dog. The dog is exhibited by a handler. This judge gave Best In Show to a dog of the same breed who is in direct competition to their dog. The judge said they think it is a really good dog that was deserving of the win. What this should demonstrate to the fancy is it is possible to remain objective. Hopefully, others will take note.
It is with a heavy heart that I pass on the sad news that Alan Hargrave passed away peacefully at home last week surrounded by loved ones. Alan put up a valiant fight against kidney disease. After a lengthy time on dialysis, Alan’s dreams came true, and he received a kidney transplant. I wrote about it several weeks ago. He was so excited that he was going to get more of his life back, and when he was released from the hospital after his transplant he was bursting with joy. Sadly, not long after the transplant, things went south and after putting up another fight, Alan made the decision to stop treatment. Alan Hargrave was a kind, generous soul who touched many lives with his warmth, humor, and strength. His presence made the world a better place and his memory will live on in everyone who had the honor of knowing him. He was known for his amazing cooking and later got interested in quilting. Of course, he did that well, too! Rest in peace, Alan. You will be sorely missed by your dog show family.
I was surprised to see Joyce Vanek using a walker and a cane recently. Apparently, Joyce broke her pelvis falling off a horse! That did not seem to stop her, as she has already been out judging!
Happy anniversary to Correy and Sarah Krickeberg. It seems like only yesterday that you two lovebirds got hitched! Best wishes for many more happy, healthy years ahead!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Daniel Chavez, Jordan Olivera Turen, Cathy Schaefer, Adam Levy, Jeanie Caffall Ayala, Patti Neale, Derek Glas, and Ryan Horvath. Celebrate in style and may all your dreams for the next year come true.
Here’s a thought to consider: Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.
Be safe out there, my friends. I look forward to seeing you soon! Until next time…
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