Table Talk • September 23, 2020
Well, we had another busy (a relative term) weekend of shows and we are heading into another one this coming weekend! Some fanciers attended the four-day cluster in Superior, Wisconsin where entries were around 700, while others chose to attend shows in Aurora, Colorado (the first all-breed shows in Colorado since the pandemic began in March) where the cluster enjoyed a daily entry of in excess of 1100. The Mount Ogden Kennel Club held four shows in Logan, Utah, which was the third consecutive cluster of shows in Utah. These shows were rescheduled from their original dates in May, and everyone who attended could not be more complimentary about the beautiful show grounds and the way the cluster was run. With an entry that exceeded 1100 dogs, Saturday’s Best In Show was judged in the dark due to a weather delay, but it didn’t stop them from finishing the show! This cliché still holds true: The Show Must Go On!
Congratulations to all the volunteers who worked so hard to put on these dog shows. All your hard work behind the scenes to make your clusters happen is much appreciated by all.
This week is shaping up to be busier than the last! With a five-day cluster in Tampa, Florida, a five-day cluster in Enumclaw, Washington and a rescheduled, relocated Northern California show that has moved to Reno, Nevada, along with shows in Fargo, North Dakota and Belton, Texas, there will be a lot to keep up with this week as well. Nothing makes me happier than trying to keep track of multiple shows on a weekend……like the good ole days!
Entries for the Atlanta, Georgia cluster scheduled for October 14-18 opened this past Monday. Entries will close September 30th or when the entry reaches 2400 dogs, whichever occurs first. The premium list and entry form can be found at www.onofrio.com
At last, East Coasters are going to enjoy shows in the Virginia area! Two five-day clusters have been put together on consecutive weeks in Doswell, Virginia at the Meadow Event Park. First off, the Last Minute Cluster will be held October 21 -25. This cluster, comprised of the Chesapeake Kennel Club of Maryland, the Penn Treaty Kennel Club, the Greater Philadelphia Dog Fanciers Association, and the Wilmington Kennel Club has published their premium list and entries will open September 23rd. The superintendent for this cluster is Rau Dog Shows. The premium list and entry form can be found at www.raudogshows.com. A lot of hard work went into making this cluster happen at the 11thhour, hence the name!
The following week (October 28-November 1), the Hunt Country Cluster–comprised of the Middleburg Kennel Club, the Charlottesville-Albermarle Kennel Club, the Warrenton Kennel Club and the Old Dominion Kennel Club–will take place. The superintendent for these shows is MB-F. The premium list and entry form can be found at www.infodog.com.
The Columbus, Ohio cluster scheduled for November 12-15 has been relocated from the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus to the Royal Canin Ring in Wilmington, Ohio–for this year only–due to issues concerning COVID-19. The entry will be limited to 1500 dogs. Stay tuned for more information regarding the premium list and opening date. A big thank you to the cluster committee for the perseverance and dedication that has been necessary to make this cluster occur.
As more shows occur, some have a tendency to take the shows and those volunteers that make them happen for granted. Treating all volunteers with respect and kindness will help ensure that our shows continue. Many volunteers that are trying to help multiple clusters with their shows are beginning to burn out. The primary reason for this burn-out is the negativity that they endure from unappreciative exhibitors and fanciers. Please go out of your way to thank the volunteers that you encounter. They are all working very hard for our sport!
A reminder to fanciers that have used infodog.com for all of your show entries: The Infodog website is only accepting entries for MB-F superintended shows until further notice.
Our sport suffered a great loss over the past week. Long-time handler and multiple group judge Gary Doerge passed away after an extended illness. Gary will be remembered for his quick wit and fun spirit. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. The Canine Chronicle sends condolences to Gary’s family and friends at this sad time.
The 2016 Westminster Kennel Club winner, “CJ” aka GCh. VJK-Myst California Journey, has passed away. “CJ” was piloted to his Best In Show Win in 2016 by his breeder/owner and best friend, Val Nunes-Atkinson. While “CJ” was an important sire in the breed, a great show dog and ambassador for not only the breed, but the sport of purebred dogs in general, “CJ – The Prince” was Val’s heart dog, companion and best friend. Our most sincere condolences to Val, Antonio Vidmar and everyone whose lives CJ touched.
I was shocked to see that the IX Center in Cleveland, Ohio will be closing at the end of the year. I know many of you join me in having fond many memories of showing at the “Christmas Cluster” at the IX Center in Ohio in December. I also have many memories of driving home from the IX Center in blizzard conditions!!!
At the beginning of the pandemic, I joined a Facebook group started by retired handler and AKC Judge Virginia Murray called Dog People Can Cook! Virginia started the group in March and it now has 2200 members who have shared over 6,000 recipes and photos! I encourage fanciers interested in cooking to join. It is great fun and I have made many recipes shared by my fellow fanciers! Virginia can be reached by Facebook Messenger for an invite.
Celebrating anniversaries this week are Cindy and David Stroupe and Paul Clas and Chrystal Murray. Enjoy your special day, my friends, and may you have many more, happy healthy years to come.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Sam Marquis, Colton Johnson, Julie Lee, Vesta Rash, Linda Pitts, Mandy Clevenger, Kristina Rock, Erika Lanasa, and Monica Bowers. May you all have a fun-filled day with loved ones and friends!
My thought for this week is: Don’t give up on this year. Keep fighting for the good. Keep showing up. Keep loving. Keep giving back. Keep being kind. Keep being brave. Keep caring. Keep trying new things. Keep showing grace. Keep on. The world needs you to believe in the good!
Be safe my friends and good luck at the shows! Travel safe and be well! Until next time…
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