Table Talk – August 1, 2018
I took a drive up to Waukesha, Wisconsin to check in on my friends from the Midwest this past weekend. These are shows I used to attend with great regularity when I lived in the greater Chicagoland area and they were always very well run by Esmae and Al Treen and their club members. I was delighted to see that the show grounds are still lovely, and the show committee has worked very hard to maintain a well-run cluster. The weather was beautiful, which is something I don’t remember about these shows! My memories were of oppressive heat! I was so happy for the exhibitors and show volunteers that the weather gods were in everyone’s favor. This year the entry was right around 1200, which is significantly smaller than the entry I remember from 15 years ago, but that is a sign of the times; hopefully the entry at this cluster will continue to grow and will regain its 2500-plus status from years gone by. Congratulations to the hard-working show committee – keep up the great work my friends!
There has been a great deal of discussion recently about the AKC proposal that is on the table that would allow single entries in each sex to compete for Best of Winners and one point toward a conformation championship. AKC’s intent with this proposal is to continue to develop interest and address some frustration on the part of exhibitors, primarily in the low entry breeds. The consensus that I am hearing from the fancy is a significant concern that this policy would further dilute the AKC Championship. While I applaud the AKC for continuing to “think outside the box” to maintain and grow our sport, my current opinion is consistent with that of my fellow fanciers regarding the proposal in its current form. If there was a way to allow this only for the very low-entry breeds, my (and others) opinion may change. Further, my opinion that there are too many dog shows comes to play here: If AKC was to reduce the number of dog shows, there would be more exhibitors at the available shows and perhaps putting something like this on the table would not be necessary. The number of dog shows is diluting the entries across the country!!
I got a lovely note from Junior Cully Leck this week regarding a great experience that he had with a professional handler. Cully had to change Juniors dogs and found himself winning the breed and going into the group for the first time in his young career. Cully was smart and asked for a bit of guidance from Tuni Conti. Not only did Tuni help him, but went one step further and took Cully under her wing, gave him guidance and comforting support to make his first time in the group a positive experience! A huge thank you to Tuni for your kindness and professionalism, and way to go Cully for taking the opportunity to learn and seek out help to make that experience as educational and positive as it could be! Novice exhibitors should take note that there are people willing to help. Please feel free to ask. To those of you that run those big left-handed circles on a regular basis: Keep an eye out for the deer in the headlights look, and HELP those folks so they come back!!! (Note!! I LOVE emails like this – please keep them coming!)
A note of caution to all my friends about leaving your belongings, wallets, valuable grooming equipment, etc. laying around at the shows: Sadly times have changed and things are not as safe as they once were. I am hearing more and more stories of grooming equipment, purses, wallets, etc. disappearing. It may make sense to lock up your belongings in your vehicle, or bring a lock for your “junk crate”.
Our thoughts are with our California friends who may be affected by the current fires. Please be safe and check in and let us know that you are okay.
Michelle Michael has begun her journey across country from Texas to Southern California to join her husband Eduardo. Safe travels my friend and I look forward to seeing you out in Southern Cal.
Bill Shelton and Steve Leyerly have purchased property in Mountain Grove, Missouri. They will maintain their place in California, but have been looking for more property in Missouri for quite some time. Best wishes with the new place my friends.
I was saddened to hear of the death of English Cocker Spaniel and AKC Judge Joyce Geshwiler at the age of 80. Our thoughts go out to her husband Bill and her family and friends.
Maureen McCreery gave us all a bit of scare when she had a minor heart attack. Fortunately, Maureen had a very brief hospital stay and is back home and doing well.
Jeffrey Pepper had an unexpected hospital stay in China when he contracted pneumonia. He had to be treated before he could travel back to the states. Get well soon my friend!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Michelle Starry, Roz Kramer, Glen Lajeski, Lisa Bettis, Lisa Miller, Taffe McFadden, Brian Almojera, Dona Garofalo, Cheryl Patterson, Kevin Nieboer and Ariana Rangel.
I hope to see many of you in Canfield, Ohio this week. Wherever your travels take you, please be careful and keep that positive attitude! Until next time…
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