Table Talk – November 21, 2018
What??? Thanksgiving is tomorrow! In just a couple of weeks thousands of fanciers from all over the world will be heading to Orlando, Florida for the 2018 AKC National Championship week. In case you have not heard, the entry for this show is over 5,000 dogs! It is hard to believe that another year is coming to a close. This may be a good time for all of us to reflect on the past year and consider all we have to be thankful for including: Friends, family, new relationships, new experiences, knowledge we have gained in the past year, the opportunity to spend time with great dogs and great friends, and please let the list go on.
I spent the last week in Tucson, Arizona at the Coyote Cluster. The hard-working cluster committee put on a great show once again. There are some logistics that I am certain they will address next year. One in particular relates to the slippery floor in the indoor facility. As part of the changes, I am sure they will address the scheduling issues as well. Group judging that starts at 3:15 on the last day of the show with an entry less than 800 dogs and empty rings the majority of the day was not well-received. This show has the potential to return to the 2,000-plus dogs it was “back in the day”. With shows on the other side of Tucson the week prior, and the Fiesta Cluster the following week in Scottsdale, the Coyote Cluster has a great opportunity for growth. I will be sure to keep all informed of the Committee’s plans for managing the ring re-configuration, the logistic challenges, timing, etc. for next year. The clubs are working very hard to address all of these issues.
I am so proud of the fancy for the efforts made on behalf of the California wildfire victims. Nestle Purina agreed to donate all dog food and treats that remained after the Coyote Cluster to the fire victims. Val Nunes-Atkinson agreed to take all donated food to Fido Pet Food bank’s designated destination. Laurie Fenner and her family donated the majority of their prizes of food, and Dick Greaver followed suit by donating several bags of food, too. Bill and Taffe McFadden will be making a trip during the holiday week to take blankets and supplies to those human victims in need. Kudos to all of those that continue to open their hearts and generously donate to those who so badly need our support at this time.
I am sad to report that Whippet fancier Suzi Fosnot and her husband lost their home and all of their belongings in the California fire. Fortunately, they were able to get their dogs and horses off the property. They are staying with friends and beginning the recovery process. Our thoughts and prayers are with Suzi and her husband at this difficult time in their lives.
It was great to see Moe Miyagawa at the Tucson shows this past week. I was even happier when I learned that Moe drove himself to the show! He is looking good and gets stronger every day.
The American Kennel Club has established several programs in the recent past to develop interest and attempt to help our sport grow. Among those programs are the 4-6 month puppy competition and the National Owner Handler Series. There has been a bit of confusion regarding the eligibility guidelines for these programs. The current guidelines do not allow handlers, handler’s assistants or family members of handlers to exhibit in the 4-6 month puppy competition, however their puppies can be exhibited by a non-professional handler. Judges are eligible to show their puppies in the 4-6 month puppy competition. Professional Handlers are not eligible to exhibit in the National Owner Handler Series, however, judges are eligible to exhibit if they satisfy the other eligibility requirements. AKC has “tweaked” the guidelines for these programs since their inception. If individuals have feedback relating to program guidelines, I encourage you to write to Tim Thomas, VP of Judging Operations at AKC.
One of the most discussed topics about our sport today is how to attract new participants and maintain their interest. In my humble opinion, part of that outreach is doing everything that we can to ensure positive exhibitor experience. While I recognize that judging 175 dogs in a day can be difficult at times, I believe that judges need to assess their ability to perform their duties from time to time, including their attitude toward the task at hand. Judges that are cranky to exhibitors are not doing our sport any favors. This behavior could affect a new exhibitor returning to show their dog in the future. We can add all of the programs we want, but the individuals facing the public are even more critical than the added classes, extra ribbons and new programs. I encourage everyone to report what they might consider to be inappropriate behavior toward exhibitors to the show chairman or an AKC representative.
We wish a Happy 10th wedding anniversary to Clint and Karen Livingston. My, oh my, how time flies!
I was saddened to hear that Ibizan Hound fancier David Chubb passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Celebrating birthdays this holiday week are: Linda Rowley, Don Gillett, Shari Smith, Carla Vaughn, Ray Harrington, Courtney Bastian, Elizabeth Salewsky, Tami Luddeke, Heather Lindberg, Jeff Lawrence and Lea Plaut.
Be safe in your travels my friends and please take time for friends and family (and your canine family members, of course!). If you are attending shows this week, please take a moment to thank those Committee members that have taken time away from their family and friends to put on the show you are attending! Happy Thanksgiving to all!! Until next time…
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