Table Talk – June 12, 2019
Another Woofstock is in the books and, by all accounts, a good time was had by all! The cluster committee works very hard to make this event a positive exhibitor and spectator experience with entertainment ranging from wonderful judge/exhibitor hospitality to music, a costume contest and a lovely pee-wee event. I’m not sure why, but the music playing throughout the day definitely creates a positive atmosphere!
One thing that is beyond the Cluster Committee’s control is the crime problem at the nearby Courtyard Hotel. Unfortunately, a few vehicles were broken into there, some in broad daylight. There are a few hotel options about 10-15 minutes away in an area called American Canyon. Folks planning on attending Woofstock next year who are looking for hotel accommodations may want to consider looking into this area as an alternative to the nearby hotel.
A reminder to everyone to please send me birthdays, anniversaries, trips, and other interesting information that you think the fancy will enjoy! In addition, we are still in National Specialty season, and I’d love to include your National Specialty win in Table Talke for everyone to see!
Thanks to those of you who introduced yourselves to me this past weekend. I enjoy chatting with folks and hearing your ideas regarding what you would like to read every week in Table Talk. In addition, I’d love to hear your ideas of what you think would be interesting or fun for our Table Talk Live! coverage.
One of the topics discussed with a couple of people this past weekend relates to courtesy between exhibitors and judges. I believe that we all need to be cognizant of how our action or reaction to the judge’s decision can be perceived. We should try to remember that a positive attitude is always good for our sport. When you enter a dog, you are paying for a judge’s opinion on that day. If the result you get is less than you had hoped for, snatching a ribbon out of the judge’s hand, or using other negative body language is unsportsmanlike conduct and can possibly result in a bench show hearing. However, it is also not appropriate for a judge to respond negatively to this type of behavior, which can exacerbate the situation. Whichever side of the ring we are on, we should think about how our reaction appears, not only to the individual being responded to, but everyone else who is witnessing the behavior. This is the type of behavior that scares away the new exhibitor and makes our sport appear less than sportsmanlike. We all have to take the good with the bad–judges and exhibitors alike. Here’s hoping we can all keep a positive attitude while in and around the rings. Enjoy those victorious moments and use those moments that may be less than we had hoped for as a learning experience. If this is not possible for you, take a good look at your situation and determine why you are involved in the sport. No one enters a dog show hoping to lose. We all want to win. Count your blessings that you are able to be involved in the sport and think about how you can give back to it. If it looks like someone (judge, exhibitor, spectator, etc.) is having a bad day, show them a little kindness and try to turn the situation around!
A couple weeks ago, Joe Walton had to leave the Staten Island Kennel Club shows a bit early to tend to his wife who took a fall while he was away. Best wishes to her for a speedy recovery.
I was saddened to hear that Australian Cattle Dog fancier Robby Hughes passed away last week. Robby was liked by all and was always there to lend a helping hand regardless of who was in need. He will be sorely missed by the fancy.
Desi Murphy is off on a foreign judging assignment again! This time he is spending 12 days in Korea, and having a bit of fun, I am sure. Safe travels, my friend.
June has always been a busy wedding month! Celebrating wedding anniversaries this week are: Correy and Sarah Krickeberg; Annie Balotti-Paleen and Chris, her hubby of 10 years; Cheryl and Keith Robbins who are celebrating 54 years of marriage; and Colton and Heather Johnson who tied the knot 14 years ago. Happy Anniversary to all and may you enjoy many more years of love, health and happiness!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Geoff Browne, Jeanie Ayala, Patti Neale, Tim Ball and DeeDee Wells.
Please enjoy the moment, my friends. If you see someone that looks down, take a minute and give them a happy thought and words of encouragement. Be safe out there! Until next time…
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