Table Talk
Woofstock, otherwise known as “The Greatest Dog Show on Earth”, has come to a close for another year. When unable to attend, I always enjoy seeing the photos of all our friends dressed in their “Woofstock wear” and I continue to be impressed by the creativity of the vendors who maintain the spirit and “dress up” their booths for the best decorated vendor booth competition. With an entry of 2300-plus, the show continues to be one of the fancy’s favorite shows to attend and the absentee rate at this year’s event was unremarkable. A congratulatory shout-out to the Woofstock cluster committee for another job well done!
I am extremely proud of our fancy in general as most are taking all precautions necessary to guard against infection of the canine influenza. Everyone should keep in mind that each person who has done their research has a right to deal with this issue in the manner they feel is right. While some feel that vaccination is appropriate and the best approach for their dogs, others may take a different approach. What is important is that we do not judge other individuals for the manner which they decide to deal their dogs’ health issues. If we all continue to act responsibly, this issue will be behind us very soon.
Clint and Karen Livingston and family just returned from a Disneyland vacation. The photos of their little ones when they were surprised by mom and dad were awesome! It’s always good to see hard working handlers maintain a good balance of work and family. Sam and Karen Mammano are off to vacation on a Bermuda cruise…. enjoy my friends! Coincidentally, they stayed at the Double Tree in Newark the night before they departed on their ship, and lo and behold it was the host hotel for the AKC Delegate meeting and CHF meeting at the same time!
As I mentioned in an article on www.caninechronicle.com, there is now a SPAID (Shar-Pei Auto Immune Difficiency) test for Shar-Pei to determine the likelihood of Immune-mediated complications the breed has dealt with for as long as I can remember. This, of course, is an issue near and dear to me as this breed is my heart and soul. As with all new tests of this nature, there is a great deal of judgement that must be exercised in deciding what to do with the results. If all breeders drastically eliminate breeding stock based strictly on the numerical results, the gene pool will be so drastically reduced that there will be other issues of equal concern that will surface. It is my sincere hope that we in the Shar-Pei community will work together and optimize the effect of this test on our breed. Huge congratulations to Dr. Linda Tintle and her team for all of the work and dedication in getting this very important test off the ground!
Once again this year, the Iced Tea Cluster in Muncie, Indiana will sponsor a free exhibitor dinner. An exhibitor and a guest will be allowed. Tim Catterson asks that reservations be made no later than August 10th. You can find more information about the dinner on Tim’s Facebook page.
My most sincere sympathy to my friend Jan Ritchie Gladstone on the sudden loss of her husband, AKC Board member and judge Steve Gladstone. Steve passed away suddenly while they were in Australia judging.
Happy anniversary to Chip and Lorraine Rainwater, Michelle Michael and Edwardo Jordan, and Correy and Sarah Krickeberg. Birthday wishes to my dear friend Patty Haines, Patti Widick-Neale and Jorge Olivera.
I am off to the Blackfoot, ID and Billings MT portions of the Idaho/Montana circuit tomorrow. If you are there, please stop by the Purina booth and see me! Wherever your travels take you please be careful and please remember to be kind to your fellow exhibitors, and most importantly, give your pooches extra hugs. As the summer months heat up, exercise caution when walking your dogs on asphalt or cement and be mindful of signs of your dogs overheating.
Until next time my friends….
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