Table Talk
I hope many of you were able to spend the 4th of July holiday at home with family and friends. I was fortunate to return from Ventura on Monday evening and spend all day Tuesday at home. The weather in Ventura was fabulous this year: perfect weather for the canines! It seemed to me as if the cluster has lost a few specialties, and vendor row was slower than normal. I hope the cluster can recover some of the specialties and some entries for next year’s shows. The fairgrounds at the beach is a terrific venue and there are many nearby hotels that are dog friendly and right on the beach. I was fortunate to be able to enjoy a get-together with friends on Saturday night which has become an annual tradition. I truly look forward to attending this cluster every year.
We had a lengthy discussion this past weekend about AKC’s supposed practice of issuing judging licenses to individuals who have been suspended for animal cruelty. I am curious as to what the reasoning is behind this practice if it is happening. It is my hope that the individual who raised this issue misunderstood AKC’s policies and that, in fact, AKC would only grant a judging license, increase breeds, etc. if the individual was found not guilty of such a crime. I’ll contact AKC directly about this accusation and will report back to you after I get an answer.
The other hot topic of discussion this past weekend concerned the issue of inappropriate behavior as it relates to sexual harassment toward an exhibitor by a judge. I will check on the proper procedure to file a complaint with AKC and hope to have their position regarding this issue to share with you as well.
The fund-raising raffle held by the Southern Handlers Charity League at the Oklahoma Cluster raised $750. Congratulations once again to everyone involved.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Anne Legge. Anne was a long-time Bloodhound breeder and judge who was well-liked and respected by all that knew her. Condolences to Anne’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Jorge Olivera continues to battle an arm/shoulder injury: Here’s hoping that his wing heals soon and he is back to normal. His wife, Susie, and their very capable assistant, Kate Batzner, are doing double duty to ensure all dogs are shown to their maximum potential while Jorge nurses his injured limb!
Loren Morgan broke his foot while running and is sidelined for awhile. We hope to see Loren back in the ring soon.
It seems many of our AKC judges are spreading their knowledge around the globe. Doug Johnson and Jamie Hubbard have returned from China where they were judging. Susan Carr and Marge Calltharp are in Sweden judging. Meanwhile, French Bulldog fancier and judge Diane Burvee is in Australia taking in the sights.
Happy Birthday wishes to John Keil, Rod Ott, Laura King, Ron Spritzer and Foy Trent.
Part 2 of the Southern death march begins Thursday in Dallas. Hang in there everyone! I know all of you can do it!!!
Take care my friends and please don’t forget to be kind to your fellow exhibitors. As we begin to tire, our tolerance can diminish and little things don’t seem quite so little. Take a breath and hug a pooch!
Until next time…..
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