Table Talk
My column is a day late because I was in St. Louis with the Purina Pro Plan team for the past couple of days learning about the plans for the product portfolio for next year. The team meeting followed on the heels of the bi-annual Purina-sponsored Canine Health Foundation conference. Sadly, I missed the CHF conference but I received excellent feedback once again. If you have not had the opportunity to attend this conference, I highly recommend it. They always have excellent speakers with very interesting topics.
I enjoyed seeing the photos of our dog show family dressed in their western wear at the Take the Lead Fundraiser that was held in conjunction with the Penn Ridge cluster in Harrisburg this past weekend. As soon as they have the final figure of funds raised, I will update you! Charlie Olvis and Liz Muthard do an excellent job every year raising funds for this worthy cause. The party is always fun and has become a can’t-miss event. If you have not had the opportunity to attend, you should consider putting the cluster and fundraiser on your calendar for next year. Sadly, it was reported to me that several exhibitors left their parking spots with a mess upon departing the show. Please keep in mind folks that if you do not clean up your shavings and other trash, someone else – i.e. club members – must do it.
There will be a couple of educational opportunities for the next generation of dog handlers this coming weekend: The AKC Registered Handler program will be holding hands-on Junior Showmanship clinics at the shows in Enumclaw, Washington and Topeka, Kansas. This is always a great opportunity for our Junior Handlers to learn from the pros and gain confidence about showing dogs.
The power of social media continues to amaze me. Not only has Facebook increased the number of lost dogs being reunited with their families and significantly increased the number of homeless pets that find homes, but it also assists in summoning help when one of our fellow fanciers is in trouble. Just this week Jackie Johnson was in a car accident on her way to the Muncie, Indiana Iced Tea Cluster. Holley Eldred posted a plea for help on Facebook and in a matter of a few short minutes Ryan Wolfe was on his way to the rescue! Anyone that knows Ryan knows that he will never hesitate to pitch in and help a fellow fancier in need and, once again, Ryan to the Rescue! Hats off to Ryan for always being there when the need presents itself.
There were a couple of lovely destination weddings this past weekend to report. Kelly Wisch and Edwin Shupp were married at the Belizean Shores Resort in Belize. Courtney Kniola and Tony Vacha were married at Playa Del Carmen in Mexico. Best wishes to both couples for a lifetime of health and happiness!!!
Sincere best wishes to Brian Livingston and his lovely bride, Lori, who were married June 23rd. May the two of you enjoy a lifetime of happiness.
Susie Sosne continues to be hospitalized in an extended care facility. Those wishing to send cards to her can send them to: Susie Sosne, Select Specialty Hospital, Room 555, 401 S. Ballenger Highway, Flint, Michigan 48532. The facility does not allow flowers. Best wishes to Susie for a speedy recovery!
Positive thoughts to Karen Mammano whose father was moved to hospice care this past weekend. The dog show family pitched in to help so Karen could fly to Minnesota to be by her father’s side.
Condolences to Jeff and Vicki Mauk on the loss of Vicki’s mother. Vicki and her mom were very close and our thoughts go out to her during this difficult time.
It is with great sadness that we also say goodbye to an icon at MB-F. Rosie Berg passed away last week. We know Rosie is missed by her colleagues, the dog show exhibitors who knew her, and her family members.
Several Shar-pei fanciers along with friends and family of Beverly Thornton-Wall got together in Elk City, Oklahoma to remember her. Beverly was a bright light in the Shar-Pei world and is missed greatly.
I am sad to see Colton O’Shea return to Canada for his senior year of college and look forward to his return to the McFadden crew when he completes his senior year. It won’t be the same without you Colton!
We wish a happy one-year wedding anniversary to Larry Cornelius and Marcelo Veras. May there be many more to come!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Vincent Zuniaga, Brian Kurtis, Janice Hayes, Tony Carter, Antonio Vidmar, Sam Mammano and Anthony DiNardo.
Feel free to drop me a line about birthdays and anniversaries so we can help celebrate! Also, remember your friends love to live vicariously through all of your wonderful vacations.
Be safe my friends, and don’t forget that extra hug for your pooches! Until next time….
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