Table Talk
Recently, there have been rumblings that an exhibitor has been sending inappropriate gifts and messages to judges on upcoming panels where said exhibitor will be showing. These discussions have developed into what is and is not appropriate in this regard. Please remember we have a policy at The Canine Chronicle of steering away from anything involving rumor or innunendo and try our best to stick with news that is factual. However, we feel that a discussion regarding this issue may be valuable to our readers. AKC has established rules and guidelines for participants at dog shows that prohibit this type of behavior. Violations of these rules are punishable by suspension. Here is the exact rule from AKC’s Rules for Dealing with Misconduct:
SUSPENSION OF EVENT PRIVILEGES OFFENSES,
Section IV. Misconduct By or Directed Against a Judge
Line f. Attempting to influence a judge – Punishable by up to a 5 year suspension and a $1000 fine.
Please remember that judges are expected to be impartial and exhibitors are expected to be good sportsmen and sportswomen, which includes playing fair. Attempting to influence judges with gifts or promises is not tolerated by the American Kennel Club and should not be tolerated by judges or exhibitors.
Some people send group 1 or Best In Show photos to the judge AFTER a big win. This, in my opinion, is the maximum “gift” that would be deemed appropriate, and frankly, I have never really been comfortable sending photographs to a judge unless the judge requests it. It is not appropriate to send photos PRIOR to showing to a judge, and sending gifts after a win is also inappropriate and puts the judge in a very awkward position. Promising of judging assignments is also covered on the language above taken directly from the AKC Rules Concerning Misconduct and is a definite “no-no”. As a very dear departed AKC rep always said when asked about things that may have been considered a “gray area” – If you must ask, DON’T DO IT!
I was very excited to hear that the AKC Board of Directors is rescinding the request to eliminate the Limited Registration option at the October meeting. It definitely pays off to make your feelings known my friends!
For those of you who have suffered losses due to the recent hurricanes and fires, please remember Take The Lead has established an Emergency Fund to assist those who are enduring hardship due to these catastrophes. Applicants must have at least 5 years of involvement in our sport. Each family, when approved, will have a limited account established from which Take The Lead will pay approved bills to assist with current living expenses. Approved expenses may include hotel, motel, apartment rent, co-pays for medical expenses/medications, utility bills, dog boarding and current living expenses.
The application can be found online at www.takethelead.org, or from your local kennel club, or you can call 1-800-814-1123.
The Roberts Centre in Ohio, formerly known as Eukanuba Hall has been re-named the Royan Canin Ring, with the outdoor performance field being renamed Eukanuba Field. With the brands being purchased by MARS, there have been several changes in how the brands are represented to our sport. The first Performance Games event was held this past weekend at the facility. I will update everyone on how that went next week when folks have had an opportunity to come up for air. The event was very well-received by exhibitors and spectators.
National Specialty season is once again upon us and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well at their national! Please remember to drop us a line and a photo at The Canine Chronicle so we can post National Specialty winners!
Tim Catterson was in China this past week judging. Jay Richardson rushed off to Japan for a judging assignment after returning from the Santa Ana, California shows. Team Bbetty Boop, including Nina Fetter, Audrey White, Val McNelis and Nancy Liebes returned from their lovely trip to Croatia just in time for Nancy to turn around and leave for Columbia for a judging assignment.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: James Moses, Colton Johnson, David Stout, Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, Debby Smith and Julie Lee.
Be safe out there my friends and keep me posted on your travels, anniversaries and birthdays! Hugs to your pooches! Until next time….
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