Table Talk
I had the pleasure of attending the Great Dane Club Of America National Specialty this past week in Chandler, AZ where I was able to watch my friend and colleague, Carol Grossman, judge Best of Breed. This was the first time the GDCA voted to have a non-licensed AKC Judge adjudicate their Best of Breed competition. I expected Carol to do a fantastic job and I was not disappointed. On our way home, she reflected on how it all started about 47 years ago when her first husband informed her that he had to go off to a Reserve assignment and he could not attend the dog show to exhibit their Great Dane. He said if Carol wanted the dog shown, she would have to do it herself. Never shying away from a challenge (which is true to this day), she worked with her dog day-in and day-out so she would be ready to exhibit it to the best of her ability. I believe that first time in the ring, Carol went reserve winners dog.
The GDCA show committee and members did a fabulous job with the show (as has been the case each year I have attended), leaving no detail unturned. They have the luxury of a well-attended National Specialty and as a result they are able to book an entire hotel. This adds a certain charm to the whole event. Kudos to the show committee for another job well done!
Unfortunately many exhibitors, including new GDCA president Jason Hoke, came down with a terrible flu. Poor Jason spent most of his time in Chandler in his room and, fortunately, was on the mend while traveling directly to the Pekingese National to judge Best of Breed.
Some exhibitors have been diagnosed with pneumonia. There is one confirmed case of Valley Fever, so if any of our readers in attendance at the Dane National have flu-like symptoms, I strongly encourage a visit to your doctor. The host hotel is very concerned and Jason is working closely with them to report all illnesses. Please contact Jason Hoke if you became ill and have a physician’s diagnosis.
Meanwhile one of dogdom’s favorite all-breed clusters was underway in Pleasanton, California. The Harvest Moon Cluster had an entry of 1800-plus on the largest day. The cluster, otherwise known as “Del Valle”, ran smoothly as usual, with hard-working club members attending to every detail. Congratulations to all on another great cluster.
Sadly, the Sacramento Valley Dog Club shows scheduled for this coming weekend are canceled since the Dixon May Fairgrounds in Dixon, CA are being used for fire evacuees. Amy Rutherford had a great idea to donate the entry fees, etc. to the fire victims. I’ll let everyone know how that works out! Our continued thoughts and best wishes are with those in Northern California who have experienced a loss.
Best wishes to Amy Green who is recovering from knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. We hope you are back running around soon!
Cody Koch is off on a back-packing trip in Amsterdam.
John and Grahm Miller are celebrating their 4th wedding anniversary this week. I cannot believe it has been four years already! Also celebrating an anniversary this week is that happy couple, Alex and Matthew Mossotti. Happy Anniversary guys!
Gina and Cliff Weiser are celebrating a different kind of anniversary this week–3 years’ post- transplant!!!! Such a wonderful couple who so deserve this second chance at life.
Happy Birthday wishes to Rob Hall, Jill Bell, Gary Andersen, Betty-Anne Stenmark, Keith Pautz, Willie Jordan, Melissa Engelking and Debbie Burke-Scott.
Thanks to those of you who have kept me posted about birthdays, anniversaries, trips and other goings on… please keep it up!!!!!
Please don’t forget the newbies: A kind gesture only takes a minute and it could make the difference of keeping another active person in our sport!
Travel safe, and best of luck out there! Until next time…
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