Table Talk
I’m off to Arizona for two weeks of outstanding dog shows. First, I go to the Coyote Cluster in Tucson, (which is the second set of Tucson shows) and then on to Chandler for the Fiesta Cluster. This is the second year of the Fiesta Cluster since they changed to their new dates and venue. The new dates give our west coast fanciers an alternative to the Turkey Circuit in California. I did not have the opportunity to attend these shows last year but heard great things. I look forward to checking out the new site, which I hear is quite nice. Stop by and say hello if you are attending either of the clusters. I look forward to seeing you!
Don’t forget entries for the AKC National Championship Show sponsored by Royal Canin close this Wednesday at noon. Onofrio is the superintendent. Their website is www.onofrio.com. Entries for the all-breed shows preceding the AKC show close next Wednesday, November 22, at noon. MB-F is the superintendent. Their website is www.infodog.com. It sure would be awesome if at some point the same superintendent was used, wouldn’t it? Just my opinion…
Many of our friends are traveling home from the largest FCI World Dog Show ever which was held in Leipzig, Germany. This show was huge with an entry of 24,692. I heard the German Kennel Club did a spectacular job and the event was flawless. Putting on a show with an entry this large is no small task. Sadly, I heard one dog passed away, supposedly from being poisoned. I have no additional details at this time, but will pass them on as they become available to me.
As I was watching the live streaming of the Australian Shepherd judging at the World Show, I wondered how they could be shown at FCI events with docked tails as it was my understanding that cosmetic alteration such as docking and cropping was a huge “no-no”. I then learned that some Aussies are actually born with “stub tails” and they must have a genetic test to prove their tails are genetically stubbed and not docked… I find this very interesting. I learned something new!
Pilar Kuhn and her hubby, Rod Ott, are off for a week of vacation in Hawaii. With the recent diagnosis of additional cancer, this is a much-needed week of R&R for the love birds. Pilar will be undergoing treatment when she returns from their trip and I will be sure to keep everyone posted. I am sure everyone joins me in wishing Pilar and Rod best wishes as they fight this battle together.
I was saddened to hear that Sarah Walker of Zanara Pomeranians passed away recently. Our sympathies to Sarah’s friends and family.
I have been hearing more and more complaints from judges who are put up in hotels with no restaurant and no transportation, or are expected to navigate difficult travel from the airport to the hotel. While I recognize that clubs are trying to save money, I don’t think judges’ hospitality is the place to conserve funds. Expecting judges to basically fend for themselves and then judge a full load the following day is no way to prepare them to perform at their best. Also, it makes the good judges reluctant to come back. And don’t forget they talk to their friends who are judges and might pass on the bad reviews to them, too.
I have to report on another issue of questionable sportsmanship that occurred at the Kalamazoo shows this past weekend. It seems a novice handler who happens to co-own a dog with an AKC judge came and showed her dog. Sadly, instead of fellow exhibitors introducing themselves to her and welcoming her to the sport, there was whispering ringside about who she was, where she came from, why she was here, etc. Once again, we must remember new exhibitors are the future of our sport. If you want to know about someone, how about kindly introducing yourself to them, welcoming them to the show and finding out more about them? This is much more productive than speculating about that person and making up your own story.
Happy 7th wedding anniversary to German Shorthair fanciers Courtney and William Bastian! Best wishes for many more years of wedded bliss, and best of luck with your upcoming new arrival!
We have a lot of birthdays being celebrated this week. They are John McCartney, Rob Skibinski, Amy Rutherford, Derek Beatty, Jessica David-Tauber, Sydney Good, Eric Liebes, Phil Booth, Glenn Lycan, Michele Abati and Jason Hoke. Happy B-day to all!
Safe travels to everyone and make sure to keep me posted on your holiday trips!!! Good luck to you as the final shows of the year are upon us!
Until next time…
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