Table Talk
There has been a lot of discussion recently regarding the quality of show venues. As with any topic, there are two sides to every story. From the exhibitor’s perspective, when attending a show, one may expect that both the dog and human exhibitor’s well being has been taken into consideration. From the show-giving club’s perspective, clubs are struggling to maintain viability while still trying to attract the maximum number of entries. A good example is the most recent show in Southern California. The Orange Empire shows have moved venues several times over the past several years. Last year, the show moved to an equine facility in NorCo, California. Last year’s show was met with significant challenges as a result of high winds, which are the norm this time of year in the area. Tents were blowing, exhibitor’s belongings were blowing and trying to show coated dogs was challenging at best. The arena was wet down and “dragged” last year so the dirt would settle, minimizing the loose dirt and small rocks that aggravate dogs’ feet. Unfortunately, this year they skipped “dragging” the arena which caused some dogs to not want to walk on the dirt, and the blowing , etc. was worse than ever. Many of those that returned to the show this year either did not go back on Sunday, or have said that they will not return next year. There needs to be a happy medium. Cutting costs to maintain viability is certainly understandable. Doing so at the safety risk of exhibitors and dogs is not so understandable. I believe that everyone agrees we must do our part to be flexible and supportive of those clubs that continue to try to stay “above water”. Unfortunately, when faced with a couple of days of misery, exhibitors may elect to stay home, and professional handlers may decide to go elsewhere. Money saved on the venue is thereby lost by the decline in entries. Everyone must understand the predicament that the clubs are in these days with declining entries and the great expense of putting on a show. Clubs also must remain cognizant of the choice exhibitors have and they tend to vote with their feet.
Another related issue is venues for National Specialties. While there is more of a sensitivity in some breeds than others about hotel room cost, it is my opinion that the parent clubs also need to keep the safety of exhibitors and dogs in mind. While a rate of $XX may be achievable for a decent site in some cities/states, that same rate may not be achievable in other cities/states. As a result, Parent Clubs are faced with a decision: Either stay away from the city/state that is deemed inappropriate or unaffordable for a decent venue, or bite the bullet and secure a venue that may be a bit more expensive. Many parent clubs have written into their bylaws to move the National from region to region. In most cases when the National is on West or East Coast, the numbers go down. It may make the most sense to secure venues on either coast that are more “vacation-like” to attract more entries. Clubs need to be realistic about cost and not risk the well-being and safety of the dogs and humans whom they are trying to attract to attend National Specialties.
The Cool Cluster was held at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, IL and once again the cluster was well received. The folks who are at the helm work very hard to put on a nice show and that is evidenced by the continued growth in entires. Now at capacity (I believe the entry is limited to 1500 for the winter show), the Clubs have done a great job to keep things organized and safe for all.
One of the last benched shows around, the Golden Gate shows, were also held this past weekend at the Cow Palace in Northern California. I heard positive feedback once again about the shows, however, I believe the actual entry was plagued by the dog flu which has found its way to Northern California. Between the human and dog flu epidemic, it is indeed a challenge. The actual entry at Golden Gate on Sunday was significantly down from Saturday, and I think we can attribute that attrition to responsible exhibitors who were concerned about the flu and stayed home.
Those who are attending the Take The Lead Benefit in New York this year should plan on a bit of a change. As a result of flooding at 21 Restaurant, the after-theater dinner has been moved to the New York Athletic Club. I believe that the dress code has also changed to business casual.
I have been seeing a lot of negative feedback about the once again revised AKC Events Calendar on the once again revised AKC Website: navigation challenges and counter-intuitive graphic user interface among the top complaints. I’d like to remind everyone about the events calendar on The Canine Chronicle site at www.caninechronicle.com. This calendar has been my “go to” since it went live. Frankly, I have had no reason to try to navigate the AKC Events calendar as The Canine Chronicle Events Calendar gives me everything I need and more!!!! It’s so easy to compare judges for shows across the country, get past entry sizes, etc. Give it a try!
Congratulations to Bob Busby and Erika Bigott who officially tied the knot this past week! May you guys enjoy many years of love and happiness.
It always warms my heart when I hear about owner-handlers who enter the ring with success. Even more encouraging is an exhibitor who does so with a disability! Congratulations to Lydia Iturria who handled her dog to his first owner-handler points this past weekend! Lydia is deaf, but she does not let her disability stop her. Lydia is a true testament to the fact that you can overcome something that may appear to others to be close to impossible.
I am happy to report that Connie Gerstner Miller is back home following her surgery and recovering nicely. We are looking forward to seeing you soon, my friend!
Happy 35th Anniversary to Bill Shelton and Steve Leyerly! You guys must have gotten together when you were in grade school! May you have many more years of happiness.
Bill and Taffe McFadden snuck off for a well deserved vacation to Hawaii. So jealous!
Many of you know our friend and colleague Kathryn Mills who, for many years, was the smiling face you saw at the Purina booth on the West Coast. While Kathryn does not travel out West anymore, she is still quite active with her Purina folks. Kathryn celebrated her 90th birthday this week! Happy Birthday my friend: You are an inspiration to us all.
Also celebrating birthdays this week are: Adam King, Kellye Riani, Liz Hansen and Gina Weiser.
To those of you traveling to New York, please travel safe. Please remember to be kind to your fellow exhibitors, and welcome that new face!
Enjoy life, my friends, you only get one chance!!!! Until next time….
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