Table Talk – March 21, 2018
Another Kentuckiana Cluster is in the books, and I left the event encouraged and feeling there is hope for the future of our sport! I encourage those that could not attend to check the Canine Chronicle Facebook page and website (caninechronicle.com) for Table Talk Live coverage. With an entry of 3400+ dogs on Thursday and 3600+ on the weekend, the cluster certainly maintains its billing as one of the largest circuits in the country. I cannot remember the last time I attended a show that had an entry of over 3400 dogs on a weekday! Kudos to all the volunteers for their hard work and creativity to help grow this cluster. Congratulations for a job well done!
To their credit, the cluster continued the practice of offering free reserved grooming. Nina Fetter and crew worked until after 3:30 in the morning on Tuesday to tape off the building and set up the grooming areas. Grooming space was found for each and every exhibitor regardless of whether a reserved grooming form was sent in or not. I encourage everyone to send in the form next year. It will reduce your stress level upon arrival and will certainly be more efficient for your individual set-up. Regardless of if you have 1 dog or 20, reserved grooming is available to you.
One of the most common issues facing a lot of our kennel clubs today is the lack of volunteers. I was thrilled to see how everyone pitched in to make the Kentuckiana cluster a huge success. I would like to remind everyone, however, to be kind to the volunteers putting on the show. Rudeness and lack of appreciation is the top reason why our sport has lost so many participants. I would like to commend all of those that appreciated the shortage of space and worked with us to condense their setups to make space for everyone.
I had the pleasure of watching the ‘Itty Bitty Plush Dog’ event at Louisville. This was a pee-wee event to familiarize our toddlers with ring procedure. Be sure to check the Canine Chronicle Facebook page to see the event. It was adorable and what a great idea! Other clubs might want to consider offering a similar event at their show.
The Bred-By Challenge, which included a Champion class, was also very well received and probably contributed significantly to the increased entry. The cluster also held a junior dog judging contest. There were so many activities for the youth of our sport! Great job!
I was fortunate to be able to catch up with Clint Harris in Louisville. He looks great. Check out the Canine Chronicle Facebook page as he and I had a Table Talk Live chat. While we didn’t have a chance to catch up with him on camera, Steve Hurt was also milling around the show. It was great to see both of these guys!
I am greatly concerned about bullying that continues to occur at dog shows, and on social media. More to the point, we have junior parents who are bullying other junior parents and the juniors themselves. The adults should be setting an example of good sportsmanship and camaraderie for their children. How can one expect to develop a junior into a good sport when they witness their parents bullying and attacking other junior exhibitors and their parents?
We are sad to report the passing of AKC Judge and dog artist Stephen Hubbell. We are told that he sustained injuries from a fall on Monday. Our sympathies to his wife, Christina, his family and friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Best wishes to Papillion fancier Suzanne Johnson who is hospitalized with cancer. Barbara Gossett, who handles Suzanne’s Papillons, has been keeping us up to date on her progress. We wish you a speedy recovery, my friend.
We were saddened to hear about the sudden passing of the father of Boxer handler and breeder Rick Justice. Richard Thomas Justice died when the truck he was driving was hit head-on by another truck that veered into his lane. He was 78. Our hearts are with Rick and Mandy during this sorrowful time.
German Shepherd fancier Leslie Dancosse passed away last week. Our thoughts go out to Leslie’s family and friends.
Canadian judge Shawn Nichols, who we see frequently in the AKC arena, will be flying across the pond to judge in Australia. Safe travels, Shawn. I can’t wait to hear about your trip!
I heard that Fromm Dog Food is starting a breeder’s program for those that feed their food. This might be something to check out for those of you who feed Fromm Dog Food.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Susan Allison, Dick Greaver, Kay Belter, Roberta Whitesides, Fan Yu, Pilar Kuhn, Carol Harris and Judy English Murray.
To those of you who went from Louisville directly to the Tar Heel circuit, hang in there! Nine shows in eleven days is a lot for the dogs and their handlers.
Wherever your travels take you this week, please be careful and please don’t forget to stop and help a newbie. Be kind to your fellow exhibitors and all the show volunteers. Enjoy the moment! Until next time…
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