Table Talk – May 2, 2018
I am off to the 4-day Beehive Cluster in lovely Jordan, Utah. This year they have added a Non-Sporting show, in addition to their other specialties. I am looking forward to seeing the hard-working cluster committee and all my friends out West!
I heard some rumblings from some exhibitors about unexpected parking fees at the Birch Run, Michigan shows last week. While I understand exhibitors frustrations with the fact that showing dogs is getting increasingly more expensive, there is another side to this issue they need to understand. Clubs are doing everything they can to remain viable and handle the increased costs of putting on a show. Like all other expenses, venues have also increased their prices. Most shows charge parking fees for all exhibitors and spectators. Those that have not done so in the past are being forced to shift the expense of parking to exhibitors and spectators to help manage their costs. In my opinion, we all need to work together and be understanding when reasonable costs such as this become part of the cost to attend dog shows.
You might have noticed that some kennel clubs are using new methods to get the word out about their upcoming events. Social media and email are options that clubs should consider utilizing when trying to publicize their shows & clusters in an effort to boost their entry and inform the fancy of special events at the shows. Posting on Facebook, or sending email blasts can increase your entry! If your kennel club would like to give email blasts a try, it might look at what we are doing at The Canine Chronicle. We have cost-effective ways to get your message out and not break your budget. If you are interested, you can contact Tom Grabe at tom.grabe@caninechronicle.com. The investment in communication like this can pay off in bigger entries for your show!
A note of warning to club officials! I hear the email scam targeting club treasuries is back. The scammers get ahold of the president’s name and email and the other club officials and request that money be transferred. Please use caution if you get an email like this! It might be a scam.
The height of National Specialty season is once again upon us. I would like to wish everyone best of luck at their National (note, I said National, not Nationals). Travel safe, and enjoy the people you only get to see that once or twice a year!
It was great catching up with Doris Cozart a couple weeks ago at PCA. PCA presented a memorial challenge trophy in honor of Doris’ daughter, Debbie, who lost her battle with cancer this past year. While Doris has had a tough year, losing both her daughter and her husband, Gene, in a short period of time, she looked great and I enjoyed seeing her center ring judging Miniature Poodles. Doris is back folks, and still gives the best hugs ever!
Connie Gerstner-Miller has returned to the ring after her surgery. It is great to have you back in the ring my friend.
Several of our friends including Vicki Seiler-Cushman, Patty Keenan, Dennis O’Connor, Desi Murphy and Lauren Hay-Lavitt have returned from Nationals week in Mexico City where they were judging. It looked like the US was represented well, and our American friends had a great time on their trip!
Bruce Schwartz has moved on from Prague and is now exploring Germany. Safe travels back state side my friend!
Robin and Cindy Stansell have become quite the jet-setters and are now on their way to Australia for a few weeks. Have a fabulous trip, guys!
Geno Sisneros is in Italy and, from what I hear, he is having a lovely time!
Congratulations to Pilar Kuhn on completing her last high dose chemo treatment!!!
Great news from Cynthia regarding Moe Miyagawa’s condition: Moe is progressing better than his doctors had hoped! I expected no less from him. If folks want to continue to send cards, I know that he would love to read them. Please send them to: Moe Miyagawa, 16609 Stover Ave., Fontana, CA 92337 and Cynthia will see that he gets them.
I was sorry to report that the fancy has lost Chihuahua fancier Patricia Pittore. Our thoughts are with Patricia’s friends and family at this difficult time.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Doug Johnson, Carri Beaver and Cassie Clark. Happy Birthday!
I leave you guys with a thought this week: Dog Shows come and go, trophies collect dust, ribbons get tossed to the side, but the memories are never forgotten, and the friendships can never be replaced.
Safe travels everyone, and don’t sweat the small stuff! Until next time…
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