Table Talk – May 23, 2018
I have not had the opportunity to see the recently released move “Show Dogs”, but given the feedback I have heard from friends in the sport that have seen it, I will save my time and money. The American Kennel Club released a public statement that, in summary, states the movie does NOT accurately depict our sport and corrects the misconstrued notion that shelters are overrun with purebred dogs. Further, in the AKC’s statement, they deny that there is any connection between animal “smuggling” and conformation dog shows. (Please see our website at www.caninechronicle.com for AKC’s full statement regarding this topic). Sadly, Global Road Entertainment completely missed an opportunity to accurately educate the public regarding our sport.
As many of you travel to your national specialties with hopes and dreams of winning a ribbon, finding that perfect stud dog for your girl, or finding that perfect puppy to work into your breeding program, I’d like to offer some wisdom to ensure you maintain the right perspective, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!: (Thanks much, Katherine Wurz Smoot for sharing this wisdom with our readers!)
1. You don’t take home the best dog, you take home the one you love the best, big difference.
2. You don’t have to have a good one to win, just the best one on the day.
3. You can have a VERY good one and not do so great because there are a lot of good ones about.
4. There is always someone who “knew” that was going to be the result. You might like to ask them why they entered?
5. You enter of your own free will, enjoy it; no matter what the results, the dogs are always worth looking at no matter what order they are in.
6. Most judges really are giving it their best shot.
7. The judge is doing it because (if they are a specialist) they love the breed.
8. Respect others as you would expect to be respected.
9. Be the judge you would want to show under.
10. Be the exhibitor you would want exhibiting under you.
11. Trust your own eyes.
12. Watch the judging and the judge.
13. Read the judge’s previous critiques, absorb what they say, things they like will start to stick out to you.
14. Know your own dogs. It’s a bad day when someone tells you something about your own dog that you didn’t know.
15. Be honest with yourself. The greatest source of unhappiness at dog shows is people having an over-inflated idea of just how good the dog is.
I am sad to report the passing of Lisa Croft-Elliott’s father, Roland Raymond Womack, at the age of 81. Our thought and prayers are with Lisa and her family during this difficult time in their lives.
Our most sincere sympathy to Angela and Kim Booth on the loss of Angela’s father, who passed away at 96½ years young.
Eric Peterson lost his father, Don Peterson, suddenly. We are all thinking of Eric and his family at this most difficult time.
I am very excited to report that not only has Pilar Kuhn completed her cancer treatment, but she got an ALL CLEAR on her PET Scan this week! Here’s to a healthy future, my friend!
Shar-Pei enthusiast and AKC Licensed Judge Rosie Steinke suffered a stroke and is healing nicely. Best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery my friend!
Brittany Kettleson is relocating back to Wisconsin from Colorado. While I know the Colorado folks are sorry to see her go, her family and friends in Wisconsin are beyond thrilled to have her returning to the area! Safe travels Brittany. See you soon!
Jay Richardson is making his way to Budapest for the AmStaff Major. This sounds like the trip of a lifetime! Safe travels, Jay!
We have several friends celebrating anniversaries this week! Happy Anniversary to Bill and Taffe McFadden, Erin Kerfoot and Ryan McGlothlin, and Dinko and Sharon Bilicich. I would also like to wish my dearly beloved Robert a happy 32nd wedding anniversary!
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Kim Haupt, Geno Sisneros, Sharon Palmay, Erin Roberts, Ric Plaut, Christina Frietag, Stephanie Hentschel and Amanda Giles.
Have a fun, safe holiday weekend, my friends. Wherever your travels take you, please be careful. Give a kind nod and pat on the back to those hard-working show-committee members and reach out to that new face and extend them kindness.
Until next time….
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