Table Talk – January 29, 2020
It is hard to believe that Westminster 2020 is right around the corner! The Westminster Kennel Club is working very hard to make the best of this year’s limited space. They have posted an exhibitor’s logistics schedule on their website at https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2020-wkc-dog-show-updates/2020-shuttle-information-all. I urge everyone to read the schedule carefully and plan accordingly! Please be kind to the men in orange as they will work very hard to make the unloading process as efficient as possible. There will be very limited space for unloading so people are asked to unload as quickly and efficiently as possible, then move vehicles out of the unloading area prior to exercising dogs, etc. Of specific note is that the Saturday morning move-in will be by row: Rows 6-15 from 10 AM to 11:30 PM, Row 5 at 5PM and line-up for unloading for rows 1-4 will be at 9 PM with unloading no later than 10 PM.
There has been some concern about ticket availability for handler assistants and exhibitors. While the Westminster Kennel Club website states that tickets for daytime judging at the Pier is sold out, exhibitors can purchase tickets at the exhibitor entrance for assistants and additional owners of dogs, etc.
Once again this year, our own Jason Hoke and Kimberly Meredith will be the commentators on FS2 from 1-3 PM on Monday and Tuesday.
AKC held the annual Meet the Breeds event at the Javits Center this past weekend. I want to give a big shout-out to everyone who spent time educating the public about your breed, and the sport of purebred dogs in general. As benched shows become fewer and farther between, events such as Meet the Breeds become more important for the health and longevity of the sport of purebred dogs, and purebred dogs in general!
The dog world is mourning the tragic loss of Anya Vasilis, a young up-and-coming handler from Florida. Anya was loved by so many, and has left us way too soon as a result of a tragic automobile accident while traveling from dog shows. An Australian Shepherd named Jax got loose but was found and reunited with his owners. All other dogs were recovered at the scene.
I also learned of the loss of Bobby Birdsong, retired long-time AKC employee and AKC judge. Bobby was an icon in our sport for many years. We extend our condolences to his family at this most difficult time.
Best wishes to Bobby Paust who is in the hospital recovering from a stroke suffered this past week. Bobby did not show up for his judging assignment in San Francisco and was found in his hotel room. He has made remarkable progress, but has a long road ahead of him. Our thoughts are with Lori, Bobby and his family. We look forward to having you back in the ring soon, my friend!
Several clubs have been floundering to find alternative venues to hold national specialties in the Midwest due to the recent closing of Pheasant Run in Illinois, and Saw Mill Creek in Ohio. A couple of alternative venues that may be of interest are the Hyatt Regency Lisle/Naperville and the Sheraton in Lisle, Illinois.
Congratulations to David Kirkland who received a certificate from the American Kennel Club for 25 years of judging! Here’s to another 25 years!
We wish a Happy Anniverary, to Bill Shelton and Steve Leyerly who are celebrating their 37th anniversary. May you lovebirds enjoy many more years together.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Susan Giles, Kellye Riani, Sharon Carvalho, Julia Kinsey and Liz Hansen. Enjoy your special day, my friends!
Please be careful out there, my friends, and live each day as if it were your last. Remember a bit of kindness goes a long way, and don’t miss an opportunity to tell your friends and family you love them.
Until next time…
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