Table Talk – May 9, 2018
My May “death march” is in full swing. While the travel is a bit tough, I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend some of the country’s best dog shows and I cherish the friendships I make all over the country. I just returned from four days at the Beehive cluster in Utah. The weather was grand, the countryside stunning, and I was able to spend quality time with good friends. I was also able to share some of my friends’ great wins! The Beehive cluster committee works very hard to make the exhibitor experience positive, and they continue to support the Vest-a-Dog program with fundraisers throughout the weekend. Kudos to the club members for another job well done!
There has been much discussion recently about the young people and Juniors in our sport, and how they represent the future of our industry. I think you all will agree with me that this is indeed the case and we need to do what we can to continue to encourage their participation. We need to remember that one negative experience could possibly turn a young exhibitor away. If a young, inexperienced person is exhibiting a dog and a judge is having difficulty examining the dog, a positive experience for the dog and handler is needed. Rather than pushing the dog to negative behavior, it may be better to excuse the dog for inability to be examined as opposed to pushing the dog to the point where they may snap or bite. While I recognize that it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to have the dog trained and prepared for examination, a young child may not be able to handle the situation like a more experienced adult, and a negative situation could be avoided by excusing them as opposed to pushing it to a situation where disqualification could occur. We need to remember we all started out as novice exhibitors and we learned by trial and error. Exhibitors need to be encouraged and taught by those with more experience.
This is something that teachers may want to consider when presenting the Junior Showmanship seminars/workshops. If we explain to the less seasoned exhibitors that they have an option to request to be excused, this may help to avoid negative situations in the ring.
The Lima Kennel Club will hold a Juniors Bazaar at their shows on June 29 & 30, 2018. Free clothing will be made available to Juniors! If you are cleaning out your closets and would like to donate a suit or dress, please contact Nina Fetter via Facebook Personal Messenger.
I was saddened to hear that Christina Hubbell passed away on March 30th, joining her recently departed husband, Stephen. The Hubbells will be be sorely missed by everyone. We extend sincere condolences to their family and friends.
Healing thoughts to Bob Caswell who was under the weather this past weekend and deleted from the panel after judging a day-and-a-half of his assignment.
Jason Hoke is off to Thailand for a judging assignment. Safe travels my friend!
Paula and Roger Hartinger celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary this past weekend! Paula and Roger have known each other for 68 years. I cannot imagine their house full at the holidays when their 4 children, 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren all get together! May you two lovebirds have many more years of wedded bliss!!! Also celebrating anniversaries this week are: Barbara and Steve LaVere, and Maripi Wooldridge and Jennifer Stevens. Happy anniversary guys! Best wishes for continued love and health.
Congratulations to Alex and Matthew Mossotti on the birth of their daughter, Liliana Sophia. I wish you all a lifetime of health and happiness.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Keith Olsen, Lee Kronovich, Pam Lambie, Heather Johnson, Melanie Sorice, Patrina Odette, and Alessandra Folz-Stymiest
It’s getting warm out there folks! Make sure your temperature monitors and generators are in good working order, and keep your windows and doors cracked. Also, don’t leave your dogs unattended in the heat for very long!
Finally, wherever your travels take you, please be careful and if you get sleepy, STOP!!!!! Be safe all. Until next time…
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