Table Talk

Fortunately for all the exhibitors continuing on to Great Falls from Billings, the terrible stomach virus seems to have passed.  The hot temperatures in Billings remind me of how important it is to be mindful of how quickly things can go bad:  Please remember when temperatures are in the upper 80s-90s and higher, if power goes out, it doesn’t take long for temperatures inside rigs and vehicles to reach lethal levels.  Also remember that asphalt gets extremely hot and your dogs are barefoot!  Test it out:  put your bare foot on the blacktop – if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for the dogs!! Kudos to the handlers and exhibitors in Billings who did not go out to dinner, but rather stayed back on the show grounds to ensure their dogs’ safety.

As we depart the shows in Billings, Montana, I have to mention how refreshing it is to attend this cluster that is so friendly and laid back.  The small show committee works so hard to put on a lovely cluster.  Many thanks to the Yellowstone Show Committee for your hard work and hospitality.

Meanwhile, at the Waterloo Kennel Club show in Waterloo, IA, the show committee re-grouped after a year off.  The Committee showed much deserved consideration to the exhibitors and provided large fans to help keep exhibitors and dogs cool in the 90-degree heat.  As if the heat was not enough, a storm blew through during the night, causing the show facility to be underwater, but not even that stopped the show!!!  The Show Committee, Superintendent and exhibitors pulled together to roll up the floating mats and squeegee the floors so the show could go on!  Kudos to the committee and all involved for pulling together and making their show a success.

In my opinion, one of the things that is really hurting our sport is the look of impropriety.  Please remember, one never knows who you might run into in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Exhibitors socializing with judges the night before or day they are judging your dog is not only inappropriate, it is damaging to the exhibitor, the exhibit and the judge.

I’d like to remind all of you that use handlers of a couple things.  Remember the big picture:  You hired a handler for more than just walking in the ring.  Please let them do their job. A handler’s job is not only to walk in the ring with your dog:  They know what conditioning, training and diet is necessary to keep your dog in the best possible condition.  They know the competition and know when your dog is ready to be competitive.  They have been exhibiting to the field of judges out there and know who to show your dog to for the best results.  An to those of you who may be exhibiting your own dog and may lose to a handler: While it may appear that handler won because of who they are, please take a look at the exhibit because  9 times out of 10 the dog is well-trained, clean, and in good condition.

I know this has been mentioned this in the past, but I would be remiss in not reminding you ladies of this again:  Proper undergarments are your friend!  Not keeping things in the right place can be distracting and detract from your dog.  A bend-over test in front of the mirror before you leave for the show can protect you from embarrassment and sharing too much of yourself with your fellow fanciers.  As we grow, so must our clothes. If it zips, it doesn’t mean it fits!

Birthday wishes to Lydia Frey, Perry Pason, Mary Norton, Hayden Hadley, Philip Martin, Anita O’Berg, Angela Booth, Joan Katz and Angie Long.

Finally, our condolences to Beep and Shari Lee on the loss of Beep’s father, Alvin Lee, Sr. Anyone who understands the history of our sport knows the name Alvin Lee Sr. and how influential he was to the sport of purebred dogs.

Those of you traveling to the world show, I’d love to hear your stories – please email me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com.

Be safe out there my friends:  Until next time…..

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Posted by admin on Jun 30 2016. Filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.