Visiting The Kennel Club of Philadelphia
By Fran Reisman photo by Steve Surfman
Many years ago, I think it must be at least 30 by now, my sisters and I went to the then-“must-go-to-show” – The Kennel Club of Philadelphia. Accompanying us was a surprise visitor from California and his famous Borzoi who was entered at the Borzoi Specialty, which was held in conjunction with this show. In those years, the entry for Borzoi topped at least 100.
Aside from Westminster, this was the only benched show that I had ever attended. I expected something very special and what I found was a giant grey building with a huge amount of dogs and many owners, handlers, and spectators. In its way it was pretty unusual and I found it interesting just watching all the people sitting around their benching areas having little picnics, going over dogs, and generally enjoying being with their peers. Our friend’s bench was crowded with lines of people wanting to see this famous Borzoi from California. His owner had heard all kinds of terrible things about the East Coast people and wouldn’t leave his dog alone for a moment in fear of someone hurting him. I’m sure the East Coast people had heard the same about the West Coast. In those days, large dogs were not shipped around the country as they are today. Breeding was done au-naturale, not by shipping semen to wherever the bitch lived. Therefore there weren’t the cross-country friendships as there are today. East versus West was real, though soon to be a thing of the past. After several hours waiting for breed judging, specials were called in and Ch. Sirhan Porschai, shown by his owner Edd Ablett, won the Specialty.
Looking back, all those hours of waiting made for a pretty boring day. I know that we often read of the good old days of benched shows where people could visit, talk dogs and learn. I’m sure all this was true, but after morning judging, not winning, and facing another 4 or 5 hours of waiting for the exit doors to open, it does get boring. Can you imagine a four day weekend of benched shows? In this changing world of dog shows, no one has time to just relax and discuss dogs while at a show. At least no one takes the time anyway. It’s break down the site and on to the next one. Only at shows that share grounds do those people who camp out on the grounds have time to enjoy each other and talk dogs. I never thought of this before but this certainly is one advantage of having a motorhome.
Last week I went back to The Kennel Club of Philadelphia Show, which is one of the only benched shows still in existence. It’s not being held in Philadelphia anymore, but is still benched. So many shows have had to move out of big cities for many reasons. This show is now in Oaks, Pennsylvania, an easy drive from the Philadelphia airport. The old excitement didn’t seem to be there, but maybe that’s because the benching was not near the rings where the breeds were being judged. Of course, from my viewpoint – not having a dog – it didn’t seem as if the feeling people used to get at benched shows – just hanging out and having a good time –was present. Also, the professional handlers were in a different area from the owner/handlers. I know this is a hard working club and for the most part they do a wonderful job, but I think a little fun could be added by upping the atmosphere. After all, it is the week before Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season. On each of the judges’ tables was a sad plastic container with 3 pieces of blue tinsel, some very old candy kisses and I think a hand wipe. How about some fall flowers to brighten up the hall? The Group judging started early (I think around 2 p.m.), but the judges were dressed to the nines; tuxedos for the men and gowns for the ladies. This seems to be the expected attire by the television audience, which was able to watch the groups right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Being a benched show, I’m sure the vendors did quite well. What a great opportunity to start your holiday shopping! One booth in particular was mobbed all day, both days. A local women’s upscale clothing store set up a beautiful booth with great clothes and accessories for the ladies who attended the show. What a brilliant idea! Women with time on their hands, with nothing to do, attend a dog show, of all places, and find a shop with lots of clothing to look at, try on, and purchase. I personally know at least four women who spent more than $200 each and walked away smiling. Those that went to this booth the first day went back the second day to see if they had possibly missed something and to check on the new items that were brought in by the very smart shop owners to fill in the empty spaces. I was told that this was the second or third year this popular booth was at the Philadelphia show, and that many women now arrive at the show looking for it. What surprises me is that more booths like this one haven’t hopped on the bandwagon.
An interesting note is that the handler of this year’s Best In Show dog, Gabriel Rangel, has now won Best three times in the last four years at Philadelphia. This is quite a lucky show for him. No wonder he travels to Pennsylvania from California in November!
This show took place shortly after Hurricane Sandy did her best to destroy homes and property in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The support of so many dog people has, once again, proven that our sport is made up of some very wonderful people who are always ready to help their extended families when needed. I would like to thank all those whose good wishes helped those of us who suffered losses. We know that yes, we are a family, and our sport is not just about winning ribbons.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Francine Reisman, along with her sisters Carol & Honi, began their involvement with showdogs in the late 1960s. They successfully bred and showed Afghan Hounds and Borzoi under the Kai banner. Carol & Honi both became judges, while Fran has worked in the showdog magazine world since 1984. A native New Yorker, Fran now resides in Santa Barbara, CA.
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Posted by subschron
on Jan 10 2013. Filed under Current Articles, Uncategorized.
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