Table Talk

The four-day cluster in Novi, Michigan was held this past weekend. The Club and Show Committee has done a phenomenal job with this circuit. They have great PR which not only draws people to the event, but activities at the cluster to keep non-exhibitors interested in coming back! Since the new venue was built, this cluster has grown by leaps and bounds!!! In my continued effort to maintain a positive tone with my column, I am not going to spend any time talking to you about the folks that are calling for a boycott of the event; it’s not worthy of further mention. Instead, I will dwell on the positive: Entries on the smallest day were 1300+ and on the largest day were 1800+. This, to me, is an indication that our sport is indeed on the upswing! Numerous specialties helped draw entries and the sufficient grooming space, good-sized rings and efforts of the show committee certainly helped. There were several educational activities for the non-exhibitor, which my friends, helps keep our sport alive. This is something that should be in the forefront of all exhibitors’ minds all of the time! Kudos to all involved for your hard work and dedication to this event.

Meanwhile, all the way across the country the Portland Cluster was rolling along. With 2100+ entries on the smallest day and over 2400 on the largest day, this is yet another indication that we can be hopeful about the renewed growth of our sport. Weather was a challenge for some west coasters travelling to and from Portland, but keeping with the road warrior mentality, all made it there and back safe and sound. Many teamed up and caravanned, which is a heart-warming sign that dog people stick together. The Portland cluster works with AKC to put on numerous judges education seminars, too. I am told all were well-received.

Westminster Kennel Club and Purina Pro Plan announced a new 10 year extension of their partnership. Purina Pro Plan will be the exclusive pet food sponsor for WKC for the next 10 years, following a five-year partnership that concluded in 2016.

It is with great sadness that we extend our most sincere condolences to Lynda Birmantas Beam on the sudden passing of her husband, Jonathan. The dog community has reached out to her with an outpouring of support at this difficult time. There will be an open house to celebrate Jonathan’s life on the 18th and 19th of February. For more information, please contact Lynda directly: You can reach her through Facebook messenger.

Robin and Cindy Stansell have become quite the jetsetters. They just returned from judging assignments in China. Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine just returned from Ontario, Canada where she was judging a large show there.

It is a light birthday week: Happy Birthday wishes to John Wade and Kristen Jackson Dowd.

Be safe out there my friends, and hug your loved ones and your furry friends.

Until next time….

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Posted by admin on Jan 1 2017. Filed under Current Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.