Table Talk – May 29, 2019
Another Mission Circuit is in the books. This circuit has become a fixture on my show travel schedule, and it’s a cluster that I look forward to every year. The Fairplex is the perfect venue for a dog show, and Arlene and Lowell Davis, Loran Morgan, and all the committee volunteers work hard to make the cluster a great experience for judges, exhibitors and spectators. There were 17 specialties on Thursday this year, an increase over last year’s number. I do have to admit that the 11.5-12 hour days are a challenge not only for the humans but the dogs as well. Here’s hoping that everyone can work together and try to find a way to tweak the schedule to make it a bit more efficient. Kudos to all involved with the Mission Circuit for your hard work and dedication!
It was fun to watch Janet Allen on the “other side” of the ring as she showed her 7-year-old veteran at the Pekingese National that was held at the Mission Circuit. You looked great out there, my friend! More importantly, you looked like you were having a great time!
I had a few different show chairs mention to me that they do not receive the show schedule from the superintendent to review prior to it being published. This, in my opinion, is not acceptable. Those show chairs that are negotiating contracts with show superintendents should require in the contract that they have a minimum of 48 hours to review the judging program and schedule prior to it being printed or published. This is not only a great way to prevent unpleasant surprises, but it’s also a way to correct errors that could cause delays in the schedule.
What do you do when you are in the ring and the person in front of you “covers up” or “blocks” your dog? Do you politely ask them to step back, or do you step forward? Is that individual blocking you intentionally, or are they a novice handler that has no idea they are blocking your dog? Several of us had a discussion about this issue over the past weekend, and what we agreed about is that the offending exhibitor should be politely asked to stop, so they have a chance to correct their error. You will know pretty quickly if the individual is doing it intentionally or not. Sadly, we all need to be conscious of this poor behavior in the ring-and rectify it as soon as possible-as we only have a short time frame to put our dog out there and have it looking its best for the judge to see. I actually saw one exhibitor block another exhibitor’s dog during the Westminster Kennel Club group judging, and I want to believe that it was not intentional.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Robert D. Smith this past weekend following an automobile accident. Dr. Smith will be missed by everyone who crossed paths with him during his life in dogs. He was a kind, thoughtful man who contributed to our sport in so many ways. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Polly, and their family and friends. Funeral arrangements are as follows:
Wednesday, May 29th 1:00 PM
St. Timothy Catholic Church
Rt. #17 & Airport Road
Tappahannock, VA
Reception immediately following in the Parish Hall
George Milutinovich was off to Sweden to judge the Swedish Toy Dog Club. I hope you had some time to enjoy the sights while you were there!
Congratulations to GCh. Cheri-A Wingo Lord Paddington who won the English Toy Spaniel Club of America National Specialty!
We wish a Happy Anniversary to Linda and Gary Rowley, as well as Betty Ann Stenmark and her hubby of five years, Ben. May all of you have many more years of health and happiness ahead.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Amanda Giles, Katrina Cobb, Olivia Hodgkinson, Connor McFadden (at least you guys know you won’t forget each other’s birthday!!), Mardee Ward-Fanning, Kat Moyer, Jake Haycock, David Daugherty, Lori Wilson-Paust, Jennifer McClintock, Greg Smith, Lynn Meyer, Guy Fisher, Jody Garcini and Kim Booth.
Take time to stop and smell the roses, my friends. Life is too short. Be careful out there, and please don’t forget to give a “nod” to the hard-working show committee volunteers, and a helping hand to those who are new to our sport. Until next time…
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