Table Talk – August 7, 2019
It is hard to believe that it’s August already! Summer is in full swing, and folks are already talking about going back to school. For me, it was the first time in many years that I was home this past weekend and not in Canfield, Ohio. I heard that those attending the Canfield shows were blessed with glorious weather, and despite a smaller entry (1,661 on Saturday) than I can remember, the cluster worked hard to make the show a positive, pleasant experience for exhibitors, dogs and spectators. I remember when RV parking was sold out months in advance and the entry exceeded 4,000 dogs, but that was another time. I give the club credit for continuing their efforts to keep the cluster alive and put the exhibitors first!
There have been a couple of cases of kennel cough reported by individuals who attended the Houston cluster. Given the length of the multi-week “Texas Trek” one cannot be certain that the illness actually originated at the Houston shows, but those that were in attendance at any of the shows along the Texas circuit may want to keep their eyes on their dogs and, by all means, if there is any hints of the disease at all, please keep your dogs home!
Michael Shepherd had to leave the Salem, Virginia shows abruptly when he got a call that his father was seriously ill. I am very sorry to report that Michael’s father, Robert “Shep” Shepherd, peacefully passed away Thursday, August 1st while surrounded by his family. A memorial was held at the El Fenix Mexican Restaurant on Tuesday in Lewisville, TX. Long-time friend Christa Cook stepped up and took “Wilma” the Boxer’s lead in Michael’s absence. Congratulations to Christa for being such a good friend and doing a fantastic job in Michael’s absence.
Another excellent example of the fancy banding together happened in Canfield, Ohio when Nina Fetter, Karen Mammano, Tim and Tracy Zeitz, and Bobbi Kinley-Blewitt helped ensure that Elizabeth Salewsky’s dogs were shown while she is sidelined after her shoulder surgery. This is a good example of doing unto others, as Elizabeth is always there to help out in a pinch when she is able. A big thank you to all for being good friends and supporting another dog person in need!
A few fitness buffs are trying to put together a “Pushups for Take The Lead” fundraiser in Santa Barbara in a couple weeks. If any of my friends are interested in raising money for a great cause, and getting fit in the process, please contact me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com. I’d also love to hear from you if you will be in Santa Barbara and would like to help out, but are not so excited about the push-ups!
Warm congratulations go out to Brianne Rock and her new hubby, Nate King, who tied the knot on August 2nd with close family, friends and, of course, their two pooches in attendance. It’s about time, you guys! May you enjoy a lifetime of love, health and happiness together.
Celebrating anniversaries this week are: Juliet and Dave Clendenon, Josh Hargis and Jean-Gauchat-Hargas, and John and Jen Holmberg. We wish you all many more years of happy, healthy wedded bliss!
Some of those celebrating birthdays this week are: Taffe McFadden, Greg Myers, Dale Kaplan, Brian Almojera, Kevin Nieboer, Shane Hooper, Cheryl Patterson, Suzanne Sosne, Rebecca Lynn Arch, Edu Artero, Anna Malicia, Lynn Meyer and Chris Nethery.
My thought for this week: Don’t be impressed by money, social status or job title. Be impressed by the way someone treats other human beings (and dogs!).
Be safe out there, my friends, and save a few minutes to help a newbie! Our cluster committees are working hard and deserve kindness. If you will be in Santa Barbara, I’ll see you there!!! Until next time…
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