Table Talk · April 16, 2020
I am so proud of those in our sport on so many levels! They say one of the true tests of a friendship is distance and time. True friends can pick up where they left off after being apart for a length of time. True friends feel a connection even when apart. In my humble opinion, the sport of purebred dogs is demonstrating just how strong we are as a village, a sport, and a family. These times are unprecedented, and the effect they are having on the fancy is unprecedented, yet we remain connected and supportive of each other.
I don’t know about you, but I have good days and not so great days. I miss my “dog show family” and I am concerned for everyone’s health and safety. I must admit, however, that I am really enjoying spending time at home cooking and spending time with our canines. I enjoy several of the efforts on social media as I really feel like I am not only taking a walk down memory lane but learning a lot about people that I didn’t know.
I am thrilled that Take the Lead has established a special fund of $400,000 to assist fanciers with health insurance premiums if they are unable to pay them due to the COVID-19 outbreak. You will need your 2018 federal income tax return, but the application process is very straightforward. Please go to www.takethelead.org for the application. As is customary practice with payments made by Take The Lead, premium payments will be made directly to your insurance carrier.
By now, most of us understand the difficult position show giving clubs, their show chairs and volunteers are in when it comes to making the decision to cancel a show. I encourage folks to read the article written by Caroline Coile at http://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/show-cancelled. Caroline does a great job of explaining what goes into making the very difficult decision to cancel a show. We all need to be kind, understanding, and supportive and, if anything, offer assistance.
The AKC has made some policy changes as a result of the challenges caused by the COVID-19 shutdown. Among other changes, they have modified the Junior Showmanship rules to allow Juniors that turn 18 on or after March 1 to compete until October 31st, encompassing the qualification period for both the AKC National Championship and Westminster. They have also changed the 2020 AKC National Championship qualifying criteria by reducing the number of wins in the Open class (with competition) from 5 to 3.
There are several other updates to the rules including event application fees, revised distance restrictions, revised judging restrictions, and rules relating to specialties. Let’s hope that these revisions help us get up and running pronto when this is all over. If you want to read the revised regulations in detail, I have shared Guy Fisher’s post on my Facebook page.
The Canine Health Foundation has hired Dr. Calvin B Carpenter as its Executive Director after a nationwide search. Dr. Carpenter took his post on April 13th. He has big shoes to fill as Dr. Diane Brown moves on to the next chapter in her career.
I was saddened to hear that Pomeranian fancier Bonnie Stetson passed away after an extended illness. Our sincere condolences to her family and friends at this sad time.
Happy anniversary to Lori and Bobby Paust. I’m so glad that you guys are able to spend your anniversary at home together! Wishing you both the best.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Howie Huber III, Lynda Beam, John Ramirez, Benjie Marcus, Polly Smith, Brian Livingston, Alyssia Booth, Rosie Steinke, Bryan Martin, Brianne Rock, John Magenau, Courtney Norris, Dottie James and Michaelanne Johnson. Happy Birthday friends! We will be together soon to celebrate.
My thought for the week is: Look for reasons to be grateful–even when you’re struggling. Taking time to give thanks for even the smallest things can help you appreciate the good in your life!
We will see each other soon, my friends. Until next time…
Short URL: https://caninechronicle.com/?p=182196
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on Apr 16 2020. Filed under Current Articles, Featured.
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