Lessons from The Foothills Cluster – Moving Forward in Style

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70 – September, 2020

By Sandy Weaver

July in Greenville, South Carolina is always hot. This year, members of the Greenville and Piedmont Kennel Clubs felt a bit more heat than normal as they prepped their annual 4-show weekend amid pandemic fears, extraordinary preparations and last-minute juggling. And according to exhibitors, judges, cluster volunteers and the AKC Executive Field Staff, a good job was done by all.

Executive Field Representative Mary Dukes remarked, “Everyone is so happy to be at a dog show that they’re on their best behavior.” This sentiment was evident in responses to a three-question survey fielded the week after the show. Here are the questions and representative replies.

1. What was the major difference you saw in these shows?

Executive Field Representative Mark Desrosiers - The major difference was that from the moment you walked into the building, it was evident that it had been carefully orchestrated around keeping the exhibitors, judges and workers safe as we proceed with shows in this unprecedented time. Generally, we don’t see hand sanitizer strategically placed throughout the facility, six foot socially distant indicators on the mats and around the rings, to mention a few of the safety precautions. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all individuals in the complex were wearing face coverings.

Cluster Chairman Kris Harner - The biggest difference was how quiet the show appeared. All the Thank You, appreciation for holding a show was nice to receive. Our limit was only about 500 dogs less than normal, and with all the planning for social distance it just seemed like there was so much more room, and less crowding.

Cluster Volunteer Linda Fleenor - I would like to thank our WONDERFUL judges who drove in or flew in from great distances to attend! They eagerly adapted to the many changes we made to ensure the safety of all participating.

Mary Groth - I would first say they did an amazing job; and everyone was calm, cool, and so polite. So, I don’t think this is the ‘new normal’ or ‘future normal’. I believe this is the ‘figuring it out stage’. You could see everyone was torn, as humans like interaction and we have not seen most of our dog friends in a while. Of course, everyone talked, but social distanced. (I know we all missed the hugs and dinners; they will come.) The clubs did an amazing job setting up the grooming area – it was well defined, marked and spacious; and it appeared that all the exhibitors went to our assigned locations without question.

Melinda Lyon, who judged at these shows - Obviously the major difference was everyone wearing masks. I spent 40+ years behind a mask in the operating room and I recognized everyone by their eyes. Since retiring, I’m totally out of practice and now people would speak to me but I had no idea who they were because their face was behind a mask.

Katy Chadwick-Werts - A major difference was cleared paths, people not congregating ringside, and the grooming area being much more enjoyable with all the extra space.

Lisa Lewis Hall - The first major difference was the ring procedure; the armbands were laid out nicely on the table before each breed judging . This allowed us to pick up our armbands and notify the steward the class and number we were taking.

Velvet Anne Simmons - The grooming area was spread out and almost downright luxurious. Also, with the professional photographer, and everyone wearing masks to show the world we were being responsible.

Vicky Jones - Groups (regular and NOHS) were often divided so there would not be any crowding.

David Rafferty - It was quieter, and people were wearing masks. I felt very safe.

2. What went really well?

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70 – September, 2020

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