Table Talk · August 18, 2021
Some of you may recall that back in May, Blizzard, a Miniature American Shepherd, got away from her handler at the Midland, Texas shows. Despite many exhibitors working very hard to try to find her and get her home–they even used a drone and an animal tracker–she was not found. Blizzard was new to dog shows. I believe this was the first time she was off the farm, and she was scared. Fast-forward nearly three months and a dog that resembles her gets stuck in a farmer’s fence nearly 5 hours away! A friend of the farmer posted the photograph on a Lost Pets group on social media, and that post was seen by a lab fancier nearby. That got the ball rolling. I am very pleased to report that Blizzard was reunited with her owner, Kayla Starnes, on Monday! This happy ending is due to so many people’s efforts and the power of the positive use of social media! Thank you to everyone who had a hand in helping to find Blizzard! Here’s hoping Kayla and Blizzard have a lot less excitement the next time she ventures off the farm!!!
The Keystone Cluster, normally held at the Harrisburg Fairgrounds and Expo, was held in Doswell, Virginia at the Meadow Event Center for this year only. The heat index outside exceeded 100 degrees some of the days, but the building was nice and cool! There was plenty of RV parking, grass, and kind and helpful faces. Sadly, Kitty Burke’s mascot, Bozo, met his demise and was kidnapped with no further information. Building cameras reveal that it is probably not a fancier who lifted Bozo from the scene. Fanciers have contributed to the Bozo replacement fund!
While the Keystone Cluster of Dog Shows is a favorite because of the shows themselves, I also love the wonderful fundraiser held by the Penn Ridge Charitable Organization on Saturday night after Best In Show. Charlie Olvis and Liz Muthard started this event about 10 years ago when Take the Lead asked them to host a fundraiser. It has evolved into one of the premier fundraisers of the year; and the organization has raised over $250,000 since its inception. Charlie and Liz work on securing sponsors and planning one heck of a party the entire year before it takes place! Take the Lead and the George Ward Scholarship Fund have benefited greatly from their efforts and the incredible support of the fancy. This year’s theme was Racing Back to the Future, and the fundraiser was held at the beautiful mansion on the showgrounds. This property is the birthplace of Secretariat and it has so much wonderful history behind it. I will report back next week to let you know how much this year’s party raised. What I do know is a great time was had by all! Hats off to Charlie and Liz for your continued efforts, and to everyone in the fancy for their support. Anyone who wants to get involved with a great cause run by great people should reach out to them!
Mary Dukes missed a good part of the shows this past weekend due to a case of acute onset vertigo. Mary is resting comfortably and will make a full recovery. She said, “Rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated”; followed by, “You are reminded how awesome the dog community is when you truly need the help. Thanks all.” These words speak for themselves. Let us all be thankful each and every day for the wonderful community that we inhabit. Get well quickly, Mary. We miss you!
There is never a dull moment if you are Lori Wilson-Paust! I hear she broke her wrist, and she is on the mend! Once again, the fancy has pitched in to lend a hand and continue to check on her.
I am saddened to report that Brian Still suffered a severe stroke on August 5th. Brian is out of ICU but is still hospitalized and I am told he will be for some time. When he is released from the hospital, he will be in rehab for some time. A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help Brian with health-related expenses.
Many exhibitors in Tampa heard about Judge Toddie Clark’s bout with food poisoning that forced her to miss some of her assignments there. Well, it turns out Toddie didn’t have ‘food poisoning’ after all. No, she was suffering from appendicitis. Toddie judged Saturday and Sunday without knowing how serious her illness was. She returned home Monday and went to the doctor who diagnosed it and sent her to the hospital immediately. She is having surgery to remove her appendix today. All I can say is she is a tough lady. Hopefully we’ll see her back in the center of the ring soon!
It is with great sadness that I report show photographer Betsy Kurtis passed away this past week. We lost her husband Brian in May, and while Betsy’s death certificate says that cause of death was cancer, her family believes she died of a broken heart. Betsy and Brian will be sorely missed by the fancy, their family, and friends.
The Premium List for Morris and Essex is up on the infodog.com website! I know many fanciers (present company included) are already shopping for that very special outfit!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: David Salcido, Kim Lourier, Marina Rose, Andrea McIlwaine, Alicia Morrison Jones, Nicole Munneke, Antonio Vidmar, Janice Hayes, Tony Carter, Megan Cloudman, Sam Mammano, Dana Cline, Bonnie Linnell Clark, David Johnson, David Miller and Pat Laurans. Do something special for yourselves on your special day and celebrate life!!!!
I hope to see some of you in Santa Barbara in a week! I hear the entry is up. This is a weekend never disappoints! Be sure to stop by the Purina Booth and say Hi!
Wherever your travels take you, my friends, be safe and take a few minutes to be thankful for what is around you. Be kind to our club volunteers and keep your eye open for newbies that need a kind welcome. Until next time…
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