Table Talk · October 27, 2021
As exhibitors, we get used to doing things a certain way. The phrase ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ comes to mind. Many exhibitors prefer to put their hands on a judging program and mark it up with the show schedule, or just have that trusty hard copy for reference purposes. In times past, the premium lists would come in the mail, and that is what triggered us to get our dogs entered on time. Fast-forward to today. High costs and labor shortages have necessitated most clubs and show superintendents to rely on electronic dissemination of premium lists, judging programs and show entries. There are some fanciers who are having a difficult time making the transition to electronic information, but I have bad news, my friends: I believe that the electronic dissemination of this information is here to stay! Those, who need a hard copy of a judging program or premium list, are going to have to get used to printing it from the superintendent websites.
There have been some exhibitors who have stated that they would rather pay more for their entry and get the hard copy mailed to them, but I don’t think that is realistic. I believe we are adaptable, and I think we will all get used to downloading the necessary information to our trusty phones or printing them out!
In case you haven’t heard, Golden Retrievers have descended on Ocala, Florida! The GRCA National Specialty is the first major dog show to be held at the World Equestrian Center. If you have not been to WEC, you should make it a point to check out this amazing venue. Good Luck to all my Golden friends!
I am thrilled that the International Kennel Club of Chicago has been revived! The IKC was the first dog show I ever attended, and the first show where I exhibited! I was heavily involved with the IKC for many years and enjoyed the hard work making the IKC at McCormick Place happen with fellow Committee members. The IKC is one of the few privately owned clubs left and it has been purchased from the late Lou Auslander’s son, Carter, by Ken Murray, Scott Pfeil and Erika Wyatt.
There are many things that made IKC special. Having a benched show in downtown Chicago certainly made the IKC special. In my opinion, the fact that the show was benched was a great opportunity for people to learn about the sport, thereby making this show one of the best outreach opportunities for our sport. The IKC was always a great opportunity for fanciers to get together and talk pedigrees, dogs, and just get caught up and spend time with people we only see a couple times a year. This is because the show was benched. Educating the public was a bonus! While it was a real task to get moved in; once settled, I think the fancy will agree it was well worth the trouble. I am excited to see how this show evolves! I’ve missed it so. Stay tuned for more information! Do you have a special IKC memory? I’d love to hear about it. Email me at deb.cooper@caninechronicle.com.
Entries for Westminster are open! There is an entry limit of 2,500 champions-only dogs, with breed judging being held at Pier 36 and group judging back at Madison Square Garden. Get those entries in, my friends! Stay tuned for Table Talk Live next week. I will chat with Gail Miller Bisher in a segment about January’s show!
The date change for Westminster to January 2022 may create a bit of a logistic challenge to those fanciers who will still try to make the Rose City Classic in Portland! Despite some rumors, the Rose City Classic is scheduled to occur January 19-January 23rd at the expo center.
Entries are open for the Orlando all-breed shows leading up to the AKC National Championship! There is an entry limit of 5,000 each day. Wouldn’t it be great if they reached that 5,000-dog limit??
The Kennel Club of Palm Springs announced that they added one more grooming tent with 16 grooming spaces which was made available on Monday. Exhibitors should note that personal generators will not be allowed on the show premises by order of the fire marshal.
A note to those who will be attending Woofstock in Vallejo, California next week: the club is looking for stewards!!! Please reach out to Richard Wilmot at 916-527-4408.
It is with great sadness that I pass along the news that Alaskan Malamute fancier Patty Ann Peel passed away after suffering a massive stroke at the Malamute National. Sincere condolences go out to Patty’s family and friends at this difficult, shocking time. Patty will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Congratulations to Charlotte McGowan who is celebrating 50 years as an American Kennel Club licensed judge.
Janice Hayes and Eric Ciceron headed to Virginia for some family time, and they got married!!!! Congratulation to the beautiful couple! May you enjoy many years of love, happiness, and canines!
Celebrating anniversaries this week are Jaimie Souza Bartlett and Will Bartlett and Grahm and John Miller. May you have a great anniversary celebration with family and friends.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Keith Pautz, Diane McGarvey, Danielle Sartain, Melissa Engelking, Michael Brantley, Andrew Mueller, Juliet Clendenon, Debbie Burke Scott, Jinece Rees, Susan Olsen and Anna Gracie.
Special thanks to my friend and colleague Annie Ballotti for the thought of the week!!! ‘Adapt, Improvise and Overcome! Since hearing this saying a few short days ago, I have already used it many times!!!!
Be safe in your travels, my friends! I am off for a week of lovely poodles at the Purina Event Center! Until next time…
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