Table Talk · August 31, 2022
Another Santa Barbara week is in the books, and once again the hard-working club members did not disappoint! In addition to the all-breed shows, Santa Barbara offers many special attractions which entice people to come from all over the world to attend this cluster.
From Foreign-Bred competition, to the Bullyganzga, the Sighthound Spectacular, and the Breeders Showcase, there are many unique opportunities that give breeders multiple chances to not only show their dogs in different competitions but gives them the opportunity to see dogs from other breeding programs and talk with breeders from around the world. All in all, the Santa Barbara Weekend is about the breeder, and it is a great reminder about the importance of the core of our sport–the breeders. It made my heart happy to see the winner of the Breeder’s Showcase, a long-time breeder, and the reserve winner of the Breeder’s Showcase, who were youngsters with their first litter! This, in my opinion tells a wonderful story about what is possible in the sport of purebred dogs. If you have never attended Santa Barbara, I strongly recommend putting it on your bucket list!
Make sure you stay tuned for updates on next year’s Westminster Kennel Club show. I visited with David Haddock in Santa Barbara, and he promises that we will be hearing soon about the 2023 show. There may even be a 5-year plan on the horizon!
I am happy to report that AKC judge Vicki Abbott is healing fine after being bitten by a dog in the face while judging at the Topeka shows. I hope you are back to full health soon Vicki!
While we all have conversations ringside, we may forget that the cell phone video or TV cameras may be recording, and the conversation you are having may also be recorded. In addition, you never know who is listening! It is best to have conversations about dogs and handlers in the privacy of your set-up, or better still, wait until you are off the grounds altogether (or better still, just don’t make negative comments). Until you are the subject of one of these conversations, you cannot understand how damaging your opinions can be. Hopefully, we can all do better about being supportive and kind to our fellow exhibitors.
A couple years back I had a conversation with a good friend of mine who was just beginning her judging career. She was unsure at that time if she wanted to continue to pursue additional breeds, or even continue judging. Why? She was uncomfortable about the negative interactions with exhibitors if things did not go their way. After a couple of years under her belt, additional breeds–and additional confidence–she continues judging and applying for new breeds. However, it didn’t come without a couple of bumps in the road, most having to do with negative exhibitor interaction.
Fast-forward a couple of years: Another good friend of mine, who I had the pleasure to spend some time with this past weekend, had one of her first judging assignments. She came to me after her assignment on Sunday to tell me her day was made! Why? An exhibitor came to her to thank her for the good job that she did and even explained why!
If you observe a judge doing a good job in a breed that you are familiar with, or have a passion for, take the time to tell them! Exhibitors do not take the time to deliver positive feedback nearly as frequently as those that want to be negative. A little positive feedback goes a long way, especially to newer judges.
The Chattanooga Kennel Club will be celebrating the careers of longtime AKC Judges/Handlers Houston and Toddie Clark at their show on September 17th during group judging. If you are planning on attending the shows in Chattanooga, please plan on stopping by and wishing Houston and Toddie well in their retirement.
Everyone loves checking The Canine Chronicle website for show results. Our ability to report results on a timely and accurate basis depends on our reporters. Being a show results reporter for the Chronicle is an excellent opportunity to earn credit for a free add. If you have questions about how it works, or are interested in being a show results reporter, please send an email to showresults@caninechronicle.com.
It is with great sadness that I report that professional handler and Cocker Spaniel fancier Bob Covey has passed away.I had not seen Bob in many years but remember his kindness when I was new to the sport. Rest well, my friend. You will be missed. Our sympathy goes out to Bob’s family and friends.
Happy 19th Anniversary to Tony and Kim Calvacca. It feels like just yesterday that you were married. Here’s to many more happy, healthy years ahead.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are: Lanie Zgrabik, Luke Seidlitz, Virginia Murray, Adam Bernardin, Mike Berry, Lisa Welch, Patty Copeland, Tanner Congleton, Eddie Dziuk, Beep Lee, Susan Farrer-Shephard and Brianne Major. A very happy birthday to all! Enjoy your special day.
My thought this week is: Blessed is a person who has earned the love of an old dog. How blessed are we to share the memories.
Wherever your travels take you, be careful. Try to plan an act of kindness this week! Believe me when I say it will make you feel good. I’ll see you soon down the road. Until next time….
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