Table Talk · October 19, 2022
There are some shows that are held in areas that attract a larger than normal number of novice exhibitors. If we are going to attempt to grow our sport and broaden outreach, it is important to be kind and try to educate those new exhibitors who demonstrate the desire to learn.
This past weekend the Black Mountain Kennel Club held their shows in Henderson, Nevada at the Morrell Park Recreation Center. The entry was a very respectable 900+ this year–an increase over last year. This show has a significant number of novice exhibitors, and I am sure part of the attraction is the 4-6 month puppy competition along with the NOHS classes. The 4-6 month puppy competition at this show is well-attended, and the NOHS classes are equally popular.
I stewarded at these shows last weekend. I left feeling very good about our sport. I witnessed a couple of amazing acts of mentorship and kindness that I would like to share with you:
During Saturday’s judging, a brand-new exhibitor was struggling to show her dog. After the breed judging, a professional handler went out of her way to introduce herself to the new exhibitor and asked if she wanted a bit of help. The new exhibitor happily accepted the handler’s offer and had a quick handling lesson. Watching that act of kindness made my heart full! Thank you, Erin Piercy-Foreman, for your kindness. That exhibitor may return because of the extra time you spent with her at this show.
One of the weekend’s judges demonstrated the same type of kindness and turned an unhappy exhibitor into a smiling individual that had a positive experience! A new exhibitor was having a difficult time showing her dog, and she was not aware of the grooming and conditioning necessary to be competitive in the show ring. This exhibitor was placed last in her class. She was looking quite frustrated and disappointed. After the class was placed, the judge called the exhibitor back into the ring, put the dog on the table and went over what kind of grooming was necessary to be competitive. She gave the exhibitor a general overview of what it takes to show a dog. When that exhibitor walked away from the ring, her facial expression and overall demeanor was completely different! Thank you judge Cindy Vogels for your kindness and time spent with a newbie! Because of you, I am certain she will be back.
Being a Show Chairman or a committee member can be very challenging. With the increased cost of travel expenses, including hotels and airfare, it is difficult to try to maintain a sensible budget for the event. Even though expenses have increased, it is still important to remember that many of our judges are traveling week-in and week-out, and the travel gets exhausting. When managing show expenses, it is also necessary to consider the comfort of those judges you hired. While it may seem trivial, if judges are going to be housed at a hotel that does not have a restaurant or food options within walking distance, a sheet with alternatives of where to eat or have food delivered is greatly appreciated by judges. If possible, select a hotel that has a restaurant or nearby options, and communicate your plan to the judges. Leaving “goodie bags” at the front desk for the judges is always appreciated. I recommend that you leave a note about morning transportation to the show, etc. It will keep the judges happy. In order to maintain control of one’s destiny, I strongly suggest that anyone that travels to dog shows these days put at least one food delivery app on your phone!
Grooming reservations for the Kennel Club of Palm Springs opened and closed in less than an hour!!!! I hope this is a sign of large entries for one of the most beautiful shows in the country! I look forward to opening the 2023 show year at one of my favorite shows of the year, and I hope to see you there. Stay tuned for more show-related information and updates.
The San Joaquin Kennel Club has announced that their shows will be held the first weekend of June. The dates for the 2023 shows are June 2-3, 2023. Just a bit of trivia, San Joaquin is one of the oldest clubs in the country, founded in 1917. Congratulations on your club’s new show dates!
Friends of Richard Lopaschuk celebrated retirement from judging recently. Best wishes for your next chapter, my friend. We look forward to seeing you at shows outside the ring rather than inside it!
Congratulations to Linda Hurlebaus on the arrival of your new granddaughter born October 10th and weighing in at 8 pounds 1 oz.
Fanciers celebrating Anniversaries this week are: Rod Ott and Pilar Kuhn, Tim and Lisa Thomas, and Tammy and Gregg Bohlke. May you have many more healthy, happy years ahead.
Celebrating birthdays this week are: Jamie Hubbard, Ray Filburn, Lacy Bauer, Amy Rodrigues, Johnny Roe, Brad Jenkins, Kathy Hritzo Heimann, Rob Hall, Ethan Coye, Sandy Mesmer, Annie Balotti and Jill Bell. Enjoy your special day, my friends! Make it a great one!
Please remember: Don’t count the days, Make the days COUNT!!
Be safe in your travels, my friends. May you enjoy lots of wonderful ribbons and beautiful puppies. I’ll see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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