Table Talk · November 8, 2023
I have been attending the Old Fort Cluster in Fort Wayne, Indiana for over 30 years. Not only is it a well-run show at a wonderful venue, but it is only 2.5 hours from my home. This is a huge treat for me! This year, the cluster welcomed Nina Fetter as a key volunteer.
When attending clusters such as the Old Fort Cluster yearly, one becomes quite fond of those responsible for putting on the show. I was able to spend a little time with Ginger Sleeper, the retired owner of Roy Jones Dog Shows, who will turn 85 years young this week! Ginger, you don’t look a day over 21! The Old Fort Cluster’s hospitality and kindness continues to be second to none. Thank you to all involved for your hard work and dedication!
This year, they held a Pee Wee event at Fort Wayne, and it was well-attended. If you want to put a smile on your face, please be sure to watch the Pee Wee competition if it is held at a show you are attending. To those wondering why adults accompany their little ones around the ring, please note that this is a rule for this competition intended to protect the children and the dogs. You never know when a dog may bolt, or react to something–and some of these children are very small and could be pulled down, or worse.
To those clubs who are contemplating having a Pee Wee event at your show, go for it! It is an excellent way to get kids excited about our sport, and it is a terrific spectator event. I have never walked away from watching the Pee Wees without a smile on my face.
Unfortunately, Tim Catterson was taken to the hospital via ambulance from the Fort Wayne showgrounds with a suspected heart attack. Tim was admitted to the hospital and will be undergoing a procedure this week to put in a stent. Get well soon, Tim. I will keep all posted on his recovery.
I received great news from David Miller! He is home from Colombia safely after his fall and subsequent hip surgery. Heal quickly, David. We will see you back in the ring soon!
Rodney Merry reports that he experienced a minor setback on his road to recovery. He contracted an infection in his incision, but he is on the mend. Keep up the good work, Rodney!
I often hear from potential exhibitors who feel they do not have a chance to succeed at dogs shows because they “started too late in life”. Nothing could be further from the truth, as evidenced by Wayne Cavanaugh’s 30-year-old son who is just getting started, having a great time, and doing quite well. In this case, there was no time for dog shows while he was in school, but now that he has settled into his career, he is ready to go! Remember my friends, you never know until you try!
For those inquiring minds who heard the rumor that Onofrio Dog Shows has been sold, it is, in fact, a rumor. Show Superintendent Onofrio Dog shows has NOT been sold.
There are only a few short hours remaining until entries for the AKC National Championship close! Entries close at noon Wednesday, November 8th and Onofrio is the superintendent. Get your dogs entered my friends. I look forward to seeing you there!! Entries for the lead-up shows close on Wednesday, November 15th and the superintendent is MB-F.
I happened upon a beautiful poem written by our friend, Rhonda Cassidy, for her boy, Canon, who she recently lost. The timing was perfect as I lost my Kori this past week, and Toby a few weeks prior (to say the last several weeks have been rough is an understatement!) I am sharing those heart-warming thoughts with you in hopes it will bring you comfort should you need it:
Even as a puppy you kept your eye on me.
And all those teenage antics, you’d look back to make sure I could see.
We traveled many miles, experienced many things, but your main focus, always, was to keep an eye on me.
I would go to bed at night and think you were asleep. No, one eye would be open, always watching me.
You were so silent, sometimes I didn’t see you were always right there, keeping an eye on me.
When the time came, and I held your beautiful face, you took your last breath, with your eyes on me.
Rest in peace my beautiful boy. Thank you for loving me.
We have three dog-loving couples celebrating anniversaries this week: Esteban Farias and Jen Fuertes, George and Cathy Milutinovich, and Dylan Kipp Keith and Chris Keith. May the next year bring much love, success and prosperity to all you lovebirds!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: The “Little” Basenji Sister–Julie Jones, Alberto (Eldorado) Montila, Peter Green, Jim Noe, Lynn Olds, Candice Duclos , Ernie Conti, Linda Hurlebaus, Kenny Craig, Tom Martenson, Rex Linn, Alyssa Beutler, Wally Sommerfelt, Bill Hempel, John McCartney and Deb Caywood. Make it a great one, my friends!
Here is this week’s thought that was sent to me by a friend: Dog sports are tough. Your dreams will be crushed. You will get discouraged. Other handlers will knock you down. You will not win every time, but every failure or fall is a chance for you to stand up. That’s what dog sports are about.
Wherever your travels take you, be safe my friends! I’ll see you soon down the road! Until next time…
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