Table Talk · October 30, 2024
Table Talk · October 30, 2024
There has been a lot of discussion recently about cheating in our sport. Most recently several judges’ names and one handler’s name were posted on social media along with alleged suspensions and fines. Currently, the alleged suspensions and fines are unsubstantiated, as the only way to confirm truth about suspensions, fines, etc. is via the Secretary’s Pages. If it is not published in the Secretary’s Pages, it is not fact. Any individuals receiving fines and suspensions will have their names published in the Secretary’s pages with the violation and punishment. Until then, it is hearsay. My practice has always been to not repeat things until I can verify their truth (in my line of work, this practice is professionally necessary). How the rumors began, we will never know. We can, however, limit this type of rumor mill by not repeating things we hear that we cannot substantiate. We can also take a moment to read the AKC Secretary’s pages and correct rumors we hear that are not true. Once information is published, it is public and can be referenced for verification.
Why would anyone try to “cheat a win” at a dog show? A lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into breeding, training and conditioning show dogs. Good specimens, handled well, can stand on their own merits, can’t they? To me, any type of cheating severely minimizes the win.
If you have been in the sport for any length of time you have heard the phrase “we got crooked”. In most cases, I believe the best dog wins. We should not be looking for how we think people are cheating, but rather focus on exhibiting the best animal that is trained, conditioned, and exhibited in the best manner possible. We should focus on the dog at the end of the lead and not the distractions going on around us. We should all remember the saying “do unto others” and not repeat any unsubstantiated rumors. Many of us (present company included) have been a victim of the rumor mill. Once you have been victimized by it, it becomes much easier to exercise caution before repeating the rumor.
I saw a great phrase recently. It said, “Remember the why”. In our sport, there is no saying more important, in my humble opinion. Dog shows are meant to evaluate breeding stock. Most exhibitors show their dogs because it brings them joy to show off their hard work in the whelping box. Individuals attend dog shows to look for that perfect family pet or that great addition to their breeding program.
Many in our sport are concerned with statistics: #1 in their breed–either in breed or all-breed rankings; #1 in their group, etc. Some have the goal of breaking a past record for Best In Show wins. I think most will agree with me that after a year, it is difficult to remember who was #1 in their group the previous year. It is often difficult to remember which dog was the #1 dog in the country the previous year. When a dog breaks a previous Best In Show record, while it can be comparing apples to apples, in many situations it is comparing apples to oranges. For instance, if a dog achieved record breaking Best In Show wins being campaigned for a 24-month period, is it relevant if a dog breaks that Best In Show record after being shown for twice that period of time going to dozens more available shows? Also, does it matter if the average entry at shows has declined substantially for those currently competing?
I fear many miss out on the joy of showing their dog because they are so worried about the numbers. No matter how you look at it, we are privileged to be a part of this sport. I hope we can all get back to enjoying our dogs, our wins, our friends, and our mentors–topping the statistics should be icing on the cake!
A message to those attending shows during the AKC National Championship week in Orlando who need reserved grooming: The deadline is quickly approaching! AKC RHP members who want to be set up in the AKC RHP grooming area must get their reservations in to Onofrio no later than November 1st. Regular reserved grooming is due to Onofrio no later than November 6th. 8×10 spaces for both are $175. Registration numbers for entered dogs are required on the grooming reservation form which can be found at www.onofrio.com.
Healing thoughts to Ken Murray who broke his ankle getting out of the car. In true Ken fashion, he continued with his judging assignment. Heal quickly, my friend!
Congratulations to Vicki Seiler-Cushman and Jeff Cushman on the upcoming opening of another Glazed Donut shop in Ohio. The second shop is about 20 minutes from the original store and is in Beavercreek. If you have not been there yet, I highly recommend you stop in at one of them when traveling through Ohio. Gourmet donuts–it doesn’t get any better!
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include: Jimmy Cabailo, Jinece Rees, Linda Clark, Susan Olsen, Anna Gracie, Katherine Smoot, Domino Parker Brown, Alberto Montila, Jerry Klein, Alfonso Escobedo, Peggy Browne, and Esteban Farias. I hope your special day is a great one celebrated with beloved friends, canines, and family!
Be safe out there, my friends. Please try to enjoy your journey, whatever it may be! I will see you soon down the road. Until next time…
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