Table Talk · December 18, 2024
Another fabulous AKC National Championship week is in the books. I am blessed and honored to be a part of the coverage of the largest dog show in North America. The depth of quality in this year’s entry was incredible. Every year, my favorite part of the show is Junior Showmanship. If you watched any of the competition, you know the future of our sport is certainly bright! It warmed my heart to not only see the talent and perseverance of these youngsters, but also the sportsmanship they displayed. 150 Juniors–all very talented and dedicated to being the best! Wow! Congratulations to each of you!
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Table Talk Live coverage. I recognize that everyone is extremely busy, and I want you all to know that I respect your time and appreciate your participation. I sincerely hope that the segments with professional handlers and assistants will inspire our younger generation to continue their journey in dogs with sufficient knowledge to succeed and keep our dogs safe. Please remember! We can always learn something!
If you have not had the opportunity to watch the segments, I encourage you to take the time to do so. All Table Talk Live coverage can be found on the Canine Chronicle website, the CC Facebook page and Canine Chronicle TV at caninechronicle.tv.
Shows such as the AKC National Championship and the shows leading up to it take an incredible amount of planning, work, and cooperation. As exhibitors, we should all take time to give a nod to those who have a part in making the entire cluster happen. While something may seem like a slight inconvenience, try to imagine all that is required for the shows to run smoothly. It is mind-boggling.
Several months ago, the fancy lost a key member of our community when Victor Malzoni Jr. passed away suddenly. A celebration of Victor’s life was held on Saturday, December 14 at the Orlando Convention Center. Many fanciers and friends joined in celebrating Victor’s life and his contribution to our beloved sport.
In addition to spending time with family, friends, and canines, and exchanging the occasional gift, the holidays are also a time for donating to causes that are near and dear to our hearts. If you join me in the passion for supporting Colton and Heather Johnson with their Sunrise Service Dog program, I have great news! The Colorado Gives Foundation will be matching donations up to $100 when you set up a monthly donation through their website. The website for making donations is www.coloradogives.org/organization/Sunriseservicedogs. This is a great cause and the support from the fancy has been incredible. Let’s continue to support our friends in this very important initiative!
The end of the year can be difficult for handlers who must say goodbye to their charges who are retiring from their show career. Saying goodbye to a dog you have partnered with for a year, or more is the most difficult part of being a handler. A handler and their dog become a team and share a very special bond. When the time comes to say goodbye, there are always mixed emotions. Please be supportive of your handler friends. Remember they are missing a friend!
This time of year is also a very exciting time with new dogs and new teams in the ring. Everyone needs to remember to be patient with these new dogs. You are learning their quirks and they are learning yours.
I found this quote from David Dayan to be appropriate for this time of year:
Do it without need to get. Do it without want to gain. Do it without seeking to be seen. Do it because you can, because it lights you up from inside regardless of. Do it because it’s simply what you do. Do what you do because it’s you. And when you find this doing, this being, this seeing, you live in truth. This is your freedom.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays include Jordan Confer, Rachel Adams, M’Kayla Stahr, Judy King, Nancy Fisk, Paul Catterson, Luke Ehricht, Cheryl Krown, Chris Millman, Kellie Williams, Richard Powell, Ariel Cukier, Ashley Ryan, Blake Hansen, Diana Skibinski, Mary Dukes and Paula Thomas. Enjoy your special day, my friends!
Happy Holidays to one and all. Please take the time during the short break to recharge those batteries. Let the dogs run and be dogs. I look forward to spending the new year with you. Until next time…
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