Table Talk • January 28, 2026

Let the migration to the Big Apple begin! By now, many fanciers have begun their travels to New York for the 150^th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Hopefully, Mother Nature is happy after releasing her fury last weekend, and it will be smooth sailing for all.

As we arrive in the city and visit with friends we only see a few times a year, let’s remember the hard work that goes into preparing for one of the most important shows in the sport of purebred dogs. It is our responsibility to honor the WKC tradition of beautiful dogs and good sportsmanship. I wish the best of luck to everyone!

Here is some information that all exhibitor need to remember:

• Monday exhibitors can move into the Javits Center Sunday between 3 PM and midnight. Monday move-in begins at 6 AM. Dogs that are not on multi-breed benching must be removed by 7 PM on Monday.
• Tuesday exhibitors can move in from 7pm to midnight on Monday.
• All dogs must be removed from the Javits by no later than 1 AM Wednesday morning.
• DO NOT FORGET YOUR PACKETS WITH HANG-TAGS FOR YOUR VEHICLES
• Detailed information can be found on pages 31-33 in the Westminster judging program at: https://pdf.infodog.com/jps/491/jpg491.pdf

As a reminder, there are several wonderful events taking place throughout the week. The Museum of the Dog will hold a Cocktails and Cabaret celebration on Friday afternoon from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased at https://museumofthedog.org/mc-events/best-in-show-cocktails-cabaret-at-the-museum/?mc_id=460. There will also be a Junior Showmanship event at the Museum on Sunday afternoon from 1-4 PM. Past winners of Westminster Junior Showmanship will be present, and those Juniors who will be competing in the 150^th Westminster Kennel Club Junior Showmanship competition are encouraged to attend!

Take The Lead will hold its annual cocktail reception after Group judging on Monday night at Nick & Steph’s, located on the ground level of Madison Square Garden. Tickets are required for attendance, and attendance is limited to 200. For more information, please visit the Take The Lead website at: www.takethelead.org.

This past week, weather dominated the news, and our sport was not immune to the effects of it. The Carroll Kennel Club in West Friendship, Maryland, was the first to cancel their shows. Refunds will be issued for those who made RV reservations. Purina Farms, located in Gray Summit, Missouri, made the difficult decision to close the property. As a result, the St. Charles, Missouri, shows were cancelled. Finally, the Erie, Pennsylvania shows were also cancelled. Please keep in mind that clubs do not take show cancellations lightly, and the safety of all involved is everyone’s top priority.

For those who will be attending the Indy Winter Classic in Indianapolis this week, please note that today’s show start time is delayed by 1 hour with no catch-up. Exhibitors should not expect to have access to the building prior to 6 PM on Tuesday to allow the club to prepare the building and mark the grooming area.

It is with great sadness that I share the passing of Don Coller, a giant influence in the English Setter breed. Don was known for his Wingfield English Setters. He and Eileen Hackett made a great team with Wingfield Chebaco English Setters; with more National Specialty winners than one can count. Sincere condolences to Pat, Eileen, and all of Don’s family and friends at this most difficult time.

A reminder to everyone as we come to the Big Apple to celebrate the sport of purebred dogs:

Winning or losing was not the point. A dog show is a totally different space…a space filled with pride for our own dogs, yet hearts wide open to admire others.

Conversations begin with a wag, a look, a name. It is a gathering of like-minded souls connected not by titles or occasions, but by devotion.

No social function can replicate this feeling.

This is not an event. This is a community.

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include John Wade, Elizabeth Hugo Milam, Penny Kretchmer, Dominic Palleschi Carota, Randy Benns, Kellye Riani, Julia Kinsey, and Sharon Carvalho.

Be safe, my friends! I will see you in the Big Apple! Until next time…

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Posted by Liz on Jan 28 2026. Filed under Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.