Table Talk • April 15, 2026
At one point or another, we have all used the phrase, “never a dull moment.” That saying was proven again this past week in Perry, Georgia. It seems a disagreement with a club parking official at the cluster in Perry, Georgia resulted in professional handler Rebecca Cross spending two hours in jail. The showgrounds is a state facility, and due to her arrest, she was banned from the grounds. A bench hearing was held, and she had to attend it via phone due to this ban. The hearing resulted in charges to be determined with suspension dependent upon AKC review; and as a result, Rebecca could not show her dogs at the shows. I am told this situation will now be referred to AKC’s committee that reviews Bench Committee proceedings. The handler has requested a stay of her suspension. Her request was granted, and as a result she will be allowed to show dogs while awaiting the decision from AKC.
This situation is multi-faceted as there are questions about the manner in which this individual was allegedly treated during her arrest, including a claim of physical abuse, which is a law enforcement matter; and the actual AKC complaint which falls under the purview of the American Kennel Club.
Fortunately, fanciers rose to the occasion to ensure that the accused dogs were cared for and shown. A huge shout-out to Kelsey Jesseph, Brittany Phelps, Tracy Szaras, Kellie Williams, Milton Lopes and Lois DeMers who lent a hand!
In July 2025, the AKC was served with a Petition filed by PETA in New York Supreme Court that asked the court to require AKC to act in PETA’s complaints under the AKC Charter and Bylaws. In September 2025 AKC filed a motion to dismiss. AKC has received an order from the court granting its Motion to Dismiss and denying PETA’s petition. (See full press release here: https://caninechronicle.com/breaking-news/the-american-kennel-club-announces-court-dismissal-of-peta-petition/). Kudos to the American Kennel Club legal department for getting this frivolous complaint dismissed.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of AKC Judge and dedicated fancier Howard Yost. Howard was known by many as a very kind man. He was an English Cocker Spaniel Breeder and a dedicated member of the Forsyth Kennel Club. Our sincere condolences to Howard’s friends and family at this most difficult time. He will be missed.
Heads up to all aspiring Terrier judges! On Thursday, May 28th there will be a terrific education opportunity at the Purina Event Center 30 minutes after the conclusion of Best In Show. Terrier Treasures, a Judges’ Deep Dive, will offer education with Terrier Breeders, Judges, and Fanciers of Cesky Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Bedlington Terriers, Dandie Didmont Terriers, and Sealyham Terriers. Those who wish to take advantage of this awesome opportunity should reach out to Scot Johnson for more information. His email address is Scot.R.Johnson@gmail.com.
With National Specialty season upon us, please remember that the Canine Chronicle is happy to post your big specialty wins. Please send candid photograph, registered name of dog, owners, breeders, show name, judges name, date and location to showresults@caninechronicle.com Please note that specialty wins are self-reported, and we will do our best to have those wins posted within 48-72 hours.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Eddie Baute Abu-Amsha, Lynda Beam, John Ramirez, Benjie Marcus, Nannette Newbury, Brian Livingston, Brianne Rock, Bryan Martin, Rosie Steinke, Chrystal Murray, John Magenau, and Courtney Norris. Today is the first day of the rest of your lives, my friends!
Here are some words of encouragement for all:
If you never try, you’ll never see what you are capable of. You will never know how far you could have gone or what doors could have opened for you. The unknown feels scary, but it is also where growth lives. Uncertainty is not the enemy, it is possibility! Take the step. What’s waiting for you might be bigger than your fear!
Be safe out there, my friends! I look forward to seeing everyone at a show soon! Until next time…
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