Table Talk • April 29, 2026
Anyone that knows me knows that I love my job(s). There are some shows that really reinforce how fortunate I am to do what I love. The Poodle Club of America (PCA) National Specialty is one of those shows! Fondly known by Poodle fanciers as the Greatest Show on Earth, the volunteers who make PCA happen year-in and year-out do not miss any details. From the luscious turf to the beautiful foliage very carefully placed to decorate the rings, when one walks into PCA, it is truly a site to behold. For me, Best of Variety day is the highlight. When all the specials in each variety are lined up, it is simply magical! There are photos of this year’s magic on our Facebook page – don’t miss them!
PCA also leaves no stone unturned when it comes to fundraising – especially for the next generation! The silent auction each year attracts phenomenal donations, and as a result, it raises well over five figures annually. Their incredible fundraising enables them to offer stipends to several Juniors each year that are used to subsidize trips to PCA, Orlando, and Westminster. Last year, PCA granted over $7,000 to this program. The Junior education program at the National is outstanding. It is always well-attended and emphasizes PCA’s priority to mentor the next generation.
Judge’s education is another area where clubs could learn from the Poodle Club of America. With a detailed presentation, followed by intense hands-on learning, aspiring poodle judges come from near and far to participate in the judges’ education program at this show.
There has been a lot of discussion recently about the importance of mentoring our next generation. This past week at PCA I watched a handler and his wife, who have won the Breed there 4 times, stand ringside and watch a young man from Spain they have been mentoring show their Standard Poodle in a very competitive Variety competition, and the pair won. When it came time for Best of Breed, they stood ringside and beamed with pride. At one point in time, I was concerned that he might completely cut the circulation off in his hand since he was wringing his hands so tightly! I asked him how he was doing while watching, and his response was it is much easier to be in there showing than out here watching! But he let Juan have the lead! I learned later that Juan also showed the dog to victory at the World Dog Show, and at the European show! Congratulations to all on a great team effort that lead to a big win at PCA!
I was saddened to hear that Gerald (Jerry) Schwartz passed away at the age of 91. Jerry was a very kind man who was known for his sense of humor. Condolences to Jerry’s family and friends at this most difficult time. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
I heard this past week that Bobbi Davis passed away. Bobbi, along with her husband, Don, had the Davis Supply general vending booth at the West Coast shows for many years. Condolences to Bobbi’s family and friends at this sad time.
The York County Kennel Club of Maine has made the difficult decision to cancel their shows May 16th and 17th. Exhibitors and vendors will be contacted regarding refunds. The Club did not take this cancellation lightly, and it looks forward to seeing fanciers back for their 2027 shows.
Happy anniversary to Devon Kipp Levy and Adam Levy! I was glad that they were able to celebrate a little early with a family vacation to Aruba. Best wishes for many more amazing years together.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Jessica Braatz, CJ Favre, Nancy Brown, Hana Marangon, Emily Thiel, Debbie Butt, Nancy Davidson-Foley, Frank Murphy, Grace Fritz, Kris Benoit, Jan Swayze, George Milutinovich, Nancy Pincus, Alissa Welling, Lexie Ditlow, Kimberly Meredith, Donna Ernst, Doug Johnson, and Brianna Bischoff. Cheers to another great year around the sun!
Remember this, my friends: We are all a bit broken in some way, but remember…even broken crayons can fill a page with glorious color…
Wherever your travels take you, please be careful. If your travels take you to South Jordan, Utah for the Beehive cluster, please be sure to stop by the Purina booth for a recent copy of The Canine Chronicle and to say hi! Until next time…
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