Table Talk • June 24, 2026
Summer months bring unique challenges to those hosting a dog show. Between the heat and storms, there are times when a lot of patience and understanding from exhibitors is required! While no one likes to have their plans changed by Mother Nature, we must remember that human and canine safety always comes first. I recall many days running left-handed circles in rain, wind, thunder, etc. decades ago. There were times my shoes got stuck in the mud. Like many of my “die hard” colleagues, I kicked off my shoes and kept running! Show cancellations due to weather were quite rare.
Fast-forward to dog shows today. It seems that show cancellations due to weather are more common. Certainly, this practice is safer for humans and canines, but the question is, “What changed?” I have heard several folks (present company included) over the last couple years say, “We showed dogs in weather like this and it was fine”. One of the duties of a show chair is to determine when or if a show should be cancelled due to weather conditions. (Contrary to what some may think, this IS the show chair’s decision, not the Executive Field Representative). Of course, safety is the primary concern. So many things have changed over the last several years including the severity of the weather, the availability of weather apps to forecast what may be coming and, sadly, the litigious nature of many today. While each exhibitor has the right to decide what is safe, or acceptable for them, there are times when the show chair has to make the difficult decision to cancel a show out of concern for everyone’s safety.
Fortunately, the weather this past weekend in Crown Point, Indiana was quite delightful. Just last year the show was cancelled one day due to extreme heat. This was a decision that I respected immensely. This year the cluster was thrown another curve ball when the power in the main building went out. Fortunately, a bright sunny day with a breeze made the building tolerable. By Saturday a generator was utilized for lights and fans. Exhibitors were kind and understanding, and the club acted responsibly.
I am once again overwhelmed with how our community sticks together and is always there for each other! Just a couple of weeks ago Jen Stevens gave the gift of a kidney–and a new lease on life–to Susan Townsend. Both are doing well and healing. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to both of you wonderful ladies! Matt and Susan are not only celebrating Susan’s new kidney, but their wedding anniversary, too!
Nina Fetter-Galarneau’s husband, Ron, is recovering from a horrible table saw accident. Unfortunately, the table saw won the battle and Ron lost a portion of several fingers. With reconstructive surgery ahead, he is healing. We are sending healing thoughts to him for a good recovery.
A couple after a bad fall, John Wade will be judging in Atlanta this coming week. Glad to have you back, sir!
This past week would have been Mike Allway and Lynn Myer’s 21st wedding anniversary. Mike shared wonderful words to those struggling with her loss:
Grief has no timeline and no rulebook. The pain we feel is a reflection of the love we shared. As difficult as these days may be, I hope we can find comfort in our memories of Lynn – her kindness, her passion, her sense of humor, and the countless ways she made our lives better.
Be patient with your heart. Hold on to the good memories. Know that you are not alone in missing her.
Stacy and Evan Threlfall took a much-deserved break last week and headed to Cancun for some R&R. It looks like they were able to wind down, relax, and enjoy their vacation. Safe travels home.
Sadly, I heard that fancier Ed Finnegan passed away at the age of 93. Ed was known for his Alaskan Malamutes, Akitas, and Shiba Inu. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Ed benefitted from his kind, caring personality. He will be sorely missed by the fancy.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Spring Krickeberg, Perry Payson, Jess Fleming-Flach, Chatham Napoli, Sulie Greendale-Paveza, Anita O’Berg, Hannah Ralston, Cassidy Hayes, Cully Leck, and Iris Gonzalez. Live every day to the fullest, my friends!
Cherish the simple moments that bring joy; they are the true treasures of life to remember!
Be safe out there, my friends. Remember, tomorrow is not promised. Spend time with your loved ones and cherish the special moments! Until next time…
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