Table Talk • October 7, 2026
I am writing this column as I travel home from the greatest terrier show in the world, and I couldn’t be happier. Montgomery Week has become one of my favorite events of the year! I am fortunate to be able to attend this special cluster and share it with those who are unable to attend.
Kim Meredith was on the judging panel for the all-breed shows, but she had a second priority—she spent her time outside the ring learning. Kim has been approved for terriers since January, but she has yet to accept a terrier assignment. Why? She wants to be comfortable with the breeds before standing center ring to judge a terrier assignment. If you have not had the chance, hop over to the Canine Chronicle Facebook page or CanineChronicle.TV and watch the Table Talk Live segment with Kim. It is inspiring!
Having the opportunity to talk to Pam Bruce prior to her judging Best In Show was another highlight of my time there. How fitting that she judged Best In Show at her 50th Montgomery. She’s a true terrier woman. The Table Talk Live segment, along with all our coverage from Montgomery Week, is available on the Canine Chronicle Facebook page and CanineChronicle.TV. I hope you enjoy it! A shout-out to Kika USA / Tauro for your sponsorship of the Canine Chronicle coverage of ‘Terrier Week.’
The sportsmanship, support for one another, and willingness of seasoned terrier fanciers to share knowledge were evident throughout the week in Pennsylvania. It was refreshing to see real dog people talking dogs!
Our Hatboro coverage would not have been the same without the help of my friend Tuni Conti. Thank you, Tuni, for your help and support. I could not have done it without you!
A big thank you to Todd Clyde and Alex Wheeler for your landscaping efforts to get the grass at Macungie in good shape for the show. Your volunteer efforts do not go unnoticed and are very much appreciated.
For the past several years, Devon Dog Show Association has held its All-Breed dog show on Saturday at Ludwig’s Corner, which is about an hour from Macungie Park. While some exhibitors elect to sit that day out, there are many die-hards who attend that show. The folks at Devon have made efforts to relocate to Macungie, and I heard that conversations are still underway to move the show to the soccer field there. I am sure a move to Macungie would increase Devon’s entry significantly. Stay tuned for more information as it develops.
Best wishes to Dennis Brown, who will be exchanging his show lead for an AKC Executive Field Representative badge. Dennis will be based in the Chicagoland area, and I understand he’ll start his new career on January 1, 2027.
The 2027 Take The Lead merchandise and memberships are now available! This year’s color is a beautiful blue. Keep your eyes open for the Take The Lead booth at a show near you and get your 2027 merchandise.
Take The Lead was established to support fanciers in a time of need. This organization encourages fanciers to apply for assistance should the need arise. All applications are kept strictly confidential; in fact, the kind folks you see working the booth at shows are not aware of who applies and who receives assistance unless the individuals applying make it known. I had the opportunity to chat with someone at Montgomery who received a heart transplant with the assistance of Take The Lead. She said she does not believe she would be here today without their help! (This story can also be seen on our Facebook page and CanineChronicle.TV.)
If you have not reserved your room for the AKC National Championship yet, you may find it challenging, as the Hyatt and Rosen Center are sold out, and the Hilton once again is not accepting dogs. You’d better make your reservation now!
Condolences to Jason Hoke, whose mom, Susan Melissa Hoke, passed away Monday, October 5th. Our thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Gia Garofalo, Jon Cole, Mary Osbun and Amy Cox. Best wishes to all of you! I hope you have an amazing b-day and health and happiness in the coming year.
My thought for the week: You do not have to be everyone’s cup of tea. Be the person dogs run to first. That’s better anyway!
Be safe out there, my friends. Follow your dreams, be kind, and I wish you the best of luck! Until next time…
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