Table Talk • November 5, 2026
The Old Fort Cluster held in Fort Wayne, Indiana has always had a special place in my heart. The cluster is a short drive-up Route 30 for me, and the Coliseum is a great venue for a dog show. Like other clusters, the numbers are down a bit, but the clubs work hard to make the shows a great experience for exhibitors. The Sussex Spaniel Club of America held its National Specialty there on Friday this year. It was a special treat to see so many dogs from a very low entry breed in one place. Congratulations to the Sussex community for a quality entry and hosting a lovely specialty!
On Sunday at the Old Fort Cluster, the younger generation was celebrated with an itty-bitty plush dog event, and a pee wee event. There was also an impressive Junior Showmanship entry of 23. Kim Booth’s upcoming retirement was celebrated on Saturday with sandwiches, cake, and cupcakes for all, too. Thank you to the cluster committee and volunteers for your hard work to make this a great event. All Group and Best In Show videos can be found on the Canine Chronicle Facebook page.
The East Coast Boxer fancy once again knocked it out of the park by hosting several Boxer Specialties in conjunction with the all-breed shows at the Big E a couple weeks ago. American Boxer Club President Tami Mishler had nothing but great things to say about the week’s events:
“Congratulations to the New England Boxer Regional Specialties, Connecticut Boxer Club, Middlesex Boxer Club, and the American Boxer Club on an excellent Boxer extravaganza!! What a wonderful celebration of this incredible breed, bringing together beautiful Boxers, dedicated breeders, exhibitors and passionate Boxer enthusiasts. Kudos to all of the clubs and everyone who worked so hard to make these events such a tremendous success!”
The Fall Harvest Cluster in Grayslake, Illinois, closes today, November 4th at noon. The superintendent is BaRay - https://barayevents.com. This cluster has a couple of special events for exhibitors this year. In addition to the NOHS Regional Event on Saturday, there will be a Field of Champions event on Friday evening after Best In Show. Information can be found in the Fall Harvest Cluster premium list.
There will be a New England Dog Judges study group event held at the Thanksgiving Cluster in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 21st and 22nd. It will include seminars and tutoring sessions. If you are interested in attending, reach out to Alessandra Folz via Facebook Messenger.
Linda Clark and Clarence Lee had a wonderful visit with Gene Blake recently. They reminisced about dogs from the past, and had a great time. Gene is getting stronger every day. Keep up the great work, Gene! Keep those cards and messages coming, friends! Gene loves them!
With January right around the corner, it’s time to think about the 2027 shows. Grooming has opened for the Kennel Club of Palm Springs cluster which will be held January 8-11, 2027. Please note that again this year, the shows will be held Friday through Monday. All the links you need for reservations can be found at https://caninechronicle.com/featured/kennel-club-of-palm-springs-reserved-grooming-is-opening-today/. I cannot wait to see everyone in Palm Springs. We know it will be a weekend of beautiful dogs, sunshine, palm trees and great fun!
The invite list for the 151st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is out, and the entry period is open! Entries close Wednesday, November 20th at 3pm EST. The superintendent is MB-F – www.infodog.com. Congratulations to all of those invited and good luck to all of those entering.
Congratulations to Sarah Montague and the team at The Canine Chronicle for winning not one, not two, but THREE gold awards and one silver Signal Award for the audio documentary There’s Only One: Westminster at 150. If haven’t taken time to listen to this amazing documentary, you are missing something special. Here is the link to it on Canine Chronicle TV: https://www.caninechronicle.tv/theres-only-one-westminster-at-150/
Happy Anniversary to Harry and Lisa Miller, who are celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary. Newlyweds Christian Rutten and Megan Honari are celebrating their one-year anniversary. Peter Holson and Antonio Huerta Barrios are celebrating their anniversary in style in Japan. Chris Keith and Dylan Kipp Keith are also celebrating another great year of wedded bliss. May the year ahead bring you all much joy and happiness.
A very special Happy Birthday to Peter Green who is celebrating his 90th Birthday! Other fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Katherine Wurz Smoot, Brenda Weiss, Esteban Farias, Alfonso Escobedo, Jerry Klein, Peggy Brown, Chris Manelopoulos, Hal Biermann, David Williams, Dasha Moreno, Ernesto Lara, Jim Noe, and my dearly beloved, Robert Cooper! Best wishes for the best trip around the sun, yet!
A bit of advice that I think we can all take to heart: If it is not yours, don’t take it. If it is not right, don’t do it. If you must ask, don’t do it. If it is not true, don’t say it. If you don’t know, be quiet.
Be safe out there, my friends. I look forward to seeing you all down the road. Until next time…
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