Table Talk – June 29, 2022

As I reflect on this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Best In Show line-up, the depth of quality is impressive. Four of the seven group winners were Breeder/Owner/Handled! Nothing makes me happier than to see hard working handlers be able to show dogs that they have bred and co-own! As I watched Donald Sturz Jr. survey that line-up, I was glad that an individual with his depth of knowledge and expertise was tasked with selecting Best In Show and Reserve Best In Show at the 146^th Westminster Kennel Club dog show. What a tough job he had, and he handled it with great finesse. Congratulations on a job well done.

I have heard many comments from owner-handlers over the past week that “those owner-handlers in the Best In Show line-up at Westminster are not owner-handlers like “we” are owner-handlers. Frankly, I do not understand their thought process. Those handlers in Wednesday night’s BIS lineup started at the same point–many years ago–as those so critical of them. Hard work, dedication and sacrifice, along with a great dog, propelled ALL of the handlers into the Best In Show lineup at Westminster! The success of each of those hard working, dedicated exhibitors should be an inspiration to us all. I hope that we can all continue to learn from those that are successful. We need to be supportive of those that do well. We should aspire to reach that same level of success. Congratulations to every handler for achieving the dream of being among the last seven unbeaten dogs at the show.

Best In Show this year was won by Trumpet and his Breeder/Owner/Handler Heather Buehner. It is the first time that a Bloodhound was chosen. The winning dog and handler are required to attend a media tour the following day. They are also required to educate the public not only about the breed, but about the sport of purebred dogs. Congratulations to Heather for this spectacular win!

Thanks to those who took time to visit with me and participate in our Table Talk Live! Coverage at Lyndhurst. Some dog fanciers who were unable to attend have reached out to say thank you for sharing!  I’m resting up so I can bring you more great Table Talk Live! Coverage in July–this time from the Houston World Series of Dog Shows held July 20-24! Houston has become one of my favorite shows, and while some fanciers are road weary after a four-week journey through Texas, I always enjoy celebrating the end of the march with great friends, and the fancy as a whole.

For those who missed our coverage in New York, you can find the Table Talk Live! coverage and Elaine Lessig’s Closet Confidential coverage on our Canine Chronicle Facebook page, www.caninechronicle.com and caninechronicle.tv

As I am still recovering from Westminster week, I would be remiss if I did not give a shout-out to the die-hard road warriors actually made it to shows on Thursday! You guys are the epitome of dedication. Your amazing energy and stamina are truly incredible.

I was happy to see that Liz Tobin was back in the ring after a 2½ year hiatus from showing that was necessitated by health problems. There’s nothing like jumping in for one of the biggest, most important shows of the year, my friend! Welcome back! You were missed.

Several parent clubs are looking for alternative venues where they can hold regional and national specialties. Those of you who are looking out West–Colorado specifically–should check out Colton and Heather Johnson’s new facility, Under the Sun Dog Training in Colorado Springs (www.utsdog.com). This state-of-the-art facility can accommodate about 200 dogs per day, RVs, grooming, etc.! Located right off the highway, there are several dog friendly hotels and restaurants very close to the venue. Stay tuned as Table Talk Live! visits with Colton about this amazing facility and what it has to offer specialty clubs. Contact Colton or Heather for more information or to check availability.

Happy anniversary to Mark Bettis and Tabatha Buckley-Bettis who are celebrating number 8! It seems like just yesterday you love birds tied the knot. May the two of you enjoy many more happy, healthy years to come!

Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week are:  Cully Leck, Angela Booth, Greg McCarthy, Marietta Singleton, Robin Greenslade, Maripi Wooldridge, Bruce Schwartz, Tracy Szaras, Victoria Cornish, Lisa Porter, Terri Galle, George Marquis and Ashlie Whitmore. Enjoy your special day my friends. May there be many more great years to come!

Please remember this my friends:  Never regret a day in your life. Good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience, worst days give you lessons, and the best days give you memories! Enjoy the moment!

Be safe out there, my friends. To those of you beginning the Texas march in Oklahoma City this weekend, please remember to pace yourselves! I’ll see you soon! Until next time…

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Posted by Tom on Jun 29 2022. Filed under Breaking News, Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.